Important information and changes for the 2025-26 Season as per OHF Bulletin #25-006

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• 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:

• 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.

• 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
     

• ​ 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.

  • 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.

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New coaches and bench staff must be successfully screened prior to participation in Evaluations or Try-outs
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• 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.
     

• ​​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. 7. 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. o

  • VSCs older than 6 months at the time of submission will NOT be accepted.
     

• ​​ 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 screening@ohf.on.ca.

 

Link to Register: OHF Screening Submission Portal | ONTARIO HOCKEY FEDERATION (spordle.com)

Link to the OHF page for Vulnerable Sector Checks including forms:  Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC)

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