OHF Player Movement: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Player Movement? 

Player Movement refers to the regulations within the Hockey Canada, OHF and Members that set out the ability of players to transfer between Minor Hockey Associations or teams. This ensures players can find the right level of competition and development opportunities while maintaining fair play, transparency and Minor Hockey Association viability.

Where can I find all the revised OHF Player Regulations, Regulations and By-Laws

Visit the Rules and Regulations web page

Why are there changes to the player movement policies? 

Each year, the OHF and its Members review and update player movement policies to different areas. This specific change is designed to prioritize participants' ability to choose where they play, aligning with their individual needs and approach to enjoying the game within the OHF. These changes are complemented by regulations that support the transition of Minor Hockey Associations from residency-based restrictions in competitive hockey to open borders, while promoting a cultural shift in team selection and managing the growth of competitive teams.

When do the new policies take effect? 

The changes will be implemented for the 2025-2026 season, with regulations coming into effect immediately. The exception to these changes is that rostering and affiliation for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season will continue to follow the Regulations that were in place at the beginning of the 2024-2025 season.  Arrangements, education and updates are already underway to ensure a smooth transition.

Will the new player movement and affiliation structure apply universally, or will adjustments be made depending on individual association needs?
The player movement will apply universally.  Associations can restrict their enrollment to players from a geographic area but can not limit the choice of players internal to their traditional boundaries from leaving.  

What ages and levels are affected by the changes?
The OHF has only had restrictions of player movement at competitive levels (AAA, AA, A, B etc.).  There is no change for house league hockey, the changes are for competitive levels at U10 to U18.

How does the tryout process work under the new policies?
There will be three player evaluation windows of seven (7) days each AAA, AA and A and below.  Players may try out for multiple teams at the same time and when a player accepts a registration offer they must stop attending player evaluations.

Can my child try out for teams outside our local Minor Hockey Association? 

Yes, players can attend tryouts at different Associations. Associations can establish internal restrictions on the players that can attend programming from outside but cannot restrict a player from leaving.

What is being done to prevent tampering or player recruitment? 

Strict rules are in place for the announcing of coaches, including penalties for coaches and Associations involved in tampering or recruitment.  These measures are a change in culture and will be strictly enforced.  These changes include a need for parents to change their internal expectations of confirming teams prior to player evaluations.

When will coaching announcements be made? 

Associations will be able to announce their coaching staffs for the next season on February 15.

What happens if my Minor Hockey Association folds a team for the season? 

The OHF and Members will work to support Associations to operate teams that are formed. If a team is folded players will have the opportunity to join other teams.

Can parents contact coaches about joining their team before official evaluations?
In short, no. However, we recognize that this may still occur, as cultural shifts take time. It is the coach’s responsibility to direct parents to the Association's website for program information and encourage them to attend player evaluations if the program is a good fit. Any response that suggests interest or encourages participation on a specific team would be considered tampering or player recruitment. If such actions are identified, they will be addressed accordingly.

How will it be kept fair for smaller centers vs larger centres? Larger centers will receive more player interest and will have a bigger talent pool resulting in better teams.

The Moratorium provides a period for all Associations to adapt.  Although, the perception is that larger Associations will receive more player interest, the nimble ability of smaller associations to establish first class programming, a consistent schedule, better value for money, better ice times etc. may be reasons why players may wish to participate outside the larger centres or stay close to home.

What are the benefits to the Associations?
With the right mindset, this presents an opportunity for well-run Associations to promote their programming and highlight the benefits to their participants. Additionally, it allows Associations to embrace cultural change and collaborate with neighboring Associations to deliver programming more effectively. Open and
transparent communication between Associations will be essential to achieving a customer-focused approach.

What are the consequences of tampering?
Consequences include ineligibility of the player to participate with the Association, coach suspensions up to three years, and fines for Minor Hockey Associations. Severe and continuous violations by Associations may lead to loss of privileges such as attending and hosting championships or tournaments.

Are there restrictions on coaches moving between Minor Hockey Associations?
Coaches may move freely between Associations except for a coach moving laterally in the same season or to a higher age division that will include the same birth year of players the following season. In those situations, they require permission from the Association they are coaching with or coached with the previous season.

What support is available for smaller Minor Hockey Associations?
The Moratorium on adding of teams allows for Minor Hockey Associations to work with their Member and OHF to transition their programming to compete openly. Smaller Minor Hockey Associations through proper planning will have the ability to promote their program structure and the benefits to players. Through proper
promotion and programming, they will entice the majority of players to develop close to home.

Can associations add BB teams next season? Can you clarify number of teams for 2025-26? We will have local kids pushed down levels? Are we able to add BB teams for next season if we don’t have them now?
No Associations will not be able to add BB teams or any other competitive teams. There will be an established number of teams for the 2025-2026 season based on the teams operating in 2024-2025. As an Association that may have players displaced it is important to work with neighbouring Associations to identify
opportunities for those players.

I understand the end customer is the player/parent but the associations are important customers too. Associations bring in the players but we play under the Member's roof.
Associations are key stakeholders in the delivery of Minor Hockey. This change will impact Associations models of operation but through the support of the Members and OHF and the protection of the Moratorium all Associations will have opportunity to survive, thrive and to continue to be key stakeholders in delivery. The
OHF does recognize that Associations that choose not to adapt may be negatively impacted and our goal is to
minimize those situations.

How will associations manage player movement if a coach leaves sanctioned hockey to coach non-sanctioned hockey and then returns?
Coaches that are announced or are part of non-sanctioned hockey and come back to sanctioned programming will need to be compliant with the OHF regulations. The OHF does not restrict individuals from choosing another option other then the OHF. If they choose to come back they need to comply with our
regulations upon their return.

Will associations be allowed to maintain multiple teams at the same level during the transition, or will they be limited to just one team per level by 2026?
The Moratorium will establish the team allotment based on the 2024-2025 numbers.

What ages and levels are affected by the changes?
The OHF has only had restrictions of player movement at competitive levels (AAA, AA, A, B etc.).  There is no change for house league hockey, the changes are for competitive levels at U10 to U18.

How does the tryout process work under the new policies?
There will be three player evaluation windows of seven (7) days each AAA, AA and A and below.  Players may try out for multiple teams at the same time and when a player accepts a registration offer they must stop attending player evaluations.

Can my child try out for teams outside our local Minor Hockey Association? 

Yes, players can attend tryouts at different Associations. Associations can establish internal restrictions on the players that can attend programming from outside but cannot restrict a player from leaving.

What is being done to prevent tampering or player recruitment? 

Strict rules are in place for the announcing of coaches, including penalties for coaches and Associations involved in tampering or recruitment.  These measures are a change in culture and will be strictly enforced.  These changes include a need for parents to change their internal expectations of confirming teams prior to player evaluations.

When will coaching announcements be made? 

Associations will be able to announce their coaching staffs for the next season on February 15.

What happens if my Minor Hockey Association folds a team for the season? 

The OHF and Members will work to support Associations to operate teams that are formed. If a team is folded players will have the opportunity to join other teams.

Can parents contact coaches about joining their team before official evaluations?
In short, no. However, we recognize that this may still occur, as cultural shifts take time. It is the coach’s responsibility to direct parents to the Association's website for program information and encourage them to attend player evaluations if the program is a good fit. Any response that suggests interest or encourages participation on a specific team would be considered tampering or player recruitment. If such actions are identified, they will be addressed accordingly.

How will it be kept fair for smaller centers vs larger centres? Larger centers will receive more player interest and will have a bigger talent pool resulting in better teams.

The Moratorium provides a period for all Associations to adapt.  Although, the perception is that larger Associations will receive more player interest, the nimble ability of smaller associations to establish first class programming, a consistent schedule, better value for money, better ice times etc. may be reasons why players may wish to participate outside the larger centres or stay close to home.

How can I help support my local Minor Hockey Association? 

Volunteers are the backbone of community hockey. Whether assisting with events, coaching, or administrative tasks, your involvement makes a difference. Reach out to your Minor Hockey Association to explore opportunities.

What measures are in place to reduce volunteer workload? 

We are streamlining processes, providing training resources, and introducing tools to help Minor Hockey Associations manage changes more efficiently.

Many programs rely on volunteers, and the proposed changes may increase the workload to the point where volunteers could leave, which would harm the local programs.

The OHF and Members recognize the importance of volunteers and are preparing tools and practices to modify the workload and focus of workload that is required at the Association level.  As adaptations are made, we continue to look to work with Associations on how they can best be supported within the new framework of programming.

A large concern is this will impact getting volunteers to coach/having enough coaches.

Through utilizing standard operating procedures, job descriptions and implementing greater consistency for the volunteer there is the ability to increase your volunteer base.  The concept of the traditional coach may have to adapt.

Who can I contact for more information?  How can I share my feedback or concerns? 

We value your input! Use the feedback form on our website to voice your concerns and ask questions.