EHYH Locker Room Policy

In addition to player development and the enjoyment of the game, the safety and well-being of our participants is central to EHYHA’s mission. EHYHA follows USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program to help protect participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse, and other forms of misconduct, including emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment, and hazing. To further reduce the risk of inappropriate behavior and to support personal privacy, CCYHA has adopted the following locker room policy.

Locker Room Facilities

At the East Haven's Veteran Memorial Ice Rink, there are four (4) locker rooms are available for program use. Players may use the common restrooms located in the lobby as needed. EHYHA teams may also travel to other arenas for games, tournaments, and events. Because locker room, restroom, and shower facilities vary by location, EHYHA team organizers will make reasonable efforts to share facility information in advance of away games. For arenas that are unfamiliar, families should plan for additional time and flexibility to support dressing, undressing, and showering arrangements.

Locker Room Monitoring

EHYHA has predictable and limited use of locker rooms and changing areas, which allows for direct and regular oversight. While constant adult presence inside locker rooms may reduce risk, we recognize that continuous in-room monitoring can compromise athlete comfort and may create unnecessary concerns for staff. To balance safety and privacy, EHYHA will:

• Conduct a sweep of locker rooms and changing areas prior to player arrival.
• When coaches are not inside the locker room, assign either a coach or screened volunteer locker room monitors to remain positioned directly outside the locker room doors during use.
• Keep locker room doors open only when appropriate privacy can still be maintained.
• Restrict locker room access to participants (players and coaches), approved team personnel, and family members as permitted under this policy.
• Secure locker rooms appropriately during times when the team is on the ice.

Parents in Locker Rooms

Except at the youngest age groups (Mites and Squirts), parents/guardians are discouraged from entering locker rooms unless necessary. If a player requires assistance with equipment, may be injured, or has a disability that warrants support, parents should notify the coach in advance.

For our youngest players, parent assistance is often required. EHYHA encourages families to teach players, as early as possible, how to dress independently to promote confidence and responsibility.

When parents are permitted in the locker room, coaches may request that parents step out briefly before and after games so coaches can address the team. As players mature (Peewees and older), the head coach may, at their discretion, restrict parent access to the locker room.

Co-Ed Teams

Some EHYHA teams include both male and female athletes. EHYHA is committed to respecting the privacy of all players and will make appropriate arrangements accordingly.

Minimum Attire Requirement (Shared Locker Room)

When a co-ed team must share one locker room, all players are required to arrive wearing hockey base layers or shorts and a t-shirt (in good condition, with no holes or tears) beneath their street clothes. Every player must meet this minimum attire standard before entering the locker room so that no player has the opportunity to view a teammate of another gender in a state of dress or undress.

Post-Session Changing Procedures

After practices or games, players may meet briefly in one locker room for a team meeting. Following the meeting, male and female players will proceed to separate locker rooms to undress and shower, if available.

Cell Phones and Mobile Recording Devices

Cell phones and any mobile devices capable of recording— including voice recording, photography, and video—are not permitted for use in locker rooms. If a device must be used, it must be taken outside the locker room. When appropriate, a team manager may collect phones to ensure compliance.

Prohibited Conduct and Reporting

EHYHA strictly prohibits physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment, and hazing, as defined in the USA Hockey SafeSport Handbook. Any participant, employee, or volunteer who violates this locker room policy—or engages in behavior that violates USA Hockey SafeSport policies—may be subject to disciplinary action.

To report any actual or suspected violations, you may contact USA Hockey SafeSport by email at SafeSport@usahockey.org or by phone at 1-800-888-4656.