Hockey locker rooms are their own special environments, and it’s so important to know some of the rules of beer league hockey locker rooms. Whether you are brand new to hockey, getting back into it, or just want to refresh your memory, here are some hockey locker room rules and etiquette.
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Nudity
Shower
Cell Phones
Bring Your Own Supplies
Beer
Nudity
I am only speaking from the point of view of a woman — because I had no idea what happens in a purely men’s locker room (nor do I want to know). But, if you are in a coed locker room, the number one rule is just to be respectful.
If you are a man in a coed locker room, it is a good idea to change your undergarments (underwear, shorts, cup, etc.) in the bathroom. Most locker rooms will have some sort of bathroom stall of some sort, and the males I play with always change those pieces of clothing in the bathroom.
Having the understanding that no one wants to see that will be crucial to getting along with your team.
Avert Your Eyes
That being said, as a woman, I have always been taught to “avert your eyes.” Don’t let your eyes wander around the locker room because you may inadvertently see something you don’t want to see (this goes both for women and men). And that may scar you for life.
If you are a woman and you really don’t want to use the same dressing room as men, there is nothing wrong with it. Most leagues or facilities will provide a womens-only locker room.
Shower
The one exception to the nudity rule is the locker room shower. Obviously some men want to shower after a game and that doesn’t mean you need to leave clothes on. But keeping in line with “be respectful,” you should wear a towel into the shower and out of the shower.
Many women will not shower after a game if it’s community showers, which we are used to. Or will can ask for a womens-only shower. We know better than to let our eyes wander into the shower, because it is acceptable for a man to shower in there.
Cell Phones
Generally, beer league locker room rules do not allow any cell phone usage in the locker room. This doesn’t mean you can’t check your email or play music, but it means there are no cameras allowed — video or still photography. People are in different stages of undress and you do not have permission to film anyone in that way.
Just keep in mind that “what happens in the locker room stays in the locker room” — which includes photography and also things people say. Your fellow players should feel comfortable to open up in that situation and it doesn’t mean they should feel uncomfortable that what they say will become public.
Bring Your Own Supplies
OK so this one is opinion-based. Hockey players should always be prepared for a game — including their equipment, practice, and any other supplies needed for a game. But sometimes it doesn’t work out that way — sometimes you forget a glove or your tape runs out or a screw falls out of your helmet.
The general rule is you need to bring your own tape and not ask your teammate for any. But I do not have any problem helping a teammate who ran out of tape. But what you should not do is ask for tape game after game after game. People will start to get sick of you, because they know you are doing it on purpose.
So, be as prepared as you can be. Know that your teammates will help you in any way they can, but make sure you buy some tape the next day so you don’t ask them two games in a row.
Beer
Beer league hockey got its name for a reason — and in many cases beer is involved. It does not mean you have to drink, but it means (in most cases) you are welcome to drink after your game.
If you are new to a team or a league, it’s always a good idea to bring beer for your team. It will help your teammates remember you (especially if you’re trying to get a permanent spot on a team), and it’s hard not to love the guy who brings the beer. Plus it’s a fun time to just hang out after a game in a locker room, and beer helps that.