Hockey Nova Scotia Launches Pilot Education Project for U15 Players After Hazing Charges
Hockey Nova Scotia has partnered with the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre to deliver first-of-its-kind training on consent, leadership, and body autonomy to more than 2,000 under-15 players this season. The pilot project follows sexual assault charges laid against two 14-year-old players in a Truro-area hazing incident in February.
Hockey Nova Scotia is partnering with the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre to launch a pilot educational project this season after two young players were charged in connection with a hazing incident earlier this year.
In February, two minor hockey players in the Truro area, both aged 14, were charged with offences including sexual assault in what police described as a hazing incident. Following the announcement of the charges, staff at the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre received many emails from parents and coaches asking for support. That influx prompted the development of a webinar, which evolved into the current pilot project.
More than 2,000 boys and girls on under-15 teams of all levels will participate in the first-of-its-kind training, which covers topics such as leadership, consent, and sexual assault. U15 players will take part in two educational sessions starting this month. The first session focuses on agency, body autonomy, and types of harm, while the second covers leadership and intervention in problematic behavior.
Mike Field, executive director of Hockey Nova Scotia, stated that recent incidents led to the creation of training specifically for players for the first time. He added that the organization is considering expanding the program to other age groups.