OHF Screening Process for 2025-26 Season, News, Under 18 AAA, REP (Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario)

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Organization | Mar 06, 2025 | OHF | 525 views
OHF Screening Process for 2025-26 Season
For the 2025-26 hockey season, the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) will continue to manage Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSCs) for everyone involved in OHF hockey activities, including coaches, team officials, on-ice officials, and anyone working with children in hockey (like skill coaches and dressing room supervisors).

Key Points:

  1. Who Needs a VSC?
    • Anyone involved with OHF hockey (coaches, officials, volunteers, third party instructors etc.) who works with children must undergo the screening process.
    • Those under 18 don’t need a VSC.

  2. VSC Submission Process:
    • VSCs are valid for 3 years.
    • Declaration forms must be submitted annually.
    • A new VSC is required in year 4.

Year 1 – submit a Vulnerable Sector Check and OHF Screening Declaration Form.
Year 2 – submit an OHF Screening Declaration Form.
Year 3 – submit an OHF Screening Declaration Form
Year 4 – submit a Vulnerable Sector Check and OHF Screening Declaration Form.
Year 5 – submit an OHF Screening Declaration Form.
Year 6 – submit an OHF Screening Declaration Form
Year 7  – submit a Vulnerable Sector Check and OHF Screening Declaration Form.
Year 8 – Cycle continues

  1. Important Changes:
    • Starting in 2025, you’ll submit your screening directly through the OHF portal—no need to go through the HCR.
    • The OHF screening portal will open April 1, 2025 for the 2025-26 season.

  2. Spring Evaluations:
    • If you’re a returning bench staff member or official from the 2024-25 season, who received a successful screening, you are eligible to participate in 2025-26 Spring Player Evaluations between April 19, 2025 and May 31, 2025. New coaches must be successfully screened prior to participation.
  1. For Returning Individuals with Older VSCs (2022 or earlier):
    • If you have a VSC from 2022, it will expire on May 31, 2025. You will be required to submit a new VSC and complete the online declaration form.

  2. For Returning Individuals with Valid VSCs:
    • If you have successful screening with a VSC from 2023 or 2024 you will be required to complete the online declaration form through the OHF submission portal.

  3. New Coaches, Officials, and Instructors (2025-26 season):
    • If you have a clear VSC that was provided by your Police Service within the last 6 months, submit both your VSC and complete the online declaration form through the OHF portal.
    • VSCs older than 6 months at the time of submission will NOT be accepted.

  4. Important Dates:
    • The OHF screening portal will open April 1, 2025 for the 2025-26 season.
    • The OHF will NOT accept VSC receipts between April 1, 2025 and July 30, 2025; only a clear VSC will be accepted during this time. Please ensure you request your VSC as early as possible to avoid delays, as police services may take up to 8 weeks to process your application, or longer. 

If you have any questions, reach out to the OHF at [email protected].

 
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