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Updated:  September 8, 2025
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The Deadline for Coach Certifications is December 1, 2025

Coach Reimbursements 

Certification Requirements

All SMHA Volunteers and Coaches must obtain certifications as per Hockey Nova Scotia and Hockey Canada.

Please note that as per Hockey Nova Scotia, the "Respect in Sport: Activity Leader" course is no longer required for new coaches and volunteers in 2025. It has been replaced by a new course called "The Shift Forward", linked on the Hockey Nova Scotia certifications page below. Those with Respect in Sport: Activity Leader do not need to take The Shift Forward as they are being considered equivalent.

Each required course is linked on the Hockey Nova Scotia's Volunteer Requirements Page .

• Certification Requirements must be completed by December 1, 2025.
• Hockey Nova Scotia will remove coaches from Official HCR Rosters if Certification Requirements are not completed by December 1, 2025.
• This may impact the team's ability to practice and participate in Games & Tournaments.

Checking Your Own HCR Profile 

SMHA Volunteers and Coaches are responsible for logging into the Hockey Canada Registry (aka HCR 3.0) to check the status of their own credentials and any additional requirements for the upcoming season.

Criminal Record Checks

It is very important that you use THIS LINK (https://www.backcheck.net/hockeynovascotia/) for your Criminal Record Check. This link covers the cost of the Criminal Record Check, and makes your results visible to Sackville Minor Hockey Association. Select "Sackville MHA" from the drop-down list. It is also important to watch for a reply from Halifax Regional Police containing your Serial Number. Your Serial Number must be copied and pasted into your MyBackCheck account to share your Criminal Record Check results with Sackville Minor Hockey. 

If for any reason a volunteer's Criminal Record Check requires fingerprinting, it can take quite a long time to process. Backlogs with the system can also occur near the the December 1st deadline. Please do not delay starting this step.

• If you don't receive an email from Halifax Regional Police, you can call them at 902-490-1329.
• If you receive a reply indicating you require fingerprinting, please reach out to Craig Foley at RiskManagement@FlyersHockey.ca. We will provide you with a Fingerprint Request letter, and you will need to bring that to Halifax Police Headquarters at 1975 Gottingen St.
  • Click Here for a letter from Hockey Nova Scotia requesting the Fingerprint Fee be reduced or waived.
• After all is completed, you should receive an email from Halifax Regional Police stating the Criminal Record Check is completed.

Respect in Sport: Parent Course

Respect in Sport: Parent Course

At least one parent per Minor Hockey Family must complete this course. The course costs $12, and the certification does not expire.

There is no Pre-Registration Code for the Parent Course; It is paid for by the family.

Craig Foley
Director, Risk Management
RiskManagement@FlyersHockey.ca