Not all OHL teams are making players take mandatory sexual violence prevention program
In a groundbreaking move nearly a decade ago, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) made it mandatory for all major junior teams to undergo gender-based violence and consent training. This initiative, known as the OHL Onside Program, was developed by two sexual assault support centers in the province and aimed to educate players on the importance of consent and respect for women.
However, recent reports from CBC News have shed light on the challenges faced by sexual assault centers in getting some OHL franchises to participate in the program. Despite being labeled as mandatory, there seems to be a lack of accountability and follow-through when it comes to ensuring that all teams complete the training. This has raised concerns about the league’s commitment to meaningful prevention and education in addressing issues of gender-based violence.
The importance of consent has been highlighted in a high-profile sexual assault trial involving five former Canadian world junior hockey players. The players are accused of engaging in sex acts with a woman without her consent, and the trial has brought to light the fundamental misunderstanding about what consent truly means.
Dina Haddish, the members’ coordinator for the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centers (OCRCC), has expressed concerns about the challenges faced by sexual assault centers in engaging with local teams. Issues such as scheduling difficulties, inconsistent communication, and securing clear commitments have made it challenging to deliver the program consistently across regions.
While the OHL maintains that the Onside Program is mandatory for all teams and players receive training at least once a year, there are ongoing challenges in ensuring that all teams participate. The league is currently discussing ways to enhance the program and improve the delivery of education to players.
One team that has come under scrutiny is the London Knights, one of the top teams in the OHL. The Knights have not contacted Anova, an agency that advocates against gender-based violence, in several years to deliver the Onside program. Instead, they have been receiving training from a local agency that is not a member of the OCRCC.
It is crucial for the OHL to make more investments in the Onside Program and create mechanisms to hold teams accountable for completing the training. Programs like this cannot create meaningful change with just a single two-hour workshop and require ongoing support, enforcement, and thoughtful expansion to shift mindsets and challenge rape culture.
As the trial of the five former world junior hockey players continues, it is evident that there is still work to be done in educating players on consent and respect for women. The OHL must prioritize the safety and well-being of its players by ensuring that all teams participate in the Onside Program and take proactive steps to prevent gender-based violence within the league.
