Locker Room Policy

In addition to the development of our hockey players and enjoyment of the sport of hockey, the safety and protection of our participants is essential to Sauk Prairie Youth Hockey Association (SPYHA) goals. SPYHA adheres to 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 this from occurring in our locker rooms, SPYHA has adopted the following locker room policy according to WAHA's (Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Association) recommendations. This policy is designed to maintain personal privacy as well as to reduce the risk of misconduct in locker rooms.

At the Sauk Prairie Area Recreation Center Ice Arena, there are 5 locker rooms available for our program's use - 4 on the main floor numbered 1 through 4, and one upstairs. There is an additional, separate referee locker room. None of the locker rooms have their own or shared restrooms. Shower facilities are available in Locker Room #1 only. Where there are multiple teams (A & B) at the 10U and older age levels that share practice ice, each team will have their own locker room so that coaches can address any items or issues specific to that team with the team and/or parents as necessary.

SPYHA has limited use of locker rooms and changing areas (generally 30-45 minutes before and following practices and games). This allows for direct and regular monitoring of locker room areas.

We conduct a sweep of the locker rooms and changing areas before players arrive, and Participants are not allowed to enter the locker rooms unless the Coach or a Coach approved monitor is present in the locker room. Violation of this rule can result in the player losing their privileges and will result in the player having to dress before arriving at the rink.

A coach or voluntary locker room monitor (monitors must be Safe Sport qualified) will be posted directly inside of the locker rooms and changing areas during periods of use, and leave the doors open only when adequate privacy is still possible, so that only participants (coaches and players), approved team personnel, and family members are permitted in the locker room. Team personnel will also secure the locker room appropriately during times when the team is on the ice.

Except for players at the younger age groups (6U & 8U), 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 let the coach know beforehand that he or she will be helping the player.

Naturally, with our youngest age groups it is necessary for parents to assist the players getting ready for practice or games. We encourage parents to teach their players, as young as possible, to put their gear on and take it off independently. In circumstances where parents are permitted in the locker room, coaches may request the parents leave so that game strategy can be discussed with the players. As players get older, parent admittance to the locker room will be at the coach's sole discretion.

Some of our teams consist of both male and female players. It is important that the privacy rights of all of our players are given consideration and appropriate arrangements made. If requested, SPYHA will make available separate locker rooms for male and female players to dress/undress, and then convene in a single locker room before and after the game, practice or team meeting. When separate locker rooms are not requested, male and female players will be expected to have a base layer of clothing on at all times. Minimum base layer is defined as compression shorts/jock shorts for males and compression shorts/jill shorts and sports bra or athletic top for females.



Cell phones and other mobile devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras and video cameras, are not permitted to be used in the locker rooms. If phones or other mobile devices must be used, they should be taken outside of the locker room. Should this become a problem, it is permissible to have a coach or team manager collect phones prior to entering the locker room.

SPYHA prohibits all types of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment, and hazing, all as described in the USA Hockey SafeSport Handbook. Participants and volunteers in SPYHA 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. Reports of any actual or suspected violations should be emailed to USA Hockey at SafeSport@usahockey.org or reported by calling 1-800-888-4656.

Reports of any actual or suspected violation of this policy will result in the Association being fined $500 and disciplinary action taken against the coach.

SPYHA appreciates everyone's cooperation and consideration of this Locker Room Policy. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the current SPYHA President.