Hockey Canada says officials whistling more penalties for on-ice discrimination
Hockey Canada’s Latest Report Shows Increase in Penalties for Discriminatory Behavior on the Ice
In a recent report released by Hockey Canada, it has been revealed that hockey officials are cracking down on discriminatory taunts, insults, and intimidation on the ice. The national governing body of hockey reported a 41% increase in penalties called under its discrimination rule during the 2023-24 season, with 2.6 penalties per 1,000 players compared to 1.9 in the previous season.
The most common type of discriminatory behavior that resulted in penalties and suspensions were related to sex, sexual orientation, and gender-based slurs. Racial slurs were the second-most reported form of discrimination on the ice. Hockey Canada’s sport integrity vice-president, Natasha Johnston, stated that there is a much greater awareness of what constitutes maltreatment in hockey, both on and off the ice.
While penalties for witnessed discrimination have increased, reports and allegations of discriminatory behavior that officials did not catch on the ice decreased by 11% last season. Hockey Canada has published three maltreatment reports since 2022 and plans to continue doing so in 2025. The latest report includes all tracked penalties for general maltreatment, which includes discrimination, between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.
Maltreatment is defined by Hockey Canada as “the wilful act or omission that results in or has the potential for physical or physiological harm,” encompassing bullying, harassment, and discrimination. The report noted that there were 14.2 penalties called per 1,000 players, serving as a baseline for future reporting. The most common penalties included unsportsmanlike conduct, abusive conduct, and spitting.
It is important to note that the data does not include major junior’s Canadian Hockey League or any level of adult recreational hockey. Additionally, out of the 18 ice hockey complaints made to the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC), 15 were deemed inadmissible, and three were awaiting jurisdictional assessment. OSIC identified an alternative reporting option for 11 of the 15 inadmissible cases.
A tracking and reporting system for complaints of maltreatment, abuse, or harassment was a key component of Hockey Canada’s 2022 action plan to address toxic behaviors within the sport. The organization has been under scrutiny following allegations of sexual assault against members of the 2018 junior men’s team and revelations about a fund used to pay out settlements in such cases using a portion of minor hockey fees.
Hockey Canada’s efforts to address discrimination and toxic behaviors in the sport are commendable, and the increased penalties for discriminatory behavior on the ice are a step in the right direction towards creating a more inclusive and respectful hockey community.
