Training & Certification Requirements

The MHL will be following Hockey Canada, Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), and Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) requirements for coaches entering the 2025-26 season.

The outlined requirements (which are subject to change) will be for all volunteers who wish to be rostered to a Team.  Previously trained volunteers may have attained many of the requirements.

For the 2025-2026 season:

  • Head Coaches taking a clinic for the first time will not be required to have a certified status.
  • All Head Coaches who require a Development 1 – Certified status but do not have one can be approved to a Roster and considered “in progress” if they have submitted the 3 certification steps for an in-season evaluation.  For further information click here.
  • Coaches with an expiring or expired certified status are required to participate in professional development to maintain their certified status.  For more information on certification maintenance, click here.
  • A Head Coach can be conditionally approved if they are enrolled in a GTHL Development 1 clinic or a Development 1 clinic within the OHF before December 31st.
  • To cover those situations where a Team’s coaching staff is new to the MHL, the effective date for such certification is December 1st of each season.  Note that some of our Area Associations may subsidize the cost of some (or all) of the required certifications.  Please contact your Area Association for information regarding cost reimbursement.

Click here to review the Bench Staff Requirements for 2025-2026.

With respect to “Vulnerable Sector Screening” (i.e. Police Check) referred to in the Requirements, please see below…Vulnerable Sector Checks | Ontario Hockey Federation (ohf.on.ca)

 

 

 

*** PLEASE NOTE NEW THIS YEAR FOR ALL ON-ICE OFFICIALS ****

If you have been registered for hockey previously as a Player, Coach, Official, or Trainer you will be able to view your profile and sign up for a clinic by creating an account in the Hockey Canada Registry.  If you are new to hockey you will be required to create a new account and profile.  The following links provide assistance in setting up your account and how to check your qualifications:

How to Create a New Account – Click HERE

How to Link your Profile and Check Qualifications – Click HERE

Vulnerable Sector Search

All volunteers are required to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) as per Hockey Canada, OHF, GTHL and MHL Regulations.

Please see the VSS information from the OHF Vulnerable Sector Checks | Ontario Hockey Federation (ohf.on.ca)

The means to obtain these Checks and costs associated therewith vary from municipality to municipality. Please see the process to follow…Vulnerable Sector Checks | Ontario Hockey Federation (ohf.on.ca)

Also, for those non on-ice officials (board members, or non on-ice volunteers) you too have to perform a VSC this season as well.

Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC) | Ontario Hockey Federation (ohf.on.ca)

 

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