TO: All Hockey Nova Scotia associations and members

FROM: Mike Field, Executive Director, Hockey Nova Scotia, Brad MacKinley, President,

Hockey Nova Scotia, and Geoff Churchill, Chair, Risk Management Committee

DATE: Oct. 10, 2024

SUBJECT: A reminder about maintaining a positive and respectful hockey environment

Dear members,

As we begin our hockey season, we wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about the

importance of maintaining a positive, respectful, and safe environment for all players, coaches,

officials, and spectators.

Under the guidelines of Hockey Canada and Hockey Nova Scotia, maltreatment in any form —

whether verbal, physical, or psychological— will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not

limited to, the categories of maltreatment outlined in Section 11.4 of the Hockey Canada

Playing Rules 2024-26, which states:

11.4 Any player or team official who engages in taunts, insults, or intimidation based on

discriminatory grounds will be assessed a Gross Misconduct penalty. Discriminatory grounds

include the following, without limitation:

• Race, national or ethnic origin, skin colour, or language spoken;

• Religion, faith or beliefs;

• Age;

• Sex, sexual orientation or gender identity / expression;

• Marital or familial status;

• Genetic characteristics;

• Disability.

For more information on Section 11.4 of the Hockey Canada Playing Rules 2024-26, click

here.

This is an excellent time for coaching staff and parents to have meaningful conversations with

their players about these guidelines. Reinforcing the values of respect, inclusion, and

sportsmanship is essential in fostering a positive atmosphere both on and off the ice. These

discussions can go a long way in ensuring our players understand the importance of their role

in maintaining a safe and supportive hockey environment.

We encourage all players, parents, and volunteers to review Hockey Nova

Scotia’s Maltreatment, Bullying and Harassment Protection Policy and to also remain

committed to fostering respect, fairness, and sportsmanship at all times on and off the ice.

Please help us uphold these values by continuing to lead by example in promoting an inclusive

and supportive hockey environment.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued commitment to making the game the best it can

be.

Yours in Hockey,

Mike Field

Executive Director

Hockey Nova Scotia

Geoff Churchill

Chair, Risk Management Committee

Hockey Nova Scotia

Brad MacKinley

President

Hockey Nova Scotia

Risk Management Update Oct- 10 2024