Dear NMHA Families,
Now that our season is underway, here are a few important reminders to keep everyone safe and aligned with Hockey Canada and NMHA policies. We all play a critical role in creating a safe and positive environment for our players.
📸 Celebrating Our Teams on Social Media
We love to showcase our teams and celebrate their successes! Posting on social media is a great way to share our pride. However, please remember:
• Helmets must be worn on the ice at all times—including during celebratory pictures.
• HEO policy requires properly secured helmets for insurance coverage. If an injury occurs while a player is on the ice without a helmet, insurance coverage will be denied.
✅ Safety comes first, even in moments of celebration.
🚫 No Photos in Dressing Rooms
For the safety and privacy of all players and volunteers:
• No pictures are to be taken inside dressing rooms.
• Please do not post any photos that could put a player, coach, or volunteer in a vulnerable position.
This rule is non-negotiable and is in place to protect the privacy and dignity of all team members.
📝 Volunteer Attestation Forms
If you are a new volunteer this season, an Attestation Form must be signed and submitted to the Director of Risk & Safety. This is a mandatory requirement to ensure compliance with NMHA policies and the safety screening process.
👥 Two-Deep Rule Reminder
For the safety of all players, Hockey Canada and HEO require that no adult is ever alone with a minor. The Two-Deep Rule means two screened adults must be present at all times during team activities—whether in the dressing room, on the bench, or traveling. This protects both players and volunteers, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
🛑 Substance Use Policy
To maintain a safe, healthy, and respectful environment, any substance use—including but not limited to alcohol, smoking, and vaping—is strictly prohibited in the dressing rooms, arenas, and any areas associated with team activities.
• This policy applies to all players, coaches, parents, and volunteers.
• Violations of this policy will result in immediate disciplinary action, which may include suspension or removal from team activities.
📱Cell Phone Use in Dressing Rooms
Effective immediately, cell phones are strictly prohibited in all dressing rooms. This policy is in place to protect the privacy and safety of all players.
• Players are not permitted to enter dressing rooms with a phone.
• Phones should be left at home or with a parent before entering.
• If a player must bring a phone to the rink, it must be immediately turned in to the coach or team manager and placed in a designated phone collection box before entering the dressing room.
• Any player found using or accessing their cell phone in the dressing room will face immediate disciplinary action, which may include suspension or removal from team activities.
🎵 Music Exception:
The only permitted use of a cell phone in the dressing room is to control music being played in the space. This must be done under the direct supervision of a coach or team manager, and the phone used for music should remain in a designated area, not handled by players during dressing or team discussions.
This policy aligns with Hockey Canada’s privacy and safety guidelines, ensuring that the dressing room remains a secure, distraction-free environment focused on team preparation, respect, and camaraderie. dressing-room-policy-e.pdf.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to safety, respect, and fun this season. By working together, we can ensure that our players are protected, celebrated, and supported both on and off the ice.
Please reach out to Risk and Safety should you have any questions, [email protected]
Thank you for helping us make hockey not only fun, but safe for every family in our community.
Warm regards,
NMHA Board of Directors, 2025-26