Locker Room Policy

SWHC Locker Room & SafeSport Policy

The safety and protection of our participants are central to SWHC's goals. SWHC adheres to USA Hockey’s Safe Sport Program to protect players from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as bullying and hazing.

1. Facility Overview

• WSA: Two locker rooms (per scheduled ice time) are available. Adjoined rooms share mixed gender bathroom access. There are additional gendered restrooms in the lobby and a separate female changing rom is available outside the CANADA rink.
• Murray’s: Two locker rooms (per scheduled ice time) are available; additional gendered restrooms are located in the lobby.
• Away Games: Facilities vary by arena. SWHC will attempt to provide details in advance, but parents should allow extra time at unfamiliar rinks to arrange for dressing.

2. Locker Room Monitoring

SWHC maintains a predictable use schedule (generally 30–45 minutes before and after ice time). To ensure safety:

• Sweeps: A locker room sweep is conducted before players arrive.
• Supervision: If a coach is not inside the room, a screened coach or volunteer monitor will be posted directly outside the door.
• Access: Only participants (coaches/players), approved team personnel, and family members are permitted in locker rooms. Doors will remain closed for privacy unless the room is being actively monitored.
• Security: Team personnel will secure the locker room while the team is on the ice.

3. Parent Access

• Younger Age Groups: We recognize parents must assist younger players. We encourage parents to teach children to dress independently as early as possible.
• Older Age Groups: Parent entry is discouraged unless necessary for injury, disability, or uniform assistance. Please notify the coach beforehand if you must enter.
• Coach’s Discretion: Coaches may ask parents to leave for a short time before and after games for team meetings. In older age groups, coaches may prohibit parents from the locker room entirely.

4. Mixed Gender Teams & Minimum Attire

To respect the privacy of all players on co-ed teams, SWHC has adopted the following:

• Minimum Attire Policy: All players must arrive at the rink (or change in a separate area) wearing base layers, or shorts and a t-shirt. No player should be in a state of undress in a co-ed locker room.
• Separate Spaces: Where possible, male and female players will dress in separate rooms and convene in one room for the team meeting.
• Rotation: If separate rooms are unavailable, players will take turns using the locker room to change.

5. Electronics & Recording Devices

Strict Prohibition: Cell phones and any mobile devices with recording capabilities (camera, video, or voice recording) are not permitted to be used inside locker rooms. If a device must be used, the player must step outside the locker room.

6. Prohibited Conduct & Reporting

SWHC prohibits all types of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, including bullying, threats, harassment, and hazing.

• Discipline: Violation of these policies will result in disciplinary action.
• Reporting: To report actual or suspected violations, contact USA Hockey:
• Email: SafeSport@usahockey.org
• Phone: 1-800-888-4656