hockey canada Says there were more than 900 documented or alleged incidents of on-ice discrimination – verbal taunts, insults and intimidation – across all levels and age groups during the 2021-22 season.
Data included in the first report by a national sports organization tracking the issue shows that 512 penalties for discrimination were sought by officials, while 415 allegations were investigated after the fact.
Hockey Canada introduced a new section in its rulebook in August 2021 to address abuse in the federation, which had nearly 520,000 registered players last season.
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The 14-page document released Friday details the application of Rule 11.4, which specifically deals with discrimination including race, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic characteristics and disability.
The release of the report comes on the heels of an “action plan” unveiled in July by Hockey Canada to address “toxic behavior in sport” as it deals with alleged sexual assaults involving members of both the 2018 and 2003 world junior teams. deals with dramatic consequences. , None of the allegations have been proved in court.
The organization said the information released Friday does not reflect off-ice incidents of abuse, sexual violence or abuse, which from this season are handled by the federal government’s Sports Integrity Commissioner’s Office or a new independent third-party complaints process. Will go
“Since this is the first year of reporting, (the data) does not present a comprehensive representation of discrimination in hockey,” the document read. “With that in mind, the data contained in this report is a critically important first step in Hockey Canada’s ongoing efforts to better track, identify and respond to abuse in hockey.”
The organization added “the ability and readiness” to collect and report disparate information from its 10 provincial and three territorial members.
“Education, awareness and discussion on processes were essential to make improvements,” the report said. “As a result, there were inconsistencies in the application of the rule at times.
“The knowledge learned during this process was accumulated and is being built upon for years to come.”
Hockey Canada, which has committed to greater transparency after a string of scandals that angered the public and politicians alike, is picking up the pieces after a torrid spring, summer and fall that saw its federal and corporate funding cut short. Withheld or completely withheld due to organization. Handling of allegations of sexual harassment and payment to victims.
There were also a series of disastrous Heritage Committee meetings on Parliament Hill, where former and current executives of Hockey Canada were grilled by legislators to investigate the matter, which ultimately led to the resignation of the board of directors and the chairman and CEO in October. Scott Smith leaves. ,
Meanwhile, former Supreme Court Justice Thomas Cromwell chaired an independent review into Hockey Canada’s governance. The 221-page report concluded that the federation was at a “crossroads” and called for greater oversight and accountability.
A vote on a new board and president by Hockey Canada’s provincial and territorial members will take place on December 17.
Friday’s report related to on-ice discrimination showed that of the 512 penalties called by officials across the country last season, 61 percent involved sexual orientation or gender identity, followed by race (18 percent) and disability (11 percent). percent) was
More than half of those – 55 per cent – came in the under-18 age group, while 76 per cent took place at the competitive level.
The players assessed 96 percent of the penalties, while the male participants made up 99 percent of the violations.
When it came to allegations that were not seen by an officer and required investigation, 47 percent of reported discrimination was related to race, while 40 percent was related to sexual orientation or gender identity.
The under-18 age group led again with 37 per cent incidents, while the under-15s saw 21 per cent and the under-13s nine per cent. In 22 per cent cases, age breakup was not provided.
Competitive hockey saw 70 percent of charges, with the number of players being hit 76 percent of the total. Male participants made 67 percent of the allegations, while gender was not provided or was not available in 31 percent of the reports.
Hockey Canada data shows that 37 per cent of allegations were initially ignored by on-ice officials, ultimately resulting in an “unfounded” ruling, 18 per cent in suspension, 17 per cent in written warnings and 13 in education. percent, while ending up with 10 percent. Multiple or “other” restrictions. Five percent are under investigation.
The combined per capita rate of incidents of penalized and alleged discrimination among 519,755 registered players in 2021-22 was 0.18 percent.
The organization said it would present a further report on Rule 11.4 after this season, and that it aims to track and share all instances of abuse, misbehavior and harassment in 2023-24.
“Hockey Canada and its members recognize the inherent importance of data collection,” the report concluded. “Hockey Canada is committed to continuing to make national reports on misconduct publicly available and accessible on an annual basis as part of its overall sports safety framework.”
© 2022 The Canadian Press