Beyond the Pep Talk: Why Tackling Bullying in Hockey Requires More Than a Workshop

Whether it is in youth sports or schools, bullying and maltreatment is often portrayed as something that can be solved with a workshop, a motivational talk, or a limited time promotion. Though increased awareness is always a good thing, they stop short of real solutions that need continuity and repetition.

The truth is, we will never fully stop, eliminate, or stomp out bullying and maltreatment in hockey. Let that sink in. Bullying behaviors are hardwired into group dynamics. So solutions need to be equally hardwired into leadership, policy, education and promotion.

So what do we do?

Workshops and positivity campaigns are valuable. They are the drops in the pond that create ripples. But if we want those ripples to form lasting waves, we need a layered approach:

• Policy and Governance that defines psychological safety, that is explicit and accountable.

• Leadership at All Levels — from bench staff to board meetings — role modelling what leadership looks like is key.

• Education and Skill Building that’s ongoing and explicit.

• Youth Voice and Safe Reporting Mechanisms that empower kids to speak up.

  
  

Remember, creating a culture of respect doesn’t undermine competitiveness. It doesn’t dilute hard work or make players soft. In fact, it does the opposite: it frees kids to focus, push their limits, and play with purpose it increases performance and an overall love of the game.

If we want to win — in sport and in life — let’s stop looking for quick fixes and start building real change from the ice up.