According to Bettman, the league "will not tolerate abusive behavior of any kind" while emphasizing the importance of inclusion in today's game.
"Inclusion and diversity are not simply buzzwords, they are foundational principles for the NHL," Bettman said. "It's why we initiated the Declaration of Principles and why we invest so much time and effort, along with so many resources into our 'Learn to Play' and 'Hockey is for Everyone' programs."
Moving forward, NHL teams must "immediately [advise]" the NHL office if they "become aware of an incident of conduct involving the NHL personnel on or off the ice that is clearly inappropriate, unlawful or demonstrably abusive, or that may violate the League's policies." If this rule is not followed or teams fail to report any inappropriate or abusive conduct, the team and its members "can expect severe discipline."
Moving forward, the NHL is also initiating an annual training program, which will be mandatory for all head coaches, minor league coaches, assistant coaches, general managers and assistant GMs. The program will focus on "counseling, consciousness-raising, education and training on diversity and inclusion," and will be structured by outside professionals, with the help and consolation of the NHLPA and Coaches' association.
"We will focus the programming on training and other exercises and initiatives to ensure respectful locker rooms, training facilities, games and all other hockey-related activities," Bettman added. "And teach to ensure bystander intervention techniques, anti-harassment-anti-hazing, non-retaliation and anti-bullying best practices."
