Any of the different forms of harassment may be based on the grounds prohibited in human rights legislation, such as race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation and religion. It is important to note that the behaviors described in items 5 to 7, when directed toward a child or youth, constitute abuse under child protection legislation. This may also be true of other behaviors, for example, certain hazing practices. Response and Remedies Harassment of all kinds has been tolerated for too long in hockey, being tacitly accepted as part of the culture of the game and used by individuals who would not condone such conduct outside of the hockey environment. It is the position of the British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association that harassment can be tolerated no longer.
Harassment is unacceptable and harmful.
The B.C.A.H.A. recognizes the serious negative impact of all types of harassment on personal dignity, individual and group development and performance, enjoyment of the game and in some cases, personal safety. At the same time the B.C.A.H.A. recognizes that not all incidents of harassment are equally serious in their consequences. Harassment covers a wide spectrum of behaviors and the response to harassment must be equally broad in range, appropriate to the behavior in question and capable of providing a constructive remedy. There must be no summary justice or hasty punishment. The process of investigation and settlement of any complaint of harassment must be fair to all parties, allowing adequate opportunity for the presentation of a defense to the charges.