All volunteers listed on a team roster are responsible for ensuring that they meet the certification requirements for their role. These roles include Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Trainer and Manager.
Certification requirements are defined by Hockey Eastern Ontario. The requirements relate to the age of the youth on a team. In addition to HEO requirements, SMHA requires that everyone coming into contact with players have a valid Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC), which is valid for 3 consecutive seasons. You can get more details on how to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check here
All certifications below MUST be completed before October 31st of the season. Failure to complete the certifications will result in removal from the bench staff. This is a requirement to obtain travel permits that allow your team to attend away tournaments
Baseline Certification for ALL volunteers including Coaches, Assistant Coaches, On Ice Helpers and Managers
• Respect in Sport – Activity Leader
• Gender Identity Online Training
• Rowan's Law
• Vulnerable Sector Check
Additional Required Training by Role
U7/U9 - Head Coach, Assistant Coach, On-Ice Helpers
• Hockey University Online Coach 1/2
• Coach 1
U7 - U18 House League - Trainer
• HTCP Level 1 - Online Certification
U11-U18 House League - Coach and Assistant Coach
• Hockey University Online Coach 1/2
• Coach 2
U10/U11 Rep - Coach, Assistant Coach
• Hockey University Online Coach 1/2
• Coach 2
U10/U11 Rep - Trainer
• HTCP Level 1 - Online Certification
U12-U18 Rep - Coach, Assistant Coach
• Development 1
U12-U18 Rep - Trainer
• HTCP Level 1
• Standard First Aid or higher for HTCP Level 2 status
**NOTE** Coach 1 is not a prerequisite for Coach 2. Coach 1 is for the U7/U9 levels. Coach 2 is for U11 and higher
Please check the HEO site and use their tool to ensure you have all the proper certifications for the role in which you would like to volunteer for.
Important Note Regarding Respect in Sport Training
There are two versions of the online Respect in Sport course: one for parents and one for volunteers. Ensure that you complete the version for volunteers. This version must be completed in order to qualify for a team staff role. PLEASE NOTE THAT FEES FOR RIS ARE NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSMENT FROM SMHA.
Important Note Regarding Gender Identity Training
Please note that those listed as bench staff must have gender identity training within 30 days of being appointed to a team. In the event they do not have GIT in place, they will be removed from the roster.
Important note regarding Trainer
- Certification MUST be obtained before first league game, no exceptions!
- HEO Trainer Certification Requirements
- English - Hockey Canada Safety Course Level 1 can be found here
- French - Hockey Canada Safety Course Level 1 can be found here
- Gender Identity Training
- Click here to find Recognized First Aid Providers
- Please note that Competitive RAMS team trainers require a higher level of certification then mandated by HEO. RAMS trainers require HTCP Level 2 Certification. THIS IS FOR RAMS COMPETITIVE TEAMS ONLY. House trainers are only required to have Hockey Canada Safety Course Level 1.
You can find all of the requirements and details of HTCP Level 2 by clicking here.