SafeSport and Screening

Who Needs to Take SafeSport Training?

If you’re a hockey player, here’s who must complete SafeSport training:

1. All Players Who Are 18 or Older and Still Playing on a Youth or Junior Team

• If you're 18 or turning 18 during the season and playing with minors, you are required to take the training.
• This is to make sure everyone interacting with younger players understands how to keep the environment safe.

2. All Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and On-Ice Helpers

• Anyone coaching or helping with practices must take SafeSport training.
• That includes parent volunteers or older players helping with younger teams.

3. Team Managers, Locker Room Monitors, and Adult Volunteers

• Anyone working closely with players or in places like locker rooms must be trained to follow SafeSport rules.

4. Officials Over 18 Who Work Youth Games

• Refs and linesmen need the training if they’re officiating games with minors.

Why Does This Matter to You as a Player?

1. To Keep Hockey Safe

• SafeSport helps protect you and your teammates from abuse, harassment, bullying, and unsafe situations.
• Everyone should feel safe at the rink — on the ice, in the locker room, and during travel.

2. To Understand Boundaries

• It teaches what’s okay and what’s not okay — from coaches, teammates, and adults.
• You’ll learn how to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

3. To Be a Leader

• Taking the training shows you're serious about your role in creating a respectful team environment.
• For older players, it helps you set a good example for younger teammates.

Bottom Line:

If you're 18+ and playing with minors, or you're coaching, reffing, or volunteering, you need to be SafeSport trained.

It's not just a rule — it’s about protecting each other, building trust, and making sure hockey stays fun, safe, and respectful for everyone.

Who Needs to Complete a Background Screening in Hockey?

1. All Adults in Positions of Authority or Regular Contact with Players

This includes:

• Coaches and Assistant Coaches
• Team Managers
• Locker Room Monitors
• Trainers and Medical Staff
• Officials (Referees) Over 18 working youth games
• Chaperones or Volunteers who travel or help regularly with teams

2. Players Who Are 18 or Older and Still on a Team with Minors

• If you’re 18 or turning 18 during the season and still playing on a youth or junior team with players under 18, you are required to complete a background screening.
• This is part of SafeSport compliance.

Why Is This Important?

1. To Keep Everyone Safe

• The background screening checks for criminal history, especially any record of:
• Violence
• Abuse
• Sexual misconduct
• Other serious offenses
• It helps make sure that adults around young players are safe, trustworthy, and appropriate.

2. It’s the Law and a USA Hockey Rule

• Federal law (Safe Sport Act) and USA Hockey require background screening for adults in contact with minors.
• If you’re an 18-year-old player on a youth team and don’t complete it, you may be ineligible to participate.

3. It Builds a Safer Team Culture

• Background checks, along with SafeSport training, show that your team takes safety and respect seriously.
• It helps prevent dangerous or inappropriate people from being involved in the sport.

Bottom Line for Players:

If you’re 18 or older and playing on a team with minors, or if you're in a coach, manager, or volunteer role, you must complete a background screening — it's not optional.

It’s not about punishment — it’s about protecting teammates, building trust, and keeping the game safe for everyone.