Hockey Canada announced a new policy today that requires minor hockey players to wear their base layer at all times in their dressing rooms. If players need to change, they will be required to do so in private washroom stalls.
Hockey Canada Attempts To Make Players More Comfortable
Hockey Canada Spokesperson Esther Madziya elaborated on the intent behind the new rule.
"All participants have the right to utilize the dressing room or appropriate and equivalent dressing environment based on their gender identity, religious beliefs, body image concerns, and/or other reasons related to their individual needs."
Team coaches and staff members will be responsible for informing their players and enforcing this new rule. Craig Robinson, head coach of the Halifax Hawks, a pee-wee team, shared his thoughts on the new rule.
"This isn't just about gender, it's about everyone being comfortable. Coaches can't always visually identify and automatically know what gender someone identifies with, so this just allows everybody to fit into that dressing room."
Robinson did note that parents have already complained about the new rule stating that kids will be forced to wear smelly gear to and from the rink. It does seem like a rather trivial concern though and a small price to pay for a little more privacy and comfort for the kids.