Hello PHA Parents/ Players:
As you may or may not have heard, Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) has implemented a new Dressing Room Policy that will come into effect on February 1, 2024.
The new policy requires all players to wear "minimum attire" in the dressing room at all times. The recommendation for minimum attire has been defined by OHF as covering "waist to upper thigh but, at minimum there needs to be coverage of the buttocks and genitalia and the chest area of the participant. Ideally minimum attire above the waist should include clothing or a base layer covering most of the body between the neck and waistline, it must, at minimum, include clothing that covers most of the upper torso, such as a sports bra."
Recommended:
- boxers/ boxer-briefs;
- shirt
Required:
- genitalia & buttocks covered (e.g. bikini briefs, but not thongs)
- chest covered (e.g. sports bra)
Note that these directives do not apply to the showers or hallways of the arenas, however bathing suits are now recommended in showers.
Teams are not permitted to vary from this policy, or hold votes to deviate from this policy (i.e. the whole team is male and agrees to go topless. This is not permitted by OHF). At this time, OHF has indicated that violations of the policy will dealt with via education; not discipline.
The basis of this policy relates to Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion. By introducing this new policy, there is no longer a requirement for a youth to ask for an accommodation (e.g. gender, sexuality, religion, self-esteem/ body image, etc), and disclose personal/ sensitive information to their coaches or teammates.
For questions or comments, please contact Ontario Hockey Federation directly.
OHF webinar Jan. 8, 2024