Boston Junior Terriers Locker Room Policy

In addition to the development of our hockey players and the enjoyment of the great sport of hockey, the safety and protection of our participants is central to The Canton Sportsplex and the Boston Jr Terriers. The Canton Sportsplex and the the Jr Terriers adheres to the USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program as a means to help protect its participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse and other types of misconduct, including emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment and hazing.

To help prevent abuse or misconduct from occurring in our locker rooms, The Boston Jr Terriers has adopted the following locker room policy. This policy is designed to reduce the risk of misconduct in locker rooms.

Locker Room Monitoring

The Canton Sportsplex requires direct and regular monitoring of locker room areas.  Prior to and at the end of practices and games, the Canton Sportsplex and the Boston Jr Terriers require an adult presence in the locker room. The head coach, assistant coach, or screened parent volunteer must be present in the locker room before practices and games and accompany the team into the locker room at the end of practices and games.  

Parents in Locker Rooms

Except for players at the younger age groups [Mites and Squirts] we discourage parents from entering locker rooms unless it is truly necessary. If a player needs assistance with his or her uniform or gear, if the player is or may be injured, or a player’s disability warrants assistance, then we ask that parents to let the coach know beforehand that he or she will be helping the player. A lone personnel member should never be in the dressing room with players at any time. Two adults should be present together: called the: “Two Deep Method” of supervision. Should separate dressing rooms be required, both dressing rooms require the appropriate adult supervision.

Naturally, with our youngest age groups it is necessary for parents to assist the players getting dressed. We encourage parents to teach their players as young as possible how to get dressed independently. In circumstances where parents are permitted in the locker room, coaches are permitted to ask that the parents to leave for a short time before the game and for a short time after the game.  It is the coaches discretion to allow or prohibit parents from a locker room.

 Two parents

Co-Ed Dressing Room Policy

In all cases where members of a team include both male and female players, the following dress code will apply in the team dressing room:

• Male players will not undress to less than a minimum of shorts while females are present.
• Female players will not undress to less than a minimum of shorts and a tee-shirt while males are present.

When separate facilities exist for both male and female participants, males and females shall make use of these separate facilities in order to change to the point that they can adhere to the co-ed dress code noted above (Note: Once dressed in accordance with the minimum requirements above, all players may return to the team [co-ed] dressing room).

When separate facilities do not exist for both male and female participants:

• Players shall dress, undress and shower in shifts while maintaining the minimum dress code noted above.
• Players of the under-represented gender shall be granted access to the shower facilities after the balance of the team.

 It is the responsibility of the team to ensure that these guidelines are followed.

Cell Phones and Other Mobile Recording Devices

Cell phones and other mobile devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras and video cameras, are not permitted for use in the locker rooms.  Remember to POWER OFF cell phones before entering the locker room.   Mobile devices can be operated in public areas or outside the rink.  A violation of the cell phone policy may result in disciplinary action by the rink administration.

Prohibited Conduct and Reporting

The Canton Sportsplex and the Boston Jr. Terriers prohibit all types of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment and hazing,  as described in the USA Hockey SafeSport handbook. Participants, employees and volunteers may be subject to disciplinary action for violation of these locker room policies or for engaging in any misconduct or abuse that violates the USA Hockey SafeSport Policies.

Physical Contact

Team personnel should avoid touching a player. Use the “Two Deep Method” (two personnel, or two players) supervision system. The comfort level and dignity of the player should always be the priority. Limit all touching to “safe areas” such as hand to shoulder.