The Ontario Hockey Federation Board of Directors has approved the OHF Return to Hockey Framework and specifically the implementation of Phase 2 – Stage 1, following Hockey Canada’s Return to Hockey’s Board of Directors decision last week and based on the current Ontario Government Emergency Order Amendment.
Over the past three months, the OHF and its Member Partners, including the GTHL, have worked in conjunction with guidance from Public Health, the Government of Ontario and Hockey Canada to develop Return to Hockey Framework that will promote the health and safety of all stakeholders in the game. It is important to keep in mind that as both the environment and Emergency Order evolve within the province, so will the framework detailed in the document.
Within the Return to Hockey Framework, the OHF has provided a detailed Phased approach to reintroduce hockey activities across provincial jurisdictions. The safety of all participants and stakeholders will continue to be the priority, while balancing the needs of individuals within the game. This staged approach does not have a specific timeframe, but will evolve at the guidance of public health, the provincial government and our governing body, Hockey Canada. At any point during the progression we may need to pause or return to a previous stage in order to protect and support our participants and the public. Currently there is no programming approved to be run anywhere in Ontario.
The OHF’s Return to Hockey Framework can be found here:
Return to Hockey – COVID-19 Response (Updated June 18)
In addition, the OHF Board of Directors has also approved the OHF Hockey Canada Licensed Skill Development Program Policy to certify Hockey Canada Licensed Development Specialists (HCLDS). HCLDS will be certified by the OHF to perform hockey activities within the province of Ontario. According to the Ontario government’s Emergency Order, the opening and controlled use of sporting facilities, can be done so by a national sport organization funded by sport Canada or a member club of such an organization, a provincial sport or multi-sport organization recognized by the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries or a member club of such an organization or a professional sport league or a member of such a league. By providing a certification to become a HCLDS this will allow for such instructors wishing to operate hockey activities within the province of Ontario the opportunity to do so, while guaranteeing that programming is both in line with Hockey Canada’s Safety Guidelines and the Ontario governments Emergency Order for the safety of all participants involved.
A number of benefits are associated with becoming a Hockey Canada Licensed Development Specialist including:
• Full Hockey Canada / Member Insurance coverage
• Endorsement through the OHF and its Members
• Opportunity to attend National / Member training and certification
• Opportunity to deliver Hockey Canada and Branch approved programming
• Opportunity for Pro D webinars throughout the hockey season
• Hockey Canada / Member promotion on website under certified / licensed programs to MHA’s / Parents / Players
• Opportunity to be a Development Specialist at Member / Hockey Canada High Performance programs
• Opportunities to attend Hockey Canada / Member Professional Development Workshops
• Ability to market themselves to Minor Hockey Associations / Coaches / Players in conjunction with Members and Hockey Canada
• Use of specific certified / licensed logo
The OHF will be hosting its first virtual training session starting the week of June 22. Information on the program and where to register, can be found here: OHF Hockey Canada Licensed Skill Development Program.
We support the Province’s encouragement for the public to continue to adhere to public health measures, including practicing physical distancing or wearing a face covering when physical distancing is difficult or not possible and regular handwashing and staying home when ill.
