The Ontario Hockey League is launching a new initiative called OHL ONSIDE.
It's designed for OHL players and staff aimed at increasing the understanding and awareness of their responsibility to demonstrate respect for women through their actions and words.
The project has been developed as a two hour workshop with the opportunity for personal development and ongoing leadership as young men in the OHL.
“Players are the most important part of our game and we’re proud to further enhance our player environment to continue developing leaders on the ice and in the community with the introduction of the OHL ONSIDE program,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “We are grateful for the partnership with the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres, and for the support we’ve received from the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, and the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region, in developing a leading edge program we can deliver across the league.”
This initiative will see the OHL as leaders in promoting the importance of respectful relationships between young men and women in their communities.
“We were thrilled to be asked to create curriculum for OHL ONSIDE,” said Joan Tuchlinsky, Public Education Manager at the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASC). “Since 2008, SASC has been a leader in engaging boys and men through our Male Allies Program. This program offers workshops, training, and youth groups focused on healthy relationships and consent.”
So far this season OHL ONSIDE has been introduced to the Erie Otters and Kitchener Rangers as pilot programs.
“Everyone has a role in disrupting violence against women. This starts with challenging everyday attitudes, words and actions,” said Nicole Pietsch, Coordinator, Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres. “We know that most athletes, men and young men, wish to foster respect for women -- and want to know how they can mentor others to do so as well."
Now, OHL ONSIDE becomes a mandatory program that will work in conjunction with leagues other programs.
