Important
information regarding Non-Sanctioned Leagues
In recent weeks, it has come to our attention that there has
been talk about a new league, what Hockey Canada defines as, a non-sanctioned league, the Ontario Rep Hockey League (ORHL), which operates outside of the
auspices of both Hockey Canada and USA Hockey. They are offering the lure of
“rep” hockey, beginning next season.
We
believe that it is important to educate our membership and the public about
these organizations and leagues.
On September 21, 2019, OHF (Ontario Hockey Federation) issued a revised brief on Non-Sanctioned Leagues Operating outside the Auspices of Hockey Canada Programming. The ORHL is affiliated with the AAU, which is a US-based organization.
You may find the complete memorandum here: OHF Bulletin
The following are some excerpts from this brief:
“ As the governing body of amateur hockey in Canada, Hockey Canada is committed to offering the best development programs in the world. Hockey Canada and our Members have invested significant resources in the development of officials, coaches, administrators and players countrywide. We have a committed strategy toward a cohesive, long-term athlete development model and we feel our programs are second to none in sport.
The Ontario Hockey Federation respects the right of every individual to choose between participating in a Hockey Canada sanctioned league or a Non-Sanctioned League at the beginning of each hockey season. Every individual who makes the choice to participate in a Non-Sanctioned League, however, must understand the ramifications of that choice, as described in greater detail in Section III of this policy.
Sanctions:
1) Any individual who participates (knowingly or otherwise) in “non-sanctioned” programs after September 30 of the season in question (“the Cut-Off Date”) will lose all membership privileges with Hockey Canada for the remainder of that season, and may only reapply for membership with Hockey Canada after the end of that season…If a participant makes the choice to participate in these “non-sanctioned” programs, they must understand the ramifications of that choice and that the sanctions described in this paragraph will remain in effect even if the league or team folds, or the individual is released, suspended or fired.
The Erin-Hillsburgh Minor Hockey Association (EHMHA) is a not-for-profit organization. It is one (1) of approximately two hundred and fifty (250) active member minor hockey associations of the OMHA, which was founded in 1935. Over the years, we have seen these types of non-sanctioned organizations and leagues come and go. We encourage anyone who is considering participating in them to ask the following questions, among others:
Cost – Each player’s basic registration fee for our rep teams for the 2019-2020 season is on average $1,200.00. It is payable regardless of whether the player’s parent is a coach, manager, trainer or executive member. We do not offer discounts, other than to families registering three (3) or more children, or barter or trade coaching, managing or training services in exchange for registration fees. We operate on a not-for-profit basis.
Competition – Our BB teams compete in the Tri-County Minor Hockey League (TCMHL), which was founded in 1957. The TCMHL operates under the auspices of Hockey Canada and the OMHA. In fact, the vast majority of minor hockey players in Canada play under the Hockey Canada umbrella. As indicated in Hockey Canada’s bulletin, the teams who make up non-sanctioned leagues operate as they do because they do not agree with the existing overall vision of Hockey Canada. They comprise the vast minority of hockey players in Canada. They cannot participate in any Hockey Canada/Branch/CHL sanctioned tournament or event, including exhibition, league, tournament and playoff games, and are subject to sanctions when they return to the Hockey Canada fold.
Game and practice times and locations – Minor hockey associations that operate under the auspices of Hockey Canada, as they are their local municipalities’ largest consumers of ice time, for the most part, often get priority, when it comes to game and practice times and locations. Non-sanctioned organizations and leagues are often left with less than ideal times and locations.
Coach, manager and trainer certifications – All of our coaches, managers and trainers are certified and approved by Hockey Canada. Police checks are required.
Insurance – Hockey Canada has a proven, reliable insurance system from which our players benefit.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns with respect to the above, please do not hesitate to contact us: [email protected]
EHMHA Executive