For the 2025-26 hockey season, the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) will continue to manage Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSCs) for everyone involved in OHF hockey activities, including coaches, team officials, on-ice officials, and anyone working with children in hockey (like skill coaches and dressing room supervisors).
Click Here for OHF Vulnerable Sector Checks process.
Key Points:
- Who Needs a VSC?
- Anyone involved with OHF hockey (coaches, officials, volunteers, third party instructors etc.) who works with children must undergo the screening process.
- Those under 18 don’t need a VSC.
- VSC Submission Process:
- VSCs are valid for 3 years.
- Declaration forms must be submitted annually.
- A new VSC is required in year 4.
Year 1 – submit a Vulnerable Sector Check and OHF Screening Declaration Form.
Year 2 – submit an OHF Screening Declaration Form.
Year 3 – submit an OHF Screening Declaration Form
Year 4 – submit a Vulnerable Sector Check and OHF Screening Declaration Form.
Year 5 – submit an OHF Screening Declaration Form.
Year 6 – submit an OHF Screening Declaration Form
Year 7 – submit a Vulnerable Sector Check and OHF Screening Declaration Form.
Year 8 – Cycle continues
- Important Changes:
- Starting in 2025, you’ll submit your screening directly through the OHF portal—no need to go through the HCR.
- The OHF screening portal will open April 1, 2025 for the 2025-26 season.
- Spring Evaluations:
- If you’re a returning bench staff member or official from the 2024-25 season, who received a successful screening, you are eligible to participate in 2025-26 Spring Player Evaluations between April 19, 2025 and May 31, 2025. New coaches must be successfully screened prior to participation.
- For Returning Individuals with Older VSCs (2022 or earlier):
- If you have a VSC from 2022, it will expire on May 31, 2025. You will be required to submit a new VSC and complete the online declaration form.
- For Returning Individuals with Valid VSCs:
- If you have successful screening with a VSC from 2023 or 2024 you will be required to complete the online declaration form through the OHF submission portal.
- New Coaches, Officials, and Instructors (2025-26 season):
- If you have a clear VSC that was provided by your Police Service within the last 6 months, submit both your VSC and complete the online declaration form through the OHF portal.
- VSCs older than 6 months at the time of submission will NOT be accepted.
- Important Dates:
- The OHF screening portal will open April 1, 2025 for the 2025-26 season.
- The OHF will NOT accept VSC receipts between April 1, 2025 and July 30, 2025; only a clear VSC will be accepted during this time. Please ensure you request your VSC as early as possible to avoid delays, as police services may take up to 8 weeks to process your application, or longer.