Locker Room Policy

The safety and protection of our participants is central to the Columbus Cannons’ goals, alongside player development and the enjoyment of hockey. The Columbus Cannons strictly adhere to USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program to protect participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse, and other misconduct including emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment, and hazing.

To prevent abuse or misconduct from occurring in our locker rooms, the Columbus Cannons have adopted the following policy. This policy is designed to maintain personal privacy and reduce risks for all players.

At our home rinks, multiple locker rooms are available. Each either has its own restroom/shower or shares these facilities with adjacent locker rooms.

Because teams travel for away games, facilities will vary by location. Columbus Cannons team organizers will attempt to provide advance information regarding unfamiliar away arenas. However, parents should plan for extra time and flexibility when making arrangements for their child to dress, undress, and shower.

The Columbus Cannons have predictable and limited use of locker rooms and changing areas—generally 30 to 60 minutes before and after practices and games. This allows for direct, regular monitoring.

• Sweeps: Staff will conduct a sweep of the locker rooms and changing areas before players arrive.
• Supervision: If coaches are not inside the locker room, a screened locker room monitor (listed on the team's official USA Hockey roster) will be present nearby.
• Security: Team personnel will securely lock the locker room while the team is on the ice.

Except for the youngest age groups, we discourage parents from entering locker rooms unless absolutely necessary.

• If a parent must enter to assist with gear, address an injury, or support a player with a disability, please notify the coach beforehand.
• For younger age groups where assistance is required, we encourage parents to teach their children how to dress independently as early as possible.
• Coach Discretion: Even when parents are permitted inside, coaches may ask them to leave briefly before and after games for team meetings. As players get older, coaches may prohibit parents from the locker room entirely at their discretion.

To respect the privacy rights of all players on mixed-gender teams, the following protocols apply:

• Separate Changing: Where possible, male and female players will dress and undress in separate locker rooms, then convene in a single room for the pre-game meeting. Post-game, they will split into separate rooms again to undress and shower.
• Alternating Time Slots: If separate locker rooms are unavailable, players will take turns using the single locker room to change.
• Note: While these arrangements may require players to arrive earlier or stay later, it is the most respectful way to accommodate everyone.

Cell phones and any other mobile devices with recording capabilities (including voice recording, still cameras, and video cameras) are strictly prohibited inside locker rooms. If a phone or device must be used, the user must step outside the locker room.

The Columbus Cannons prohibit all types of 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 these locker room policies or engages in SafeSport misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action.

If you witness or suspect any actual or policy violations, you may report them directly to USA Hockey:

• Email: SafeSport@usahockey.org
• Phone: 1-800-888-4656