Cell Phone Policy

About

Young female athletes are progressing through important phases of physical, emotional and psychological development. This development can sometimes cause anxiety and vulnerability in relation to their own bodies. COLGHA feels strongly that dressing rooms must be a safe space for our girls and young women to feel comfortable changing, dressing, undressing and using the bathroom and shower facilities. As such, our organization will strictly enforce its dressing room and cell phone policies which are in keeping with the policies of the OWHA and Ontario Recreational Facilities Association.

Cell Phone Policy

No individual including players, parents or team staff may have any device capable of recording images, video or sound in a player dressing room at any time. Wherever possible devices should be left in the care of an adult outside of the dressing room. Devices that must be brought into the room must be concealed in a pocket or bag at all times.

At the discretion of the team staff, a single designated device may be used to play music for a dressing room provided it is either a) unable to record images, video or sound or has had these functions disabled or b) kept outside of the dressing room or c) used to initiate playlists or albums and once playing, are not handled. If such a device is found being used for any other purpose, the team will lose the privilege of having a music phone in the room.

Pre and post game photos may NOT be taken inside a dressing room. Photos must be taken in public spaces outside of the room.

Bullying/Cyberbullying

"Cyberbullying" involves the use of information and communication technologies such as email, cell phones, social media and text messaging, to support deliberate, repeated and/or hostile behaviour by an individual or group that is intended to harm others, threaten, harass, embarrass, socially exclude or damage reputations and friendships.

Consequences for Violations

The Board recognizes that perpetrator intent and victim impact may differ in each case, and reserves the right to escalate consequences as deemed appropriate by the disciplinary committee.

A player/parent/coach/trainer who brings a device into the dressing room that is unconcealed (i.e. in their hand, pulls it out of their purse/hockey bag):

1. First Violation — An automatic verbal warning and temporary confiscation of the device.

2. Second Violation — An automatic written warning and temporary confiscation of the device and review by a disciplinary committee.

3. Third Violation — An automatic minimum 1 game suspension and review by a disciplinary committee.

Posting a photo/video/recording on social media (including snapchat, text message etc.) from the dressing room or an inappropriate post or other form of "cyberbullying"

1. First Violation — An automatic 1 game suspension and review by COLGHA disciplinary committee.

2. Second Violation — An automatic 5 game suspension and review by COLGHA disciplinary committee.

3. Third Violation — Review by COLGHA disciplinary committee to whether there is a path for continued membership on the team.