All 2026-2027 season, Team Staff must complete the requirements listed below. Staff can complete them in any order but they must be completed in order to be rostered.
1. Register in RAMP (required every season)
All staff and board members must be registered in RAMP to be placed on a roster and insured by the OWHA. To register in RAMP, click on the link below, log in, then select the Register | Coach/Staff Registration option from the left menus:
A staff member may have to create an account if their profile doesn't already exist. Once a staff member registers, AAGHA is automatically notified of the registration. Staff only have to register in RAMP once per season, even if they plan to be rostered on multiple teams or serve in multiple roles.
If you have previously registered with another association (or for boys hockey), you may not be able to complete this registration. If so, email the OWHA (registrar@owha.on.ca) to have them switch it on their end.
You will receive an email Registration Confirmation once you have registered in RAMP. It should list your certifications. PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO ME.
2. Create a Spordle Account and link your Hockey Canada ID (HCR#) (one-time only)
Your staff Spordle account will be linked to the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR) and will contain a listing of all courses and certifications you have completed.
Login or Sign Up here: https://myaccount.spordle.com/login
Link your HCR# to your Spordle Account
- From your account dashboard, under My Members, click Link a Member.
- Search using the memberās name and date of birth, or enter their Hockey Canada ID (HCR#).
- Click Search. Confirm the correct member profile, then click Link this member.
3. Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) and Screening Declaration
All team staff must upload a valid Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) every 3 years and must complete the OHF Declaration every year via the OHF Submission Portal.
If you need a new VSC, apply online through the Hamilton Police Service (or your local police service).
- Go to: https://hamiltonpolice.on.ca/how-to/get-background-check
- Click Apply Online.
- Select Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Complete the application, verify your identification and pay the required fee. Send me your receipt.
VSCās are reviewed and approved by the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF).
The portal and additional instructions can be accessed via this link:Ā Online Submission Portal
Note that aĀ VSCĀ must be saved as a PDF to submit to the screening portal. AĀ VSCĀ receipt can be uploaded and approved by the OHF in lieu of the actualĀ VSC. Once theĀ VSCĀ is received, it will need to be uploaded, as well.
Once submitted, an email will automatically be sent to the submitter by the OHF to confirm that it was received, then approved or deemed incomplete. When deemed incomplete, the email will describe the issue or what is still required. If you have any questions, please reach out to the OWHA atĀ privacyowha@owha.on.ca.
You will receive an email OHF Screening confirmation with a green box showing that Your Screening has been APPROVED. PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO ME.
4. Complete the REQUIRED Online Courses
a) The Shift Forward Program (or Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders)
As of the 2026-2027 season, allĀ staff must complete The Shift Forward Program for Coach/Team Official and On-Ice Officials or have previously completed the Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders (grandfathered until August 31, 2028) as mandated by the OHF and OWHA.
b) Gender Identity and Expression (one time only)
This is a one-time clinic.
c) TRAINERS Only - Level 1 Hockey Canada Safety Program (HCSP) or HTCP Level 1
As of this year, the Level 1 Hockey Canada Safety Program (HCSP) replaces the HTCP Level 1 certification. All trainers and assistantĀ trainers must now have one of these certifications.
Trainers with a current valid HTCP Level 1 certification do not need to take the HCSP course until their HTCP certification expires.
The HCSP certification is good for 3 years and expires on August 31st of the third year. There is no actual certificate upon completion of the course.
The link to register in Spordle can be found here:Ā Hockey Canada Safety Program - Level 1
5. Additional Certifications
For reference: OWHA Team Staff Qualification Requirements 2026-27
Head Coaches:
Competitive (Rep) Head Coaches typically are required to either be Development 1 - Certified or High Performance 1 - Certified (U15AA, U18AA, U22AA). House league coaches are required to have taken the Coach 2 training.
Assistant Coaches and Practice Assistants:
There are NO additional required courses for Assistant Coaches. However, for Competitive (Rep) coaches it is recommended that they be Development 1 - Trained. House league coaches are recommended to have taken the Coach 2 training.
For coaches needing to register for a coaching clinic, please click on the following link to access the available coaching clinics and courses: Ā OWHA COACHING CLINICS