Message regarding Hockey Canada's Gender Policy

Hockey Canada has created a new policy on gender expression and gender identification. The key point for all of us to be aware of is the following statement:

“Individuals participating in development and recreational sport (LTAD stages Active Start, FUNdamentals, Learn to Train, Train to Train, Train to Compete (until international federation rules apply) and Active for Life) must be able to participate in the sport in the Gender with which they identify and not be subject to requirements for disclosure of personal information beyond those required of Cisgender Registered Participants.”

The policy permits and respects the use of preferred names and pronouns and updates the gender identity in the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR) as the family/player requests. 

Here are some links that are beneficial to review in supporting and implementing this new policy: 

• Hockey Canada’s Gender Expression and Gender Identity Policy: gender-expression-and-identity-policy-e.pdf (hockeycanada.ca)
• Hockey Canada’s Gender Expression and Gender Identity Policy Frequently Asked Question Guide: gender-expression-and-identity-policy-faq-e.pdf (hockeycanada.ca)
• Hockey Canada resource guide on topics related to Gender Expression and Gender Identity: hc-resources-guide.pdf (hockeycanada.ca)

In addition, Hockey Canada has updated its dressing room policy, continuing the focus that all members of the team are treated as valuable member of their team and not missing out on any team related activities. Please review this policy as there have been several key changes that will directly impact minor hockey players.

Here are some links that are beneficial to review in supporting and implementing this updated version of the policy:

• Hockey Canada’s Dressing Room Policy: dressing-room-policy-e.pdf (hockeycanada.ca)
• Hockey Canada’s Dressing Room Policy Frequently Asked Questions Guide: Hockey Canada Safety Programs
• Hockey Canada’s Dressing Room Policy Implementation Guide: dressing-room-policy-implementation-guide-e.pdf (hockeycanada.ca)

If you have any questions about these policy changes, please contact your category director. As these are new updates for minor hockey, directors will do their best to seek clarification and responses to questions you may have.