RESPECT IN HOCKEY OMHA Implementation Plan, News (TCDMHA)

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Aug 13, 2014 | Vonnie Crawford | 5638 views
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

 
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