1. USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program
Its important for you to know that any type of abuse is not a normal or acceptable part of hockey: You don’t have to go through it or accept it to become a better athlete or part of being a champion..
Jennifer Boulden
SafeSport Coordinator

2. Purpose
The USA Hockey SafeSport program was developed to give all players (and their parents) confidence that you are playing hockey in the safest possible environment, both on and off the ice. USA Hockey has created policies addressing certain types of abuse and misconduct.

3. Some examples of what SafeSport handles:
Sexual Abuse
Physical Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Bullying, Threats and Harassment
Damaging or stealing another persons property.
Hazing
Locker room, social media, and travel guidelines
USA hockey and NPHA promotes sportsmanship, respect, and teamwork for all participants to the game. A ZERO tolerance policy is in effect for abusive behavior from parents, players and coaches towards any individual associated with the hockey program.

4. SafeSport Program does NOT address:
Coaching Style
Structure/Plan of Game Play
Distribution of Playing Time
Player Position Assignments
Disputes between parent/player expectations and coaches expectations
Incidents that occur outside the realm of NPHA activities (i.e. neighborhood, school, etc.)

5. Key Points:
SafeSport guidelines apply to everyone: parents, players, coaches and community members.
Players should not enter a locker room until a coach/locker room supervisor is present.
NO electronic devices are allowed in locker rooms (i.e. iPods, cell phones, iPads, cameras, etc.).
A report made in “bad faith” may result in disciplinary action for the participant filing the allegation.

6. If you are being targeted:
Remember it is not your fault, and there is nothing wrong with you-no one deserves to be bullied or harassed.
SPEAK UP!
KEEP YOUR COOL and walk away. Using insults or fighting back will make the problem worse.
USE HUMOR. Say something funny and make them think you don’t care.
BE ASSERTIVE, look confident and let the person know that they need to stop what they are doing.
Hang out with friends that you know will support you and work together to speak out against bullying and harassment.

7. What to Do if an Incident Happens:
Tell your Mom/Dad about what happened
Mom/Dad will notify Jennifer, SafeSport Coordinator
Jennifer will fill out a report for MN Hockey/USA Hockey
Jennifer will investigate the claim…(will be kept VERY confidential)
The results are shared with the person(s) involved, NPHA Board, MN Hockey, and USA Hockey. The NPHA Board reviews the information and determines the discipline/consequence.
And remember; A report made in “bad faith” may result in disciplinary action for the participant filing the allegation.

8. Potential Consequences:
Temporary Suspension
Permanent Suspension
Removal from all NPHA sponsored events
Referral to law enforcement authorities
People who are witnesses play a role in the bullying world: Their reaction or lack of reaction often influences the outcome.
A supportive response gives the person who bullies positive attention and power.
A negative response supports the person being bullied and may stop the bullying.
If you are a witness please say something or tell an adult. By doing so you may stop someone else from becoming another victim.

9. Contacts
NPHA SafeSport Coordinator, Jennifer Boulden: (952)
New Prague Police Department: 911 or (952)
Scott County Human Services: (952)
Please know that you can talk to Jennifer ANYTIME without being afraid. You can call, text, or talk to her whenever you would like.
Note: A mandated reporter who knows or has reason to believe that a child is or has been neglected or physically/sexually abused and fails to report is guilty of a misdemeanor.