Hockey Canada and its branches have decided to enhance the safety and enjoyment of the game of hockey for its participants by introducing an on-line "Respect in Sport" program specifically for parents. This program empowers parents to ensure their child’s safety, encourages positive and effective communication, and creates a standard of respectful behavior for all parents of active participants. This program reinforces a parent’s role by encouraging positive behavior and providing insight into the roles that others play, such as coaches and on-ice officials.

The second key aspect of the program is to help parents understand their role as “empowered bystanders”. The program encourages parents to speak up as a group to remind an individual when their behavior is unacceptable and help improve the environment for one and all.

Effective the 2015/2016 season, at least one parent or guardian from each household of a participant at the U7 and U9 levels, regardless whether first, second or third year of participation, and those parents or guardians of new registrants up to U18 level, must take the on-line “Respect in Sport Parent Program”. The parent/guardian from each household must have taken the online course before the participant begins his/her first regular season session for U7 participants and first regular game for U9 and above.

The course takes one hour to complete. 

To learn more about the Respect in Sport Parent Program, click here https://www.respectgroupinc.com/respect-in-sport/#parent-program