In order to ensure the safety of NGHA players, volunteers who interact with players are required to undergo a Level 3 Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) through the Ottawa Police Service. Volunteer positions that require a Level 3 VSC include:
If team treasurers do not interact with players, they only require a Level 1 Criminal Records Check (CRC). However, treasurers typically obtain a Level 3 VSC check in order to ensure full compliance.
Individuals with outstanding Criminal Code convictions or who have been charged with such offences that have not yet gone to trial but which continue to be prosecuted, shall not be eligible to hold any volunteer position with the NGHA.
As required by OWHA, all volunteers must upload their VSC to the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) screening portal. Instructions on how to upload your VSC can be found HERE.
Respect in Sport for Hockey Canada Activity Leaders is a requirement of the NGHA for every volunteer that works players. The cost for this program is $30, of which the NGHA will reimburse $20. A person will need to register as a new user - selecting Nepean GHA as their home association. Submit Respect in Sport results to Certification at NGHA.
Note that the NGHA will also accept completion of the Hockey Canada-approved Speak Out course in lieu of Respect in Sport, upon receipt of the course completion certificate.
Any volunteer for competitive teams that have outstanding screening requirements such as Police Record Checks (VSC or CRC), Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders (or Speakout), or a HTO Trainer’s Certificate, by the deadline will not be permitted to volunteer for that season.
| How often is a VSS/CRC require? |
The Ottawa Police Service will return the completed VSC/CRC directly to the volunteer and this must be uploaded to the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) screening portal. Instructions on how to upload your VSC can be found HERE. |
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What if I have a criminal charge or conviction? | Section 5 of the OWHA Screening Policy sets out the types of offences which deem a volunteer ineligible to participate in any capacity.If a volunteer has a criminal charge or conviction, they must contact the NGHA Vice-President of Operations immediately (NGHAVPOperations@gmail.com) . The Vice-President of Operations will directly oversee confirmation that the volunteer is ineligible to continue in their role, and any follow-up actions required. |
| How do you protect my privacy? |
In an instance where a volunteer has a criminal charge or conviction, the Vice-President of Operations will handle the matter directly with the volunteer (as set out above), and will only interact with the President and Director of Policy, Safety and Risk if necessary in order for the Association to take a final decision on volunteer status. Note that it may also be necessary to consult the OWHA, depending on the nature of the charge(s) or conviction(s). |
These screening requirements are in place to ensure player safety and compliance with the OWHA Screening Policy. If you have questions on the process for obtaining a VSC/CRC,, please contact Certifications (nghacertification@gmail.com). For questions on the NGHA screening process, please contact the Director of Policy, Safety and Risk (NGHApolicy@gmail.com).