Why Every Hockey Association Needs a Risk Management Committee (That Talks to Policy)

Minors. That is the key focus of all minor hockey associations. Leadership and governance is about liability, safety, fairness, and trust. If your association does not have a Risk Management Committee, that works with your board Bylaws and Policy Committee—it isn’t optional. Keeping minors in mind, it is a necessity.

Why?

Risk doesn’t just mean injury. It includes:

• Discrimination or maltreatment complaints

• Hazing or bullying

• Cybersecurity breaches

• Volunteer screening failures

• Governance breakdowns

• Poor emergency or concussion protocols

• Lack of accountability.

• Incomplete or missing due diligence With complaints and team management.

Every one of these risks touches your bylaws and policies. That means your risk team must work with your policy team to build, revise, and enforce safeguards that meet legal standards, and the expectations of your governing bodies.

What Should a Risk Management Committee Do?

• Identify and assess organizational risks

• Review incident reports and complaints (confidentially and ethically)

• Recommend or revise policies to reduce exposure

• Monitor insurance and compliance obligations

• Liaise with Safe Sport, Hockey Alberta, and provincial regulations.

Who Should Be On It?

Choose individuals with:

• Legal, insurance, or governance experience

• Background in risk assessment or compliance

• Experience in mental health, child safety, or Safe Sport

• Familiarity with Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta policy frameworks

References:

• Local Legislation: IE: Alberta’s Societies Act

• Hockey Canada Maltreatment Policy

• Provincial privacy and disclosure legislation

• Human rights principles and Duty of Care obligations

• Understanding of record retention (for legal protection)

  
  

Why It Matters:

Boards are liable for harm that results from inaction or poor policy. If you don’t assess risk and adjust accordingly, the consequences can be:

• Lawsuits or criminal investigations

• Revocation of funding

• Public reputational damage

• Loss of insurance coverage

• Harm to a child that could’ve been prevented

  
  

Remember: Keep the minor in minor hockey top of mind and you will find leadership decisions are more likely to be objective and actionable. It's about protecting the membership and the children you are providing a service to. It isn't politics or personal, it is policy and prevention.