Looking at youth hockey from a human rights perspective

Incidents of violence and abuse in organized hockey are not uncommon and reasons why they occur have long been debated without resolution. Attempts to change the way hockey is played, particularly at the youth levels, are sporadic and for the most part, ineffective. This paper suggests that a human rights approach, which incorporates the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), may provide a legal, analytical and procedural framework that would help to make meaningful and lasting changes. The authors address four challenges faced by the youth hockey system to incorporating a human rights approach: (1) the usefulness of using a human rights approach; (2) understanding and defining violence and abuse against children; (3) governance in the youth sport sector; and (4) independent monitoring of youth sport. An overview of each challenge, as it pertains to youth hockey is presented, along with an understanding of which Articles of the UNCRC support legal obligations to resolve that particular challenge. Finally, strategies and their relevant provisions are presented for consideration, with the hope that a vision for youth hockey that includes protecting the emotional and physical dignity of the children playing is created.