Minor field hockey: warning against the use of ammonia salts

In recent days, the Lac St-Louis Hockey Association sent out an e-mail, a copy of which was obtained by Néomédia, reminding us of the ban on promoting the use of ammonia salts. 

In this communication, the organization states that it has been made aware of two situations involving coaches in its region. The latter had allegedly encouraged, and even distributed, ammonia salts to their players. 

The report states that this substance is not without danger. “Side effects may be experienced by users, and may even lead to adverse health consequences,” it states at the outset. 

Under the Hockey Canada and Hockey Québec codes of ethics, a coach who admits to having encouraged his players to use ammonia salts or any other substance, or who has knowledge that another staff member or a player on his team has promoted or distributed them, is liable to a suspension of up to one (1) year. 

Coaches are also responsible for informing players of the ban on the use, promotion or distribution of ammonia salts between team-mates.

Any player who admits to using, promoting or distributing ammonia salts in front of team-mates may be suspended. A first offence is punishable by a one-game suspension, and a 2nd offence by suspension for the remainder of the season.