Safety Reminders and Check Ins

Dear VMHA Members,

As part of our commitment to safety, respect, and player development, please review the following reminders and expectations for all players, coaches, parents, and team staff.

Player Equipment

All players must wear CSA-approved helmets, face masks, and BNQ-certified neck guards at all times on the ice. Full protective gear (shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, hockey pants, shin guards, and jock/jill) is mandatory and must fit properly. Equipment checks should be completed regularly to ensure gear is safe and in good condition.

Team Staff

All team staff — including coaches, managers, and safety persons — must have valid Respect in Sport, Criminal Record Checks, and required BC Hockey certifications. Team officials are expected to model safe and respectful conduct at all times and ensure dressing room and on-ice supervision follows the Rule of Two.

Coaches must wear CSA-approved helmets with straps secured on the ice and ensure all drills, supervision, and dressing room conduct align with VMHA’s safety and inclusion standards.

Rule of Two

There must always be two screened adults present with players during practices, games, travel, and team activities. One-on-one situations should be avoided whenever possible.
Communication and interactions should be open, observable, and appropriate at all times.

If no second screened adult available, grab a parent to listen/observe.

24-Hour Rule

If a concern arises during a game or practice, please make every effort to communicate respectfully with the other coach or team official to resolve the issue. If resolution is not possible, bring the matter to your Division Coordinator. However, everyone must follow the 24-Hour Rule — take a day to cool down before addressing the concern. This ensures calm, respectful communication.

Safety People

Each team should have a designated and certified Safety Person who is responsible for injury response, risk management, and ensuring the team follows the Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
The Safety Person should know arena procedures, track injuries, and assist with any required reports.

Injuries and Injury Return

If a player is injured during play, complete a Hockey Canada Injury Report Form as soon as possible.
Any players that miss ice time due to an injury that occurs at hockey or elsewhere may only return to play once they have been cleared by a physician or healthcare professional, following Hockey Canada’s Return to Play guidelines.
For concussions, follow Hockey Canada’s Concussion Protocol and gradual return process.

Communication and Cooperation (Coaches & Parents)

Coaches, parents, and team officials share responsibility for maintaining a positive, safe, and supportive environment.
Please communicate respectfully, follow appropriate channels, and work together to support our players.

Speak Up and Shout Out

If you witness or experience bullying, harassment, or unsafe behaviour, please speak up.
VMHA supports the Hockey Canada Speak Out program and Safe Sport principles.

VMHA Reporting or Shout Out Form: Speak Up – Shout Out

You can find more information and resources here:

• Hockey Canada – Dressing Room Policy and FAQ
• BC Hockey – Safe Sport
  
• Responsible Coaching Movement – Rule of Two

 

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us make Victoria Minor Hockey a safe, inclusive, and respectful community for all players.

Safety people and safety specific questions can be also be directed to safety@victoriaminorhockey.ca

Kind regards,

Victoria Minor Hockey Association Safety Coordinator and Executive