FOR ALL STORM VOLUNTEERS: NEW ONTARIO WOMEN'S HOCKEY PROCESS
The process for Vulnerable Sector Checks will be centralized by OWHA for all Storm Team Staff for the 2024-2025 season to:
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Ensure all screening is being done.
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Reduce the number of screenings where individuals are changing and/or participating in multiple Associations.
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Provide a safe hockey environment. Eligibility to Coach. It is imperative for all Team Staff to ensure that their Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) is completed to be eligible as a Team Staff on an OWHA team, and to participate in programs both on and off the ice. This includes having a valid Vulnerable Sector Check on file. The following individuals who are associated with the OWHA must adhere to the OWHA Screening Policy:
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Team Staff including head coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, assistant trainers,
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managers, staff, skills coaches, dressing room monitors and third-party skills coaches.
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Rosters will not be approved until VSCs are submitted via OWHA's new screening process.
OWHA memo on VSC Requirements (link)
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR VSC DOCUMENT TO OWHA (link)
ALL VSC DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED AND VERIFIED THROUGH THE OWHA's SCREENING SUBMISSION PORTAL. This is in addition to submitting a criminal record check (for returning volunteers) to KDMHA.
Note: If you submitted your VSC to KDMHA last season, you can use this one instead of requesting a new one. If you do not have a copy of it, please send a request to KDMHA Risk & Safety for a copy. Also, should you be waiting for a new VSC to be returned from the OPP or your local police department, the receipt showing submission can be uploaded as well.
Police Record Checks
All volunteers (coaches, assistant coaches, managers, trainers, on-ice helpers, dressing room monitors, and executive) require volunteer screening annually.
For volunteers living outside of the City of Ottawa, this screening is provided by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and involves two steps:
Step 1 (OPP):
1. Visit https://www.opp.ca/index.php?id=147 and complete steps 1 to 3
2. Select "Apply for a Record Check"
3. Complete the preliminary questionnaire and select applicable service offering
- Returning KDMHA Volunteers from 23/24 Season require Criminal Record Level 2
- NEW KDMHA Volunteers (or did not volunteer last season) require Vulnerable Sector Check
4. When prompted, complete remainder of the questionnaire, ensuring all sections are filled completely and accurately
5. Upon completion of the questionnaire, volunteers will be required to provide the following:
i.
KDMHA Volunteer/Police Check Cover Letter You MUST Download and fill in your NAME and select Bench Position before you attach to application
SAVE and upload an electronic version of your completed form to your police record check application when prompted
6. When all applicable information and documentation has been provided, hit "submit" and retain your confirmation code (a confirmation email will be sent to the email address provided)
Step 2 (KDMHA):
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For volunteers living inside of the City of Ottawa, this screening is provided by the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) and involves two steps:
Step 1 (OPS):
1. Visit https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/contact-us/Police-Record-Checks.aspx and select "Apply Now"
2. If you have an account, select "Login." If you do not have a pre-existing account, select "Create Account."
3. After entering your login credentials, enter the Login Code that will be sent to the email address associated with your login credentials.
4. When prompted, select the applicable service offering
- Returning KDMHA Volunteers from 23/24 Season require Criminal Record Level 2
- NEW KDMHA Volunteers (or did not volunteer last season) require Vulnerable Sector Check
5. When prompted, complete the questionnaire, ensuring all sections are filled completely and accurately
5. During the application process, volunteers will be required to provide the following:
i. KDMHA Volunteer/Police Check Cover Letter You MUST Download and fill in your NAME and select Bench Position before you attach to application
(PDF fillable - download, use Adobe Reader on Windows/Mac)
SAVE and upload an electronic version of your completed form to your police record check application when prompted
6. When all applicable information and documentation has been provided, hit "submit" and retain your confirmation code (a confirmation email will be sent to the email address provided)
Step 2 (KDMHA):
KDMHA Rosters will NOT be approved without ALL Bench Staff having their completed Police Records Checks. Those without the handed-in Police Records Check or required certified courses will be removed off the list of bench staff and not able to participate, either on- or off-ice, until they are completed. If they are not submitted by the October 31st roster deadline (UCMHL late roster fine ($150/team) will be charged to any team(s) who do not have an approved roster by the due date), they will not be permitted on the roster after this date without KDMHA President approval.
Get your Police Records Checks done early for the upcoming season!
Code of Conducts (updated April 2024)
Concussions
Royals (HEO)
Storm (OWHA)
Other Resources:
Government of Ontario Concussion Awareness Resource E-Booklet
This e-booklet will help you learn more about concussions so you can keep yourself and others active and safe — whether you’re an athlete, student, parent, coach, official or educator.
You can download and print a copy for reference.
Ages 10 and Under
Ages 11-14
Ages 15 and Up
Hockey Canada - Facts and Prevention
CHEO – Concussions in Hockey
OWHA Safety Resources
Hockey Canada Insurance Booklet
Gender Diversity
Injury Reporting and Return to Play
Return to Play Policies
Injury Reports FAQ
Royals: HEO/Hockey Canada Injury Report Form
Storm: OWHA/Hockey Canada Injury Report Form
HTCP Medical Info Sheet
HTCP Return to Play Form
Dressing Room Safety and Conduct
OWHA Two Deep Policy
Ontario Dressing Room Policy
Dressing Room Room FAQs
Portable Digital Devises Policy
OWHA Camera Phones & PDA's Facility Alert (from OWHA Member Handbook)
Bullying, Abuse, Harassment, Fair Play
HEO 6.3 Maltreatment, Bullying and Harassment Protection and Prevention Policy (January 2022)
Hockey Canada "Safety Requires Teamwork & Safety for All"
Spectator Zero Abuse Policy
Bullying
Cyberbullying
Examples of Cyberbullying for Kids, Teens and Adults
Steps to Prevention
OWHA Harassment, Abuse, Bullying and Misconduct Policy
OWHA Inclusion Policy
HEO Social Media Guidelines