Carla Qualtrough, Canada's federal sports minister, has called on Hockey Canada to create a public registry of misconduct sanctions for players, coaches and officials.
In an interview with TSN last week, Qualtrough said the organization should create a registry and encourage provincial and territorial hockey associations to be transparent about those who have previously been banned or suspended.
“I think anything that adds to the system, another layer or level of transparency, is an excellent idea.” Qualtrough saidAdding that public registration will allow parents “to make informed choices about who they hire to coach their children.”
The call to action comes as Hockey Canada deals with the fallout Five players from the 2018 World Junior roster Charged with sexual assault last month. The five players are Dillon Dobie, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Michael McLeod and Cal Foote. The Canadian Press reported this Court proceedings in this case have been postponed Until April 30.
Hockey Canada spokesman Jeremy Knight said the organization's staff is reviewing how the penalty record is compiled.
“Hockey Canada continues to review the implications and concerns associated with having a public sanction registry,” Knight wrote in an email to TSN. “While we recognize that most national and provincial sports organizations in Canada do not currently have such a public registry, we are examining and evaluating possible options for implementing it in the future.”
TSN reported that some organizations they spoke with said they were delaying creating a public record because they did not want to be sued for defamation by the people whose names were published.
“I think that perspective is wrong,” she said. “Quite frankly, I think this is taking a regulatory risk approach rather than a human rights, athlete rights or good governance approach.
She continued: “Of course there will be risks, but imagine the risks that children, athletes and the system may be exposed to if the necessary steps are taken.”
