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 required to obtain travel permits for away tournaments.

Baseline Certification — Required for ALL Volunteers

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

• The Shift Forward for Coaches
• Gender Identity Online Training
• Volunteer Waivers
• Vulnerable Sector Check

Additional Required Training by Role

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

• Coach 1 Pre‑Req (Online)
• Coach 1

U7 – U18 House League — Trainer

• Hockey Canada Safety Program – Level 1

U11 – U18 House League — Coach and Assistant Coach

• Coach 2 Pre‑Req (Online)
• Coach 2

U10 / U11 Rep — Coach, Assistant Coach

• Coach 2 Pre‑Req (Online)
• Coach 2

U10 / U11 Rep — Trainer

• Hockey Canada Safety Program – Level 1

U12 – U18 Rep — Coach, Assistant Coach

• Development 1 Pre‑Req (Online)
• Development 1

U12 – U18 Rep — Trainer

• Hockey Canada Safety Program – Level 1
• Standard First Aid (for HTCP Level 2)

Note: Coach 1 is not a prerequisite for Coach 2. Coach 1 is for U7/U9 levels; Coach 2 is for U11 and higher.

Please check the HEO site and use their tool to ensure you have all required certifications for your volunteer role.

Important Notes

The shift forward Training **New for the 2026–27 season**

This is a new program introduced by Hockey Canada for the 2026–27 season and is mandatory for all new coaches this year.

There are two versions of The Shift Forward course: one for parents and one for volunteers. Ensure you complete the volunteer version, as this is required for all team staff.

Important: This course replaces Respect in Sport. By the 2028–29 season, all coaches will be required to complete The Shift Forward training, even if they have previously completed Respect in Sport.

Fees for The Shift Forward are not eligible for reimbursement from SMHA.

Gender Identity Training

Bench staff must complete Gender Identity Training within 30 days of being appointed. Those who do not complete GIT within this timeframe will be removed from the roster.

Trainer Certification

• Certification MUST be obtained before the first league game — no exceptions.
• HEO Trainer Certification Requirements
• Hockey Canada Safety Course Level 1 (English): Register here