OHF Player Movement: Frequently Asked Questions

What is 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.

How can I stay updated on player movement policies and changes?

Visit our website regularly for updates. Follow us on social media for real-time announcements and information.

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 regulations 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 limit the choice of players internal to their traditional boundaries from leaving. Please see the section on Affiliation FAQ’s for more information on Affiliation.

What ages and levels are affected by the changes?

The OHF has only had restrictions for 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.

Different regions have varying needs and challenges (e.g., ice availability in some areas is limited), so a one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective.  What is the OHF doing for those regional differences?

The rollout is planned to be universal in its approach.  However, Associations can work collectively with each other to create address regional differences and deliver to the Player.  The OHF and Members are available to support, review and share best practices from other Associations.

Will OHF team fees increase this year to compensate for added staff needs? When will the membership schedule be released?

There is no change in the OHF fees for the 2025-2026 season.

Are there policies to address benefits or financial incentives offered to players by teams, such as waiving registration fees?

Minor hockey is amateur sport, therefore paying of participants is not allowed. There are methods for providing financial support to participants who require that support. In cases where the assistance is being provided in a manner that is contrary to the code of conduct those actions would be addressed through a violation of the code of conduct.

Are all levels (AAA, AA, A, BB, B, Select, etc.) included in the new rules?

Yes.

Are there Imports that still exist?

No, imports will not exist within the OHF.

What is the ability and process for a player to register in another Association up an age division?

Associations must have a policy in place for evaluating a younger player to participate on a team in an older age division.

Do the Player Movement changes affect women and girls hockey of the Ontario Women's Hockey Association (OWHA)? 

The Player Movement changes adopted by the OHF do not apply to the OWHA.  For the purpose of Player Movement regulations in the OWHA, please refer to the OWHA website

Do the Player Movement changes affect the Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) or Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO)?

The Player Movement changes currently apply exclusively to the Ontario Hockey Federation and do not impact Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) or Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO).

How long is the moratorium preventing a center from applying to move up levels (e.g., B to A)?

There is capability to make requests through the Member and then those would be considered by the OHF Board.

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 folds, players will have the opportunity to join other teams.

How will it be kept fair for smaller centers vs larger centers? 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 centers or stay close to home.

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 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 neighboring Associations to identify opportunities for those players.

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 team allotment based on the 2024-2025 numbers.

For example, an organization has a large turnout at tryouts can an Association add a team (i.e., without telling OMHA or OHF) and can an Association selects players, players accept the offers.

Associations will know the number of teams that they have by March 1 and will only be able to offer and accept players for those teams. Teams are not to provide offers beyond the registrations they have available.

If we have interest from coaches, is there a process to add teams beyond what we currently have despite the moratorium?

The Members each have a process to assess additional teams and make requests to the OHF. Associations will need to contact their Member for this.

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 about PTS forms? Are these still relevant?

Permission to Skate Forms still apply for Minor to Junior but there is no permission to skate required within Minor Hockey.

How long does a player have to accept and sign with a team that has offered a spot for them?

Each team, upon offering the opportunity can provide the time allowed for the player to accept the spot. There is no minimum time or maximum time. The responsibility is for the team to be clear in the timing the player has to accept the offer.

Can a coach sign a player after only one tryout?

Players are required to be registered with the Association or Member for player evaluations. This may either be directly with the Association or through the Member. A player is eligible to be offered a spot on the first day of player evaluations.

Are players required to complete three evaluation skates before they can be cut or signed?

There is no requirement to attend three player evaluations before a team makes offers to players. As well, there is no requirement for a player to attend three player evaluations before they can attend another Associations player evaluations. Players during the player evaluation window are eligible to attend as many programs player evaluations.

Player evaluation requirements?

Players should have the opportunity to be fairly evaluated. Associations have a requirement to be transparent to the participants in their player evaluation process.

Once tryouts start, can players register for multiple associations, or is this process offline?

The option to keep player evaluation registration open is up to the Association. There is not a requirement to keep it open, there is also no requirement to close the registration once player evaluations begin.

Can a player skip AA tryouts and go directly to A tryouts within the same center?

Yes, the player has the option to choose the level which they attend player evaluations.

What are the timeframes abilities for offering a player a roster spot?

Categories can only operate player evaluations during their designated timeframe. Once their timeframe is complete, they can still offer players an opportunity to sign if they have spots available. Following the designated timeframe for player evaluations teams can have invitational skates for players that are not registered with a team up to June 30 as part of their team activities.

All players that attend an evaluation after initial player evaluations dates and prior to June 30 must be registered through the Hockey Canada Registry for the player evaluation. Teams may offer a roster spot during July and August but are not able to conduct player evaluation or invitational skates during that period.

Do players need to register in advance for evaluations?

Players need to register for player evaluations in order to attend player evaluations and be offered a spot on a team. Associations have a responsibility to provide clarity on how their evaluation process will proceed  There is no set standard on how an association chooses to operate their evaluation process.

When can we advertise player evaluation dates?

Player evaluations can be advertised beginning February 15 of the current season. Registration for evaluations will open on April 2 of the current season.

Why are tryouts for A, B and BB levels scheduled during the same week?

Within the player evaluation window there is only so much time available where ice is available. Pushing evaluations later would have a greater impact. For those A, B and BB programs that are operating during the same week the Associations have the ability to work collaboratively and with a progression if they see that as a viable option.

Will the registration process for evaluations require a player release from their home center?

Players that are attending player evaluations at U13 and below remain registered until they are released from their previous season team as of 12:00:01am on April 19. Players that are attending player evaluations at u14 and above remain registered until released from their previous season team as of 12:00:01am on April 21. The only exceptions are when a player has an outstanding financial or equipment commitment to an Association that is properly recorded in the HCR (Outstanding Fees). In that case, until the outstanding financial or equipment commitment is cleared up, the player is ineligible to participate in player evaluations.

What happens if a player has outstanding financial or equipment commitments to an Association?

If a player has an outstanding financial or equipment commitment to an Association that is properly recorded in the HCR as (Outstanding Fees), the player is ineligible to participate in player evaluations until the outstanding financial or equipment commitment is settled.

Where do players register if they intend to try out in multiple centers?

Players would register with all Associations they wish to attend player evaluations between April 2 and their attendance at their selected player evaluation dates.

What defines tampering?

Tampering (OHF Playing Regulation H) is the act of directly or indirectly inviting a player to participate in any activity that is leading to consideration of being part of a team they are not registered with (i.e. skates within an Association for a U14 team when the player is U13, or skates with another Association while still registered). Players that are attending player evaluations at U13 and below remain registered until they are released from their previous seasons team as of 12:00:01am on April 19. Players who are attending player evaluations at U14 and above remain registered until released from their previous seasons team as of 12:00:01am on April 21. The only exceptions are when a player has an outstanding financial or equipment commitment to an Association that is properly recorded in the HCR (Outstanding Fees). In that case, until the outstanding financial or equipment commitment is cleared up, the player is ineligible to participate in player evaluations.

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 will assist in 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.

How is tampering policed?

Tampering is policed organically and by reporting of incidents by an Association against another Association or through the production of materials that would indicate that there is a potential of tampering occurring on the balance of probabilities. If there is information pertaining to actions that fit within the definition of tampering, that information may be investigated further. All cases that are lodged by an Association to the OHF will be dealt with through a hearing, as well as, any cases emanating from materials provided to the OHF that may be tampering on the balance of probabilities.

Is there a portal or system to report tampering allegations? Will there be an anonymous link to submit tampering issues?

Tampering allegations will be submitted to tampering@ohf.on.ca. Tampering allegations generally will not be anonymous. In some cases, the information itself will be anonymous.

Will the process for registering players and reporting tampering be standardized across associations?

Yes.

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.

What are the consequences of tampering?

Consequences of tampering 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.

As a leader with a team the expectation is that you inform your parents in your program to respect the season and not to talk to other parents from other programs about next year. That they are an extension of the team and the culture that you are creating about focusing on the experience for this season?

We understand that parents talk and will talk. We are not going to change every single person immediately. However, we ask that, as leaders, we change the culture to focus on the experience of this year and entrench that as best as possible in our teams. The rules will consider the involvement of the coach and the leadership of that coach in working to change the culture.

When can coaches of different categories contact players?

Coaches can contact players on the first day of their category’s player evaluations:

• U13 and below AAA – Saturday, April 19, 2025
• U14 and above AAA – Monday, April 21, 2025
• U13 and below AA – Saturday, April 26, 2025
• U14 and above AA – Monday, April 28, 2025
• U13 and below A and below – Saturday, May 3, 2025
• U14 and above A and below – Monday, May 5, 2025

What are the guidelines for in-season player movement?

In season player movement continues as previously established in that players will require a release to move. Players that are registered to a team may not be communicated with by other teams without the permission of the registered team. Communication without permission would be considered tampering. Understanding that as Associations, we all have the same goal which is to develop players to their greatest potential. At times, it may make sense working between Associations to release a player to a higher Category of play.

Are birthday skates or end-of-season skates considered tampering?

All these skates can be considered tampering when participating outside of the player’s registered team if the invitation to the activity stems from the consideration or intent to offer the player a spot on a team they are not registered for.

Are preparation skates considered tampering?

Preparation skates are allowed when provided by an Association to players that are part of that Association (i.e. Registered team participants including players on AAA Waivers and NRP’s).  However, the rules surrounding preparation skates are that they are only development sessions for players and must be run by individuals that are not coaching the birth year of players they are operating for.  A best practice in operating preparation skates are to make them an open experience to any participant in the Association mixing multiple ages and categories.  Preparation skates are considered part of the current seasons registered Associations programming. 

How should coaches respond to players or parents who inquire about opportunities for the next season?

There is a template provided for an appropriate response to any inquiries to a coach about opportunities for the following season. All questions should be directed back to their Association and their Associations website.().

Is it tampering if a coach communicates their coaching plans after February 15?

A coach through the Association’s website is able to provide their coaching plans (i.e. philosophies, vision, approach etc.) to the broad public. If there is direct communication to players or families regarding their plans on player participation this would be considered tampering.

Are parent-to-parent or player-to-player discussions considered tampering?

Such discussions could be considered tampering if they are directly or indirectly inviting a player to participate in any activity that is leading to consideration of being part of a team they are not registered with (i.e. skates within an Association for a U14 team when the player is U13, or skates with another Association while still registered).

What are the consequences for filing false tampering allegations? Should there be sanctions for parents who make false accusations?

A false tampering allegation will be considered on a spectrum, similar to the finding of tampering. If the allegation is provided in a manner that is contradictory to the OHF Code of Conduct, then there is the ability to address the false accusation through a disciplinary hearing. An unsubstantiated tampering outcome is not necessarily a false allegation.

What process will OHF follow to investigate tampering? Will associations be responsible for conducting investigations and administering discipline?

All tampering allegations and hearings will be submitted to, administered by, and adjudicated by the Ontario Hockey Federation.

Will past tampering cases be investigated, or do rules only apply moving forward?

Tampering regulations have always existed and coaches and Associations should already be aware of these regulations. As of November 13, 2024, prohibitive advertising was launched, and the new tampering sanctions were adopted on December 14, 2024. Panels will have the ability to apply sanctions under the appropriate rules based on timing.

How does a coach with a private business teaching hockey skills avoid accusations of tampering?

Transparency, transparency, transparency. As a private skills business individual, they will have to show that the programming they are running is not connected to or being used directly or indirectly for the consideration of players for a team they are not registered with. A coach in this situation should have a clear and open registration process and should clearly avoid operating programming specifically for players in the birth year they are or intend to coach. Their programming should be open to the public to access. Anytime a private business teaches hockey skills which focuses programming on a specific age group or collective of players in a manner that is not transparent they risk accusations of tampering.

In small communities, workplace discussions, alternate sports teams, and social circles often lead to tampering-like situations. How will these be addressed?

Tampering is the act of directly or indirectly inviting a player to participate in any activity that is leading to consideration of being part of a team they are not registered with (i.e. skates within an Association for a U14 team when the player is U13, or skates with another Association while still registered). If through these mechanisms there is the act of tampering then it may be addressed through a hearing.

When will coaching announcements be made?

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

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.

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 than the OHF. If they choose to come back, they need to comply with our regulations upon their return.

Will coaching restrictions apply to youth girls’ clubs under the same rules as co-ed hockey?

No programming related to girl’s hockey will comply with the OWHA Handbook.

If we can't name coaches until February 15 and can't communicate with them beforehand, how can we compete with other associations to secure quality coaches?

The earliest date for announcing coaches is February 15. The only situation that requires permission is when the coach would be coaching the same birth year. There is nothing that stops an Association from talking with a coach prior to February 15 and or working with the coaches registered Association to gain permission before February 15. February 15 is the allowed public announcement date. Prior to February 15 you can inform a coach they have a team. The coach and the Association cannot inform the team or the public.

What is the process and timeline for coaching releases? How do we verify if a coach has been released?

There is no timeline for a coaching release. A coach may not be offered a team the following year and that does not release the coach to another Association for the same birth year. The best way an receiving Association to verify permission is to directly contact the Association they are registered with. Open communication will create the most positive relationship between Associations.

Do assistant coaches need releases to move to other associations?(coach permission and conditions)?

Yes, any team official who is moving to another Association to participate with the same birth year will require permission from their former Association. This includes all team officials commonly referred to as coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, managers, and coaches at large that are registered to the Association.

 

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.

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 the opportunity to survive, thrive and to continue to be key stakeholders in delivery. The OHF does recognize that Associations who choose not to adapt may be negatively impacted, and our goal is to minimize those situations.

With the OHF's decision to open borders, do we now have the ability to refuse registrations from problem parents or players that we have had within our Association?

Unless the player and or parent have been removed from Hockey Canada programming through a proper hearing process and are deemed ineligible, they are eligible to register. A process of a hearing will occur through the respective Member.

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 the 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.

Is this going to create additional work for registrars, who are already overwhelmed? Could OHF offer subsidies or support for volunteer registrars?

The OHF and the Members will provide support to Associations. We will do this by providing templates and best practices to limit the amount of work that is required by the local registrars. Moving forward there will be changes to the registration process that will allow the registrar to download the processes to coaches through technology.

Can associations charge higher registration fees for non-resident players?

This is a practice that has been implemented by some cities to address the ice subsidies that they provide. As an example municipality “X” requires the Association to charge non-residents $100 more per year which is paid directly to the municipality to equalize the subsidy provided to the taxpayers of the municipality.