Nearly a decade after making sexual violence training mandatory, some OHL teams still resist the Onside Program, raising concerns over league accountability.
OHL Faces Challenges Enforcing Sexual Violence Prevention Training
Nearly ten years after the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) mandated sexual violence prevention training for all major junior teams, some franchises are still not fully participating in the program. This raises serious questions about the league’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence and fostering a culture of respect.
The Onside Program: A Vital Initiative Facing Resistance
The Onside Program, developed by two sexual assault support centres in Ontario, is designed to educate junior hockey players on consent and gender-based violence. Since 2016, this two-hour training has been compulsory at the start of each season and is delivered by local sexual assault centres affiliated with the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres (OCRCC).
However, sexual assault centres report ongoing difficulties in engaging certain teams. Dina Haddish, OCRCC’s members’ coordinator, warns that without consistent enforcement, the program risks becoming a mere formality rather than a meaningful tool for cultural change.
Real-Life Consequences Highlight Urgency
The importance of this training is underscored by the ongoing sexual assault trial involving five former Canadian world junior hockey players accused of non-consensual acts during a 2018 celebration in London, Ontario. The trial reveals a troubling misunderstanding of consent among players, emphasizing the need for comprehensive education.
Barriers to Consistent Program Delivery
Sexual assault centres face practical challenges such as scheduling conflicts, poor communication, and unclear commitments from teams. These obstacles have led to inconsistent delivery of the Onside Program across various regions, undermining its effectiveness.
OHL’s Position and Future Plans
The OHL maintains that the Onside Program remains mandatory. According to Josh Sweetland, the league’s communications director, all players receive Onside training at least once a year alongside other educational modules covering conduct, harassment prevention, and reporting systems.
The league is currently reviewing the program with OCRCC to explore ways to improve delivery and engagement. Commissioner Bryan Crawford affirms that no team is allowed to skip the training.
The London Knights Case: A Closer Look
The London Knights, the OHL’s top-ranked team and based in the city where the 2018 incident occurred, have not engaged with the Onside Program provider Anova in recent years. Instead, they receive a shorter, one-hour training from the London Abused Women’s Centre, which is not part of OCRCC.
This exception was reportedly allowed by a previous commissioner, and similar arrangements exist for U.S.-based teams. While the Knights’ assistant GM declined to comment, the league insists the alternative training is comparable.
Calls for Greater Investment and Accountability
Experts like Haddish argue that a single two-hour session is insufficient to create lasting change. She urges the OHL to invest more resources, enforce participation rigorously, and expand the program to foster deeper reflection and dialogue among players.
Conclusion: More Than Just Mandatory Training
The Onside Program was launched as a pioneering effort to instill respect and responsibility in young hockey players. Yet, without consistent enforcement and genuine commitment from all teams, its potential remains unrealized. As the hockey community watches the ongoing trial and reflects on its culture, the need for robust, effective education on consent and respect has never been clearer.
