The MDHA runs on volunteers. If you’re thinking about volunteering, in any capacity, we thank you for your consideration and please take the time to read the following to understand the requirements and expectations. All expenses for required courses etc. will be reimbursed by MDHA. Details on how to claim expenses are provided here as well.

ALL volunteers, except team treasurer and certain executive positions, are required to complete the following ASAP. You cannot be rostered or participate with your team until these are shown to be in progress.

1. Registration: register as a volunteer with the MDHA through your Spordle account. This registration must be in your own name (not your child’s) and is mandatory to ensure required waivers are signed and that appropriate follow-up communications can occur.
   • If you do not see your name as an option to register: it’s because you don’t have a Hockey Canada profile (HCR#) and you will need to create one during the registration process.
   • If you have a Hockey Canada profile but it is associated with another association: you will need to be transferred before continuing. Please contact the MDHA registrar (registrar@metcalfejets.ca).
   • The Rowan’s Law waiver must be signed as part of the registration.

 

2. Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC):
   • You must have a valid VSC linked to your Hockey Canada profile.
   • VSC’s are valid for three years and you can use one that was obtained for another purpose so long as it is the required Level 3 Vulnerable Sector Check (any other Criminal Records Check will not be accepted).

If you do not have a valid VSC on file: the MDHA registrar will send you a letter and instructions to obtain one within a few days of your volunteer registration in Step 1.

• • All VSC’s must be uploaded by the volunteer through the Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) VSC On-Line Submission Portal. You will receive a confirmation email when this is done correctly.

Important: Some police agencies (e.g. OPP) can take time to process these requests. In other cases, fingerprinting or additional ID confirmation steps are required that can delay getting your VSC. If this is the case, please create a PDF from the email confirmation (or screenshot) showing that your VSC request is in progress and upload this through the HEO portal in place of the VSC. This will move your VSC status to “Pending” and allow you to be rostered while awaiting the final document. If you do not do this, you cannot be rostered and you are not permitted to participate with your team in any volunteer capacity.

• • Details about VSC requirements and video instructions for the portal can be found at: https://www.hockeyeasternontario.ca/vulnerable-sector-check/

 

3. Declaration: to be completed each year. All volunteers must complete an on-line Declaration. This is also done through the HEO VSC On-Line Submission Portal. It is on the same form as the VSC submission and can be done at the same time or separately by selecting the appropriate options throughout the form.

 

4. Shift Forward: Evolving Hockey Culture: this is a new course and replaces the previous Respect in Sport- Activity Leaders. HEO Mandatory. Link to course: https://register.hockeycanada.ca/clinics 

• • Those with a current Respect in Sport-Activity Leader do not have to take this new course until after the 2028-2029 season.

 

5. Gender Identity and Expression Course- HEO Mandatory. Link to course: https://register.hockeycanada.ca/clinics

 

Coaches, are required to complete additional courses dependent on the specific age group and role (Head Coach vs. Assistant Coach).

Refer to the HEO Certification Requirements look-up tool to determine the specific coach courses that are required for your role.

Trainer requirements are dependent on level (house vs. rep) and age group. 

Refer to the HEO Certification Requirements look-up tool to determine the specific trainer level that is required for your age and level.

• Registration for all coach and trainer courses can be accessed here: https://register.hockeycanada.ca/clinics

 

DEADLINES:

VSC, Declaration, Rowan’s Law, Shift Forward & Gender Identity- ASAP, ideally before you hit the ice, but some leeway is granted so long as you can demonstrate that it is in progress.

Trainer Certifications- Oct 31

Coach Certifications- Nov 30

 

EXPENSE CLAIMS:

Will only cover mandatory certifications/courses. You must complete the following three steps in full to receive your reimbursement:

1. Complete the Expense Reimbursement Form AND
2. submit receipts to the treasurer at treasurer@metcalfejets.ca AND
3. provide proof of course completion (certificate or other) to treasurer along with receipts.