USA Hockey Safe Sport

In addition to the development of our hockey players and the enjoyment of the sport, the safety and protection of our participants is central to Brookline Youth Hockey’s goals. BYH strictly adheres to the USA Hockey SafeSport Program to protect participants from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as bullying, threats, harassment, and hazing.

To prevent misconduct and maintain personal privacy, BYH has adopted the following locker room policy.

BYH typically utilizes locker rooms 30–45 minutes before and after practices and games. This predictable schedule allows for consistent monitoring. To balance player privacy with safety, BYH implements the following:

• Locker Room Supervision: The first coach or certified volunteer to arrive should conduct a "sweep" of the locker room to ensure it is clean and safe before any players enter. If coaches are not inside the locker room, a coach or a screened volunteer should be posted outside the locker room.
• Access: Doors should remain open only when adequate privacy is maintained. Access is restricted to participants (coaches/players), approved team personnel, and family members (subject to the age-specific rules below).

To foster player independence and maintain a focused team environment, BYH adheres to the following guidelines regarding parent access:

• Younger Age Groups: We recognize that our youngest players require assistance with gear. We encourage parents to teach players how to dress independently as early as possible.
• Older Age Groups: We discourage parents from entering locker rooms unless truly necessary. If a player requires assistance due to injury, gear issues, or a disability, parents must notify the coach beforehand.
• Coaching Windows: Coaches may request that parents leave the locker room for a short period before and after games so the team can be addressed privately.
• Discretion: As players mature, coaches have the discretion to prohibit parents from the locker room entirely.

BYH is committed to respecting the privacy of all players on co-ed teams. The following arrangements should be made:

• Base Layers: All players should arrive at the rink wearing hockey base layers (shorts/t-shirts) under their street clothes. This ensures no player is in a state of undress in a co-ed environment.
• Alternative Options: At the coach's discretion, male and female players may use separate locker rooms if available at the rink to change and then convene in one room for the team meeting, or take turns using the room to change.

Cell phones and any mobile devices with recording capabilities (camera, video, or voice) are strictly prohibited from being used inside BYH locker rooms. If a player or adult must use a phone, they must step outside the locker room to do so.

BYH prohibits all forms of abuse and misconduct as defined by the USA Hockey SafeSport Handbook. Any participant, employee, or volunteer found in violation of these policies may be subject to disciplinary action by the BYH Board of Directors.

To report an actual or suspected violation:

• Email: SafeSport@usahockey.org
• Phone: 1-800-888-4656
• Contact: You may also reach out directly to the BYH Co-Presidents, Richie Sheridan, and Dave Charbbonneau.