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Answers to questions from conveners
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to questions we regularly get from conveners, as well as information we think might be useful to conveners.
- Where do I find the UMHA rules and regulations?
- What is the new Head Contact Rule?
- How do I run a time clock?
- What certifications do I need as a convener?
- Where do I find a listing of current certification clinics?
- What is the procedure to be reimbursed for my certification expenses?
Coach & Convener Manual
The Coach & Convener Manual is intended to help conveners and coaches in all divisions of the UMHA perform their roles in a consistent manner and with minimal investment in administrative functions. It is also intended to help coaches and other team volunteers understand how the UMHA House League Program is organized to ensure the hockey programs operate to the benefit of the players involved.
Section 5.2.3, Page 31 has been amended by the UMHA Board of Directors as of November 8, 2011 to read as follows:
4. In the Tyke to Juvenile divisions, any player accumulating a total of three minor penalties in one game shall be suspended for the remainder of the game. For the purposes of this section only, any double minor penalty shall be considered one minor penalty.
Download the Coach & Convener Manual.
Head Contact Rule
The new Head Contact Rule was unanimously approved at Hockey Canada̵s 2011 annual general meeting, held in May. The new rule calls for zero tolerance on any head contact in minor hockey and will come into effect immediately for the 2011-2012 season. The rule changes, combined with education, awareness, strong player development and respect for the game, will reduce injuries such as concussions and help to keep the game fun for all.
- OMHA Memo to Members on Head Contact Penalties
- OMHA Head Contact Rule web page
- Hockey Canada Head Contact web page
Clock Instructions
The home team is required to supply a timekeeper and a scorekeeper for each game, unless otherwise advised by the convener. There should be a set of instructions in the timekeeper’s booth beside each time clock.
Download clock instructions for Angus Glen arena.
Certification Requirements
Conveners and assistant conveners must be properly certified. Certification is vital to ensure that players are consistently play hockey safely, enjoy the game, and develop their skills as well as gain a better understanding of the game of hockey. Certification is also important for the UMHA to meet its insurance requirements. The requirements for certification at each level are noted below:
| All divisions (age groups) |
|---|
| Prevention Services Program (PRS) |
| Level 1 Trainer’s Certificate |
| Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) |
Prevention Services Program (PRS)
PRS certification requirements can be met by taking either Speak Out! (PRS) or Respect in Sport (RIS). Speak Out! is a 4-hour clinic delivered in a classroom setting. Clinics are listed on the OMHA website. Respect in Sport (RIS) is an online clinic which is equivalent to Speak Out! and is fully endorsed by Hockey Canada. You only have to take a PRS clinic once. PRS certification does not expire.
Get more information on how to complete a PRS clinic.
Hockey Trainer Certification Program (HTCP)
The HTCP is a risk management and safety education program for the volunteer hockey trainer. The ultimate goal of the program is to have all hockey trainers implement effective risk management on their own teams, where safety is the first priority at all times, both on and off the ice. The HTCP clinic is designed to educate people in the prevention, recognition and treatment of hockey related injuries. HTCP Level I clinic is a seven and a half hour classroom clinic.
NEW! HTCP Level 1 and Level 1 Refresher are now available as an online e-learning course through the Hockey Development Centre of Ontario. Please see the memo from the OMHA regarding the new online Trainer’s Certification course for details.
Get more information on how to obtain your trainer certification.
Vulnerable Sector Screening
The UMHA requires a clear Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) be filed when someone volunteers for the first time and every four years thereafter. No VSS submitted may be dated more than four months prior to submitting to the UMHA. For more information on the Vulnerable Sector Screening process, visit the York Regional Police website.
In order to expedite the process of obtaining a VSS, the applicant may request a letter from the UMHA which confirms that the applicant is a volunteer with the UMHA. The letter will allow the YRP to waive the extra fee should you need to be fingerprinted because your date of birth matches someone in the RCMP database. To obtain a letter, please send an email to info@umhahockey.org with your full name, full address including postal code, and date of birth. Please allow a minimum of one week for processing.
Download the YRP VSS application form.
Certification and Screening Refund
The UMHA will provide 100% refund of certification fees for those individuals who are volunteering in our house league program. Individuals who are only volunteering in the Select Program should seek reimbursement from their team.
For all volunteers in our House League or Select program, original Vulnerable Sector Screening forms must be submitted to the UMHA. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Find out how to obtain a refund and download the application for refund form.
