While the Grand Falls-Windsor Minor Hockey Association has taken measures to try and curb a dressing room practice known as “buckets and gloves”, it hasn’t been an issue other central minor hockey associations have had to face this year.
The Grand Falls-Windsor association spoke publicly about the practice after its president, Mark Gill, was informed by a local physician that three youth were being treated for concussions.
In a previous interview with The Central Voice, Gill said, a zero-tolerance stance has been declared and anyone found engaging in the practice will be dealt with accordingly.
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In Gander, Shawn Wells, president of the local minor hockey association, said there haven’t been any concerns brought forward of the off-ice activity taking place.
But he has heard of it, and it has happened the past.
“It’s something that has happened many years ago, and we have zero tolerance for it,” he said.
Once an issue is brought forward, it is reviewed by the association’s complaints board.
“We have a policy in place, and the punishment is situation-based, depending on the severity and number of offenses,” he said.
Wells isn’t naïve to the fact that dressing room hijinks take place, and the organization does what it can to keep it at a minimum.
“There are 300-350 kids (in the program), and stuff does happen,” he said. “But we have coaches and random parents that periodically check on players, depending on their age group.”
Neil Kirby, vice-president of the Baie Verte Minor Hockey Association, said “buckets and gloves” hasn’t presented as a problem.
In fact, it was the first time Kirby heard of the activity, and he’s been involved with minor hockey for the past five years.
“I haven’t seen anything like that in our dressing rooms,” he said. “When it comes to concussions, it’s something we take very seriously, but I haven’t heard a coach, parent or director mention that to me.”
There haven’t been any complaints on Fogo Island either.
Like Kirby, Jordan MeKenna, president of the Fogo Island Minor Hockey Association, said it works to have coaches and parents with players in the dressing room.
And if something inappropriate should happen, it will be dealt with on a per case basis.
Furthermore, MeKenna said, members often speak with its players about the impacts and consequences of concussions.
