The Missed Point: NHL and NHLPA’s Ban on Pride Tape in the NHL
In recent years, the National Hockey League (NHL) and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) have made significant strides in promoting inclusivity and diversity within the sport. However, there is one decision that has left many scratching their heads – the ban on Pride Tape in the NHL.
Pride Tape is a simple yet powerful symbol of support for the LGBTQ+ community. It is a rainbow-colored hockey tape that players can use on their sticks to show solidarity and inclusivity. The tape was first introduced in 2016 by the You Can Play Project, an organization dedicated to ensuring equality, respect, and safety for all athletes regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The ban on Pride Tape came as a surprise to many, especially considering the NHL’s efforts to promote inclusion and diversity. The league has taken steps to celebrate Hockey Is For Everyone month, where they highlight the importance of diversity and acceptance in the sport. They have also partnered with organizations like You Can Play to create a safe and inclusive environment for all players.
However, the NHL and NHLPA argue that the ban on Pride Tape is due to concerns over uniformity and consistency. They claim that allowing players to use Pride Tape would open the door for other causes and symbols to be displayed on equipment, potentially leading to a lack of uniformity among players.
While uniformity is important in professional sports, it should not come at the expense of inclusivity. Pride Tape is not a political statement; it is a symbol of support for a marginalized community. By banning Pride Tape, the NHL and NHLPA are missing an opportunity to show their commitment to inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ players and fans.
Furthermore, the argument against uniformity falls short when we consider the various ways players already express themselves on the ice. From personalized equipment to unique goal celebrations, the NHL has allowed players to showcase their individuality in many ways. Allowing Pride Tape would not disrupt the uniformity of the game any more than these other expressions already do.
The ban on Pride Tape also sends a negative message to LGBTQ+ players and fans. It suggests that their visibility and support are not as important as maintaining a uniform appearance. This can be disheartening for those who have looked to the NHL as a beacon of acceptance and inclusivity.
Instead of banning Pride Tape, the NHL and NHLPA should embrace it as a symbol of unity and support. By allowing players to use Pride Tape, they would send a powerful message that the league stands with its LGBTQ+ community. It would show that hockey truly is for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Other professional sports leagues, such as the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB), have embraced similar symbols of support for the LGBTQ+ community. The NFL, for example, allows players to wear rainbow-colored cleats during designated games to show their support for LGBTQ+ causes. These gestures have been widely praised and have helped create a more inclusive environment within these sports.
In conclusion, the ban on Pride Tape in the NHL is a missed opportunity for the league to demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community. By allowing players to use Pride Tape, the NHL and NHLPA would send a powerful message of unity and acceptance. It is time for the league to reconsider its stance and embrace Pride Tape as a symbol of support for all players and fans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.