Risk Management includes identifying, assessing and eliminating or minimizing risks in an activity, in this case, organized hockey. Risk management requires all participants in organized hockey to play specific roles in order to prevent accidents and injuries before they happen.

Sackville Minor Hockey has the responsibility of ensuring that all volunteers have completed the volunteer screening processes as outlined by the HNS screening policy. By making all our volunteers meet Hockey Nova Scotia's standards we reduce the risk of injuries and other incidents for players, as well as meeting our obligations as an Association.

Another aspect of Risk Management that we are responsible for is insurance. We have liability insurance coverage designed to cover Hockey Canada members for their on and off-ice activities while participating in Hockey Canada sanctioned events. This insurance covers registered players and team officials for league games, tournaments, practices, training camps, sanctioned fundraisers and even transportation to/from the arena. Other volunteers are covered for off-ice activities only.

The courses and certifications that you will need depend on your role in the association but EVERYONE (including all team officials, volunteers and the Executive) must have:

• Respect In Sport online course or Hockey Canada's Speakout Workshop.  This does not expire.
• Child Abuse Registry and Criminal Records Check.  These have to be renewed every 3 years.

If you are a team official (coach, assistant coach, trainer, manager), you may also need additional coaching and safety certification.

For more information and detailed steps on how to complete the Risk Management forms/requirements:

• SMH Volunteer Screening Process
• SMH Certification Process and Clinic Registration
• Hockey Nova Scotia Risk Management Policy
• Hockey Canada Safety Requires Teamwork guide

Questions?  Please contact Kim Gray at kgray@ns.sympatico.ca for more information.