OHF Tampering and Prohibited Advertising Allegations


What is Tampering?

Tampering refers to unauthorized contact or recruitment by a representative of a Team within the OHF, either directly or indirectly, of a Registered Participant prior to the first day of Player Evaluations.

A representative of a Team may only contact a Registered Participant after Player Evaluations if they have obtained written permission from the Team for which the Player is registered. This permission must be signed by the designated signing officers of that Team’s Association.

Tampering may include:

  • Direct or indirect communication with a player or their family before the first day of Player Evaluations
  • Offering a spot on a team or promising benefits before Player Evaluations begin
  • Attempting to influence a player’s decision to leave their current Association
  • Encouraging, inviting, organizing or conducting “birthday skates,” skating parties, conditioning camps, refresher programs, practices, scrimmages or skill-development sessions by a Team representative prior to Player Evaluations

More information about tampering can be found under OHF Playing Regulation H1.

 


What You Need to Know Before Submitting a Formal Allegation

The Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) takes tampering and prohibited advertising allegations seriously. This page outlines what may qualify as tampering or prohibited advertising, what to consider before submitting a formal allegation, and what to expect once a complaint has been submitted.

Tampering matters can impact players, families, Teams, Associations and Members. For that reason, the OHF encourages all individuals to review the information below carefully before beginning the formal complaint process.


What is Prohibited Advertising?

Prohibited advertising refers to early or improper promotion of Team Officials, evaluations or player recruitment opportunities before permitted timelines.

  • No Early Team Official Announcements

Associations and Teams cannot share names or contact information for next season’s Team Officials before February 15.

This applies to both public and private communication, outside of notifying the Team Officials themselves and internal staff or board members.

  • Self-Promotion by Team Officials

Team Officials publicly or privately sharing their role before February 15 may be considered tampering or prohibited advertising.

  • No Early Evaluation Advertising

Associations and Teams cannot advertise evaluation dates, times or locations before February 15.

  • “Players Wanted” Restrictions

Minor Hockey Associations and Teams cannot advertise “Players Wanted” until after the 21-day evaluation period has concluded.


Before You Submit a Tampering Allegation

Submitting a tampering allegation starts a formal review process. Before submitting, please understand the following:

  • Your form may be shared with other Members or Associations involved
  • There may be follow-up communication with individuals named in the allegation
  • Submitting a complaint may impact player eligibility, team rosters or Association matters
  • Supporting documents, such as screenshots or emails, are strongly encouraged
  • The allegation may not be withdrawn once a review has begun if the OHF believes the issue raises a significant concern


Protecting Children and Youth

Tampering disputes often involve minor participants. The OHF is committed to protecting the well-being of children and youth throughout this process.

All parties are asked to:

  • Keep youth out of adult conflicts as much as possible
  • Avoid placing emotional, social or competitive pressure on young players
  • Maintain respectful communication at all times


Tampering Process

To see the full Tampering Process and Timelines, please review the process here.


Possible Sanctions

If a hearing panel determines that a tampering or prohibited advertising violation has occurred, the following sanctions will apply for first offences.

Head Coach Suspension

  • Minimum 5 games if not involved
  • Minimum 15 games up to 1 year if involved

Other Involved Individuals

  • Minimum 15 games up to 1 year suspension

Association Fine

  • The offending Association will be fined $5,000

Player Ineligibility

  • The subject Player may not be eligible to sign, or play as an Affiliate Player, with any Team in the Association of the offending Team


Questions Before Submitting?

If you are unsure about the tampering process or whether your situation qualifies, please contact:

tampering@ohf.on.ca

Completed forms and supporting documents can be submitted through the OHF Tampering Allegation Request Form.