Coaching and Bench Staff Requirements and Courses

The OWHA defines minimum requirements for all team staff positions. In order to register your team roster with the OWHA, these minimum requirements must be met.

Requirements are submitted online as part of the staff registration process, using the Ramp Registration system. It is up to each volunteer to maintain their volunteer profile and to know whether all requirements have been fulfilled.

Requirements for all positions

1. Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders
2. Gender Identity and Expression Course
3. Criminal Reference Check
4. Vulnerable Sector Screening

Representative Coach Requirements

U9 Coach 1 Intro to Coach only accepted qualification

U11 to U18B/BB minimum D1 Trained, D1 Certified preferred

Assistant Coach

U9 - Coach 1 Intro to coach only accepted qualification 

U11 to U18 B/BB minimum Coach 2 Trained, D1 Trained preferred

House League Coach Requirements

U11-U18 All Coaching Positions

            -minimum Coach 2 Trained

U7-U9 Fundamentals

            -as per OWHA policy Coach 1-Intro to Coach is the only accepted qualification

Coaching Courses and Certification Links

 All of these courses and certifications are offered through the OMHA and the OWHA, at the following links;

https://www.owha.on.ca/content/coaching-clinics

https://register.hockeycanada.ca/clinics

Please note that the courses and certifications are the same regardless the organization that offers them.  They are the same NCCP course and are not governing body specific.

Trainer

Every team, Representative or House League, will require a rostered trainer. As per OWHA policy every effort should be made to utilize a female trainer. All trainers must hold a valid HTCP Trainers certificate.

Courses for the HTCP Level 1 are offered through the Hockey Trainers Ontario at the following link;

https://htohockey.ca/Register1/OrderCourses

Manager

Team may choose to utilize a Team Manager. If one is utilized the must complete requirements listed above under “Requirements for All Positions”.

Criminal Reference Check and Declaration

Criminal Reference checks need to be completed every 2 years. Every other year a Criminal Reference Declaration Form can be filled and uploaded. Utilize the link through RAMP registration to apply for and upload your CRC. If your CRC is valid (within last 2 years) visit our link on the association website under “Policy and Procedures” to obtain a Criminal Reference Declaration to sign and upload to your RAMP profile.

Vulnerable Sector Screening

VSS Screening must be completed every year. Visit our link on the association website under “Policy and Procedures” to obtain the required letter to complete and upload your VSS to your RAMP profile.

More information can be found here;

https://orilliagirlshockey.com/content/background-screening-requirements

Non-Rostered Volunteers

From time-to-time teams may utilize non-rostered volunteers as on ice or dressing room helpers. Any volunteer must be always under the direct supervision of Head Coach or Assistant.

Volunteers not registered with the OGHA

Any volunteer over the age of 18, not registered or rostered with the OGHA will provide to the Head Coach as a minimum

1. Valid Criminal Reference Check
2. Valid Vulnerable Sector Screening Letter
3. Proof of completion of the Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders

Volunteers currently registered with the OGHA

Any volunteer under the age of 18 and currently registered and rostered with the OGHA can assist as requested as an on ice helper ONLY provided:

1. They are registered and active within the OGHA
2. They are 2 years older than the players they are assisting
3. If under the age of 16 the volunteer must be wearing full hockey equipment

Volunteers under the age of 18 and not rostered or registered within the OGHA are not permitted to act as on ice volunteers without consent on a case-by-case basis from the association executive.

Click Here for a link to the OWHA Policy and the most up-to-date links for all courses.

Last reviewed January 2025