The Queer Hockey League (QHL) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and affirming recreational hockey environment for queer, trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals.

Participation in QHL is conditional upon compliance with this Code of Conduct.

2. Standards of Conduct

All participants agree to conduct themselves in a respectful and responsible manner at all league activities, including games, practices, events, and online league spaces.

The following conduct is strictly prohibited:

• Harassment or discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic
• Transphobic, homophobic, racist, misogynistic, or otherwise discriminatory language or behaviour
• Unwanted physical contact
• Invasive personal questioning
• Persistent or intimidating behaviour after a boundary has been communicated
• Verbal abuse, threats, or disruptive conduc
• Any conduct that compromises the safety, dignity, or wellbeing of another participant

3. Allyship & Community Expectations

QHL centers queer and trans participants. Individuals participating as allies acknowledge that:

• The space is not centered around them
• Proximity to queer individuals does not create entitlement to participation
• Leadership retains discretion regarding participant alignment with league values

4. All-Gender Change Room Policy

QHL fully supports trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse players. All-gender change rooms are shared community spaces. Participants agree to:

• Use facilities consistent with their gender identity
• Refrain from commentary, body policing, or scrutiny of others
  Conduct themselves with discretion and maturity
• Respect the privacy of all participants
  

Harassment, inappropriate staring, photography, recording, or any conduct that creates an unsafe environment in change rooms will result in immediate disciplinary action.

5. Disciplinary Authority

QHL reserves the right to investigate complaints and determine appropriate action at its sole discretion. Disciplinary measures may include:

• Verbal or written warning
• Suspension
• Removal from the league without refund
• Decisions made by league leadership regarding participant conduct are final.

6. Assumption of Risk & Acknowledgment

Participants acknowledge that:

• Recreational hockey involves inherent physical risk.
• QHL is not responsible for personal injury resulting from participation, except where required by law.
• Participation is voluntary and contingent upon adherence to this Code of Conduct.

7. Agreement

By participating in this league, I confirm that:

• I have read and understood this Code of Conduct. 
• I agree to comply with all league policies.
• I understand that failure to comply may result in suspension or removal without refund.

QHL recognizes that participants maintain personal social media accounts and public platforms. However, participation in the league carries expectations of conduct that extend beyond the ice.

Participants agree to the following:

• Refrain from posting, sharing, or engaging in content that is discriminatory, harassing, defamatory, or hostile toward other participants, league leadership, or the broader LGBTQ2S+ community.
• Refrain from sharing private league communications, participant information, or internal matters without authorization.
• Refrain from using league affiliation to promote personal political agendas, commercial ventures, or personal disputes.
• Avoid tagging, photographing, or recording other participants without consent, particularly in change room or private settings.
• QHL reserves the right to review publicly available content where concerns are raised about alignment with league values or participant safety.
• Online conduct that undermines the safety, reputation, or integrity of the league may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or removal.

Participation in QHL is contingent upon maintaining conduct that aligns with the league’s mission and community standards.

9. Player participation 
Participation in hockey and related activities organized by Queer Hockey League (QHL) involves inherent risks. These risks include, but are not limited to:

• Slips and falls on ice
• Collisions with other players, boards, or equipment
• Injuries caused by sticks, pucks, or skates
• Sprains, fractures, concussions, or other bodily injury
• Property damage or loss

By participating in QHL activities, I acknowledge and agree to the following:

Voluntary Participation
I am voluntarily participating in QHL activities and understand that hockey is a physical sport involving risk of serious injury.

Assumption of Risk
I knowingly and freely assume all risks, both known and unknown, associated with participation, including those arising from the negligence of others.

Release of Liability
I release and hold harmless Queer Hockey League (QHL), its organizers, volunteers, league administrators, event staff, venue operators, sponsors, and affiliates from any and all claims, demands, damages, losses, or causes of action arising from injury, illness, death, or property damage sustained while participating.

Medical Fitness

I confirm that I am physically fit to participate in recreational hockey and have not been advised otherwise by a medical professional.

Medical Treatment Consent
In the event of an emergency, I authorize QHL representatives to seek medical assistance on my behalf if necessary. I understand I am responsible for any associated costs.

Personal Responsibility
I agree to wear appropriate protective equipment and conduct myself in a safe and responsible manner.

Indemnification
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless QHL and its representatives from any claims brought by me or on my behalf as a result of my participation.

Media Consent & Release
By participating in Queer Hockey League (QHL) activities, I acknowledge and agree that photographs, video recordings, and other media content may be captured during league events, games, and related activities.

I understand that these images or recordings may be used for:

• Social media promotion
• Website content
• Marketing materials
• Sponsorship materials
• Community outreach
• Event promotion

I grant Queer Hockey League (QHL), its organizers, and affiliates the irrevocable, perpetual, and royalty-free right to use, reproduce, edit, publish, and distribute my image, likeness, voice, and name for promotional and community-related purposes.

I understand that:

• I will not receive compensation for use of these materials.
  
• QHL will not use media in a defamatory or inappropriate manner.
• This consent applies to digital and print formats.

Alternatively, if I do not wish to be photographed or recorded, I understand it is my responsibility to notify a league administrator in writing prior to participation.

Although this agreement and Code of Conduct exists here as text, all players and volunteers must sign this Code upon registration with the league.

Thank You!