Hockey Alberta Player Pledge
Hockey Alberta’s Board of Directors has provided strategic direction for Hockey Alberta to establish and achieve four significant Objectives to provide new and improved opportunities for all participants to enjoy the sport of hockey. One of the four Objectives is a commitment to the hockey community – to nurture a positive hockey culture for all.
In September 2023, Hockey Alberta took a stance towards achieving a positive environment, by releasing our statement on Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), where we committed to removing all forms of discrimination and maltreatment from our sport.
To take the next step in the commitment to nurture a positive hockey culture for all, Hockey Alberta launched the Player Pledge during the 2024 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships presented by ATB.
The Player Pledge encourages participants on and off the ice to play and act with respect and to be inclusive. The Player Pledge reads:
I recognize that inclusive and respectful hockey starts with me. I pledge to:
-
Be AWARE of the language I use and how it impacts others.
-
ACKNOWLEDGE everyone’s differences regardless of the jersey they are wearing.
-
COMPETE HARD while leading positive and RESPECTFUL interactions with others.
-
Be an ALLY by contributing to safe spaces where everyone feels welcome.
Hockey Alberta launched the Player Pledge during the 2024 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships presented by ATB.
As part of the Player Pledge, Hockey Alberta is asking teams competing in Provincials to commit to the Player Pledge by participating in a team building activity ahead of the tournament.
The team builder activity includes watching a short video followed by the coach leading the conversation about respect, inclusion and what it means to be an ally. It concludes with the ask for players to take the Player Pledge, as well as a team commitment throughout the tournament. To acknowledge the Player Pledge and commitment, each team participating in Provincials will be given a magnet to hang with the pledge and space to write their commitment for motivation throughout the tournament.
Taking the pledge is not mandatory, however, teams who take the Player Pledge and make a commitment can enter to win $500 towards their year-end party.
In addition, Hockey Alberta is also asking Provincial host committees to display a Player Pledge pop-up banner in the arena during the event.
The 24/25 season Player Pledge initiative will be launched in October. More details will be provided here and directly to MHAs and teams leading up to the launch in October.
New this season, Hockey Alberta invites ALL member associations, teams and players to participate in the Player Pledge.
This year all teams, associations, players and communities will have a chance to sign on and contribute to the goal of the pledge, ’recognizing that inclusive and respectful hockey “starts with me".
Check back here in October to see how you and your teams can become involved this year and help us nurture a positive hockey culture and become part of the solution.
