GTHL Complaint Management Policy

The GTHL Complaint Management Policy ensures that all players, coaches, officials, and participants have a safe, fair, and respectful environment. It provides a clear process for reporting and addressing complaints of maltreatment, harassment, bullying, and/or misconduct.

The goal of the policy is to:

• Protect participants from harm.
• Ensure complaints are handled fairly and independently.
• Provide options for resolution (mediation, investigation, or formal hearing).
• Apply appropriate consequences when rules or codes of conduct are broken.

Process & Steps

Click here to open the GTHL Complaint Management Policy Flow Chart.

Where to Submit a Complaint

Participants have two options:

What is Safe Sport? 

Safe Sport means providing a positive, respectful, and inclusive environment where maltreatment, abuse, discrimination, and harassment have no place. It involves not only preventing harmful behaviour but also responding effectively when issues arise.

In response to any allegations of maltreatment, Hockey Canada has implemented an Independent Third Party (ITP) complaint process. This ensures that all concerns are handled with neutrality, confidentiality, and professionalism — outside of the hockey hierarchy.

Steps Once a Complaint is Made

STEP ONE: Screening & Jurisdiction

Complaint is reviewed to see if it should be handled by the ITP, Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), or the GTHL. If the complaint is not covered by policy, it may be dismissed.

STEP TWO: Triage by the GTHL

If the ITP does not assume jurisdiction of a matter and redirects it back to the GTHL, the GTHL decides if the case should go to one of the policy’s three resolution options:

• Mediation (Process #1)
• Independent Investigation (Process #2)
• Adjudicative Panel Hearing (Process #3)

STEP THREE: Resolution Options

• Process #1 — Mediation: A mediator helps both parties resolve the issue by agreement.
• Process #2 — Investigation: An independent investigator collects evidence and reports findings.
• Process #3 — Adjudicative Panel Hearing: A panel of GTHL Board members reviews the case, decides if rules were broken, and determines necessary sanctions or educational opportunities.

STEP FOUR: Sanctions (if misconduct is proven)

This may include a warning, education, suspension, eligibility restrictions, or permanent ineligibility. Sanctions are based on seriousness, impact, and responsibility.

STEP FIVE: Appeals

Decisions can be appealed to the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF).

CONFIDENTIALITY

The process is confidential, though necessary organizations may be notified (for example, Member Associations, OHF, Hockey Canada, and law enforcement if required).