Locker Room Policy

The Mass Admirals Locker Room Policy

At the Mass Admirals, player development and enjoyment of hockey are top priorities, but ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants is just as important. We strictly adhere to USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program to protect players from various forms of misconduct, including physical and sexual abuse, bullying, harassment, and hazing. To maintain a safe and respectful locker room environment, we have established the following policies designed to uphold personal privacy and minimize the risk of misconduct.

Our teams use locker rooms across different arenas, some of which have private or shared restrooms and showers. Players will also travel to other facilities for games, where locker room setups will vary. We aim to provide advance information on these facilities, but parents should allow extra time for players to dress, undress, and shower when necessary, especially at unfamiliar arenas.

Locker Room Monitoring

Locker room usage is generally limited to 30-45 minutes before and after practices or games, allowing us to implement structured monitoring procedures. While continuous supervision inside locker rooms may compromise player comfort and raise concerns, our approach ensures a safe environment:

• Locker rooms are inspected before player arrival.
• If coaches are not inside the locker room, a coach or an approved volunteer locker room monitor (who has undergone screening) will be stationed just outside.
• Locker room doors will remain open when possible while maintaining privacy.
• Only authorized individuals, including players, coaches, team personnel, and family members, are allowed in the locker room.
• The locker room will be secured when the team is on the ice.

Parental Presence in Locker Rooms

For players in older age groups (above U10), parents are generally discouraged from entering locker rooms unless absolutely necessary. If a child requires assistance with equipment, has an injury, or has a condition that requires support, parents should inform the coach beforehand.

For younger age groups (U6, U8, and U10), parental assistance is expected, but we encourage children to develop independence in dressing as early as possible. When parents are permitted in the locker room, coaches may request brief private time before and after games to address the team. As players advance in age, coaches have the discretion to prohibit parents from entering the locker room.

Mixed-Gender Teams

For teams with both male and female players, privacy considerations are taken seriously. Whenever possible:

• Male and female players will change in separate locker rooms and then meet in a shared space for pre-game or team discussions.
• After games or practices, players will gather briefly before returning to their designated locker rooms to change and shower (if available).
• If separate locker rooms are not available, players will use the locker room in alternating shifts.

We recognize that these arrangements may require players to arrive earlier or stay later, but they are necessary to ensure a respectful and accommodating environment for all.

Mobile Phones & Recording Devices

To protect player privacy, the use of mobile phones and other recording devices (including cameras and voice recorders) is strictly prohibited inside locker rooms. If a device needs to be used, it must be taken outside. In some cases, the team manager may collect phones during locker room use.

Prohibited Behavior & Reporting

The Mass Admirals maintain a zero-tolerance policy for physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment, and hazing, as outlined in the USA Hockey SafeSport Handbook. Violations of locker room policies or any misconduct may result in disciplinary action.

If you witness or suspect misconduct, you can report it to USA Hockey:

Email: SafeSport@usahockey.org

Phone: 1-800-888-4656

These policies are in place to ensure a secure, respectful, and positive environment for all players. Thank you for helping us uphold these standards.