Hockey Canada releases information about sanctioned programs

CALGARY, AB – In collaboration with its Members and associate leagues, Hockey Canada has launched a doc that clarifies vital variations for individuals in sanctioned and non-sanctioned hockey applications, together with participant security, insurance coverage, eligibility, taking part in guidelines, high-performance alternatives and recognition by authorities.

The doc outlines 20 advantages which are obtainable to individuals in Hockey Canada-sanctioned applications and are both not offered or not assured with non-sanctioned applications, which all function with out being acknowledged by authorities in Canada and aren’t ruled by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

“With the beginning of the 2023-24 hockey season upon us, we felt it was important and frankly necessary to inform Canadians about the differences between participating in sanctioned and non-sanctioned hockey,” stated Darren Cossar, senior vice-president of member engagement. “We hope this doc will inform mother and father and individuals of the advantages obtainable to them with membership in sanctioned hockey, and the variance and dangers ought to they select to take part exterior of it.

“For any parents and participants looking to confirm that they have registered for sanctioned hockey and have access to its benefits, we encourage you to reach out to your provincial Member, association or league and ask if they are a member of Hockey Canada.”

All individuals in Hockey Canada-sanctioned applications are eligible to be affiliate gamers, compete in sanctioned hockey tournaments and towards groups from different IIHF Member National Associations. They may also be chosen for nationwide and provincial/territorial high-performance groups, can compete in provincial and nationwide championships, and are entitled to full, standardized insurance coverage protection. Sanctioned video games are officiated by skilled and authorized officers throughout the Hockey Canada Officiating Pathway utilizing a standardized rulebook.

In sanctioned hockey, it’s a requirement that each one coaches, bench employees, trainers and officers bear a compulsory prison report verify and/or susceptible sector verify, and that each one coaches, trainers and officers be skilled and authorized to carry out their duties. Coaches, officers and employees in sanctioned hockey may be thought-about for added assignments and alternatives, together with participation in IIHF occasions, and Canadian Hockey League, Canadian Junior Hockey League and Junior A video games.

Only individuals in sanctioned hockey are eligible to submit confidential complaints of maltreatment, abuse or harassment to the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner or Hockey Canada’s Independent Third Party. Should a participant, coach or employees member below suspension in sanctioned hockey transfer to a non-sanctioned league, it isn’t assured the suspension can be acknowledged and upheld.

Any participant rostered on a non-sanctioned hockey workforce after Sept. 30 is ineligible to be rostered in a Hockey Canada-sanctioned league for the rest of the season, even when they’re launched by their non-sanctioned workforce at a later date.

The complete doc outlining variations in sanctioned and non-sanctioned hockey will be discovered right here.

Ultimately, Hockey Canada and its Members are tasked with guaranteeing individuals of all ages and talents can take pleasure in taking part in hockey in communities throughout the nation, each recreationally and competitively. While we really feel strongly that our mannequin for delivering hockey is to the profit, security and wellness of gamers, coaches, officers, mother and father, directors and volunteers, we acknowledge and respect that others stay free to take part within the recreation exterior of sanctioned applications.

For extra data on Hockey Canada, please go to HockeyCanada.ca, or comply with alongside by means of social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.