The Shift Foward

NEW - The Shift Forward: - 2026/27 Season

Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta are introducing The Shift Forward: Evolving Hockey Culture for the 2026–2027 season.

This new initiative will serve as the official platform for national education and training for Team Officials and Parents/Guardians.

About The Shift Forward

The Shift Forward is an enhanced education program developed through an extensive consultation process and Training Needs Analysis. This work reviewed current national programs and identified ways to better support participants while addressing the key objective of improving behaviors and culture within the game.

The updated platform reflects strong feedback from the hockey community, with a focus on courses that are:

  • Age-appropriate
  • Modern and engaging

  • Relevant to each participant’s role in hockey
  • Progressive throughout an individual’s hockey journey

Course Transition

The Shift Forward courses will replace the previous:

  • Respect in Sport (RIS) – Parent
  • Respect in Sport (RIS) – Activity Leader

To support a smooth transition:

  • Existing RIS certifications will continue to be recognized until their current expiry dates
  • New participants (parents, coaches, and volunteers) will be required to complete the Shift Forward program

 

For Member Associations

1. If a parent has multiple children, does one certification apply to all?
Yes. As long as all children are linked within the parent’s Hockey Canada Registry account, the certification will apply to each child.

2. Will certification expiry timelines change?
This is currently under review and will be updated in collaboration with Member Associations.

3. Can multiple parents complete the program for one player?
Yes; however, only one parent/guardian certification can be tracked within the system per player.

4. What registration link should be shared each season?
A new registration clinic link will be created each season. Associations should ensure they are sharing the most current link provided.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Shift Forward: Evolving Hockey Culture

The When

1. When will The Shift Forward be fully released?
The Shift Forward enters its first full season following a 2025–2026 pilot. Hockey Alberta will open registration for Parents and Team Officials on April 15, 2026.

The What

2. What topics will The Shift Forward cover?
The program is designed to help shift hockey culture in a positive direction. For the 2026–2027 season, modules will cover:

  • Hockey culture
  • Being an active bystander
  • Having crucial conversations
  • Autonomy and individual rights
  • Grooming and consent

3. How long will The Shift Forward take to complete?
Completion time will vary depending on your role and engagement level. Estimated completion times are:

  • Coaches: approximately 90 minutes
  • Parents/Guardians: approximately 89 minutes

4. Will additional courses be released in the future?
Yes. Additional courses are being developed in collaboration with Hockey Canada’s Member Branches. Future topics will reflect emerging needs within the game. More information will be shared at a later date.

5. Will I be required to re-certify?
Hockey Canada is currently reviewing re-certification timelines to balance effectiveness and time commitment. Details will be communicated once finalized.

6. If I have already completed Respect in Sport (RIS), do I need to take this program?

  • Existing RIS certifications (Parent and Activity Leader) will be recognized until their expiry dates
  • RIS certifications completed through other sports prior to April 15, 2026 will also be accepted

Example: If your RIS Activity Leader certification expires June 1, 2027, it will remain valid for the 2026–2027 season. You would then be required to complete The Shift Forward for the following cycle.

The Who

7. Who is The Shift Forward for?
The program is required for:

  • Team Officials (coaches and bench staff)
  • Parents/Guardians

One parent or guardian per player must complete the program. All Team Officials must be certified.

8. Who qualifies as a Team Official?
Any individual rostered to a team, including:

  • Coaches
  • Managers
  • Safety personnel
  • Equipment managers

9. What if I have multiple roles (e.g., coach and parent)?
The program is designed with role-specific content. If you hold multiple roles, you will complete additional modules relevant to each role, while avoiding unnecessary repetition.

Fees

10. What is the cost for Team Officials?
$27.00

11. What is the cost for Parents/Guardians?
$11.50

12. Where do the program fees go?
Fees support:

  • The Learning Lab platform used to deliver the training
  • Hockey Canada’s ongoing content development
  • Member Branch administration, tracking, and compliance

This model allows Hockey Canada to reinvest directly into grassroots hockey programming.

13. Will players be required to take this training in the future?
Player-focused education is being explored, with a goal of keeping costs as low as possible. Details will be shared prior to any rollout.

Course Access & Technical Support

14. What if I experience technical issues?
For technical support, please contact: hcr@spordle.com

15. What if my association does not use the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR)?
All participants are still entered into the Hockey Canada Registry. The Shift Forward can be accessed and tracked through HCR regardless of your association’s registration system.

16. Where will my Team Official certification appear?
Upon completion, your certification will automatically be added to your Hockey Canada Registry profile.

17. Where will Parent/Guardian certification appear?
Completion will automatically be added to your child(ren)’s Hockey Canada Registry profile.

18. How is certification linked to my child(ren)?
When registering, you will link your account to your child(ren). Your certification will then apply to all profiles connected to your account. Only children or participants under your legal care should be linked.

19. Will my certification transfer if I move to another province?
Yes. Your Hockey Canada Registry profile—including all certifications—remains accessible across all Member Branches.

The Why

20. Why was The Shift Forward created?
The program was developed following a National Training Needs Analysis which identified the need for more modern, role-specific, and age-appropriate education to better address behaviors within the game.

21. Why is the training hockey-specific?
Feedback from across the country indicated that participants benefit more from training that reflects real hockey experiences, rather than a general approach.

22. Why include audiences beyond coaches?
Creating a safe and respectful environment is a shared responsibility. Expanding education to parents, staff, and eventually players ensures a more unified approach to preventing and addressing harmful behaviors.

23. How is the training relevant to my role?
Each module is tailored to specific roles within hockey. While some content overlaps, scenarios and applications are customized to reflect the realities of your role.

If you have questions related to the requirement for SEERA Hockey, please contact the Registrar:

Registrar: Kerri Bishop
Email: seeraadmin@shaw.ca
Phone: (780) 461-6673