More than 2,000 under-15 hockey players across Nova Scotia will receive new training on consent, sexual assault, hazing and team culture this season.
Hockey Nova Scotia is partnering with the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre on a pilot project involving boys and girls on U15 teams at all levels.
According to Hockey Nova Scotia, players will participate in two educational sessions beginning this month.
The first will cover topics including body autonomy, consent, hazing, sexual assault and other forms of harm.
A second session will focus on leadership, creating a safe team environment and how players can intervene when they see problematic behaviour.
The initiative follows charges laid against two 14-year-old hockey players earlier this year in connection with what police described as a hazing incident in the Truro area.
Hockey Nova Scotia says the incident led parents and coaches to seek more support around how to discuss those issues with young athletes.
The organization initially worked with Avalon on a webinar for parents and coaches before developing the new player-focused pilot.
Hockey Nova Scotia says the goal is to help young players understand the role they have in creating a safe and respectful team culture.
The organization is also considering expanding the training to other age groups in the future.
