RESPECT IN HOCKEY OMHA Implementation Plan
At the 2013 Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s Annual General Meeting, the OMHA Board of Directors announced the OMHA will move to become a complete ‘Respect’ integrated association effective the 2014-2015 season. Initial response from all stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive and supportive.
The ‘Respect in Hockey’ initiative will require all Team Officials, On-ice Volunteers, On-Ice Officials
and
Parents to take the appropriate ‘Respect’ education. At least one parent or guardian of each player
registered in minor hockey in the OMHA will be required to complete the Respect in Sport - Parent
Program as a condition of participation. The one-hour online course is a proactive, educational program
that empowers parents with the tools to ensure the game is enjoyable and respectful for themselves, their
children and all other stakeholders in the game.
Team Officials, On-ice Officials and On-ice volunteers will be required to complete the online Respect in
Sport - Activity Leader Program or in-class Speak Out! certification.
These programs encourage positive behaviour, effective communication, and provide valuable tools
which can only enhance the enjoyment of our game for all stakeholders
MANDATE
The Respect Group Inc. “Activity Leader” and “Parent Program” shall be completed by all Team
Officials, Officials, and at least one parent/guardian of all registered players as described below.
Full implementation by
August 31, 2014 will foster and develop a culture of mutual respect in
the OMHA and serve as an effective risk management tool as well as contributing to the overall
safety and enjoyment of the game by all participants. A platform of proactive education for each
of the stakeholders that have a direct impact on the youth in our game, (Parents, Coaches, and
Officials) represents a key step towards achieving our vision.
All registered OMHA Team Officials must be certified in the Respect in Sport “Activity
Leader/Coach” program or the equivalent “Speak Out” program certification. This is currently in
place per OMHA Regulation 6.1 d) v):
All team officials must have Speak Out or Respect in Sport, in addition to all other
Certification appropriate to their position.
All individuals identified in the Role of ‘On-Ice Volunteer’ (Age 16 and above) must be certified
in the Respect in Sport “Activity Leader/Coach” program or the equivalent “Speak Out” program
certification.
Completion of the Respect in Sport “Parent Program” for at least one parent/guardian of each
family of every registered player (under the age of 18) shall be a condition of their eligibility for
participation.
All HCOP Officials (Referee & Linesman) (Age 16 and above) must be certified in the Respect
in Sport “Activity Leader/Coach” program or the equivalent “Speak Out” program certification as
a condition of their eligibility to officiate.
Rationale:
• OMHA will show leadership ensuring all stakeholders; Team Officials, Game Officials and
parents have received education, and a consistent message.
• Reward for progressive organizational growth and improvement of the experience for our
membership versus risk of very limited negative repercussions.
• Ability for timely information to be added annually including high priority topics including
Concussion Awareness, Return to Play Guidelines, New Head Contact Rule, Long-Term
Player Development (LTPD).
• It is a child protection tool that reduces liability and delivers on the OMHA’s responsibility for
‘duty of care’.
• Emphasis that it is a positive program to make good parents better. Not a reaction to media
reports or a tool for discipline.
• An opportunity to empower all of the good parents in the organization.
• A program provided by Hockey for the greater good of all parents in the wider community.
• A significant recruitment and retention tool.
• A strong step toward the long-term goal of social and culture change.
SUMMARY
AT LEAST ONE PARENT MUST COMPLETE THE RESPECT IN SPORT PARENT COURSE PRIOR TO AUGUST 2014,
LET's GET STARTED NOW, TO AVOID DELAYS IN REGISTRATION.
MemoReRespectImplementationGuideNovember222013
OMHARespectIntegrationImplementationNovember2013
Click here to go to the online course.
https://omhahockeyparent.respectgroupinc.com/secure/
Any questions please contact
Vonnie Crawford