Hockey Canada and Hockey Eastern Ontario have introduced The Shift Forward: Evolving Hockey Culture, a new national education and training program that replaces the previous Respect in Sport program.
The Shift Forward Parent/Guardian Program is designed to help create a positive, safe, respectful, and welcoming hockey environment for players, families, coaches, officials, and volunteers.
Who Needs to Complete the Program?
For the 2026–2027 season, Hockey Eastern Ontario requires the Shift Forward Parent/Guardian Program to be completed by at least one parent or guardian per family for:
- All U7 participants
- All U9 participants
- New HEO-registered players up to U18
The course must be completed before the player’s first regular season session for U7, or before the player’s first regular season game for U9 and older.
Already Completed Respect in Sport?
If you previously completed the Respect in Sport Parent Program, Hockey Canada and HEO will continue to recognize existing Respect in Sport certification during the transition period.
Existing Respect in Sport and Speak Out training will be recognized until the end of the 2027–2028 season. Beginning in the 2028–2029 season, The Shift Forward will be required for all participants who are required to complete this type of training.
Registering for the Parent/Guardian Program
Parents and guardians should register for the Shift Forward Parent/Guardian Program, not the General Program for coaches, officials, and rostered team staff.
When registering, please follow the instructions carefully so the qualification is attached to the correct child’s Hockey Canada Registry profile. Once completed, the qualification will be automatically added to the child’s Hockey Canada Registry profile for the association to verify.
Register here:
Shift Forward Parent/Guardian Program
Course Information
The Parent/Guardian Program is completed online. Hockey Canada’s FAQ lists the estimated completion time for parents and guardians at approximately 89 minutes.
The course is available in both English and French.
For technical issues with course access or registration, please contact Spordle support at hcr@spordle.com.
More Information
For full details, please review Hockey Eastern Ontario’s Shift Forward information and FAQ.