New rules divide hockey associations and parents.
Canadian hockey kids need to cover up.
– Everyone who participates has the right to use the locker room, Hockey League spokeswoman Esther Madzia tells CBC News.
The 2023/2024 hockey season has just begun in Canada, and both children and parents are currently adjusting to the new rules from the hockey federation, CBC News reports.
Starting this season, children in all junior teams up to the age of 18 must wear at least underwear in the changing rooms – at all times.
“It doesn’t take long”
If children have to change their underwear, they should do so separately, and if they are showering during training or a match, they should wear a swimsuit.
– It doesn’t take long to hop into the booth and change underwear, Craig Robinson, president of the Halifax Hawks youth hockey team, tells CBS News.
– Everyone who participates has the right to use the locker room in a way that is appropriate for their gender identity, religious beliefs, body image and/or other individual needs, says Hockey League spokeswoman Esther Madzia.
Parents complain
The information was sent to children and parents last week and the association expects some confusion at first.
There were also some complaints from parents who said the new rules resulted in children wearing sweaty and smelly underwear to and from hockey activities.
And according to Craig Robinson, this is a price worth paying.
-It’s not just about sex, it’s also about everyone feeling comfortable. He says coaches can’t always know which gender a person automatically identifies with and identify with, so this allows everyone to be present in the locker room.