Bench Staff Instructions

Coach and Bench Staff Requirements

FFGWHA is committed to ensuring the selection of quality coaches, with an emphasis on learning hockey, improving hockey skills, and promoting a positive experience in sport for girls. Above and beyond coaching methods, there are OWHA/Hockey Canada requirements for bench staff. 

All individuals intending to serve as bench staff must meet the Ontario Women's Hockey Association (OWHA) certification and registration requirements. These requirements are in place to ensure a safe, respectful, and developmentally appropriate environment for our players.

All bench staff must register with FFGWHA for the season. Go to www.ffghwa.com/registration and proceed with the steps.

Helpful tip: If you don't have an NCCP number go to https://thelocker.coach.ca/ and create one. 

Required Certifications and Training

Each member of the bench staff (head coach, assistant coach, trainer, and team manager) must complete the following qualifications before participating in any on-ice or bench-related activities:

1. Respect in Sport - Activity Leader/Coach Program

• All coaches, managers, and trainers must complete this online certification. 

• Access the course here:
  👉 Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders

• Certification does not expire, you can log in to the link above to obtain your certificate number

2. Coaching Certification

• Bench staff must hold the appropriate level of NCCP coaching certification based on the age division and level of their team.

• To determine what you need and register for a clinic, visit: 
  👉 Coaching Clinics - You can browse the different leagues and find a course available to you. Online ones are available from different organizations throughout the year. Try looking under OWHA, OHF, HNO, etc. 

• If you want to help out, are new to hockey in the lower divisions, and don't have the qualifications please reach out to info@ffgwha.com for guidance. 

4. HTCP (Trainer Certification)

• All teams must have at least one certified trainer on the roster. 

• Trainers must hold a valid Hockey Trainers Certification Program (HTCP) Level 1 or 2.

• Register or renew here:
  👉 HTCP Clinics 

5. Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)

• All team staff must submit a current PVSC, valid for 3 years. to OWHA. When your VSC is not due, the other years you need to submit a criminal declaration form. 

  👉 VSC or Criminal Declaration Form
• The template for the VSC letter can be filled out with your information here. Letter Template 

• Detailed instructions for this process can be found on the OHF link above. The process is tedious and you need to read the instructions and follow the multistep process until complete. 

📌 Important Reminders:

• All requirements must be completed before your first scheduled game. 

• Staff not meeting these requirements will not be permitted on the ice or bench.

• Retain proof of completed certifications for verification purposes.

• Registered coaches are eligible for reimbursements for the courses listed above please email receipts to treasurer@ffgwha.com

For questions or help navigating these requirements, please contact the FFGWHA Registrar