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Volunteer Certification Requirements

Required Training for Coaches, Trainers, Managers & On-Ice Helpers

All volunteers listed on a team roster are responsible for ensuring 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 and 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.

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 — Required for ALL Volunteers

Applies to Coaches, Assistant Coaches, On-Ice Helpers, and Managers.

Additional Required Training by Role

U7 / U9 — Head Coach, Assistant Coach, On-Ice Helpers

  • Coach 1 Pre-Req — Hockey Canada Coach 1 (Online)
  • Coach 1

U7 – U18 House League — Trainer

  • Trainer / Safety — Hockey Canada Safety Program Level 1

U11 – U18 House League — Coach and Assistant Coach

  • Coach 2 Pre-Req — Hockey Canada Coach 2 (Online)
  • Coach 2

U10 / U11 Rep — Coach, Assistant Coach

  • Coach 2 Pre-Req — Hockey Canada Coach 2 (Online)
  • Coach 2

U10 / U11 Rep — Trainer

  • Trainer / Safety — Hockey Canada Safety Program Level 1

U12 – U18 Rep — Coach, Assistant Coach

  • Dev 1 Pre-Requisite — Hockey Canada Coaching Program — Development 1 (Online)
  • Development 1

U12 – U18 Rep — Trainer

  • Trainer / Safety — Hockey Canada Safety Program 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.

Important Notes

Respect in Sport Training

There are two versions of the online Respect in Sport course: one for parents and one for volunteers. Ensure 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 Respect in Sport are not eligible for reimbursement from SMHA.

Gender Identity Training

Those listed as bench staff must complete 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.

Trainer Certification