Non-Sanctioned Hockey Programs

Jun. 27, 2019

Over the last few months, there has been much discussion pertaining to non-sanctioned hockey programs. SHA has recently released their position on non-sanctioned hockey programs. Their position is shown below.

In addition to SHA's sanctions, Hockey Regina's Board has put in place additional rules. Hockey Regina has implemented the following: If a player participates in a non-sanctioned hockey program one season and they wish to join HRI the next season, that player will be ineligible to play at the highest level in the division they are in for a minimum of one year. Example: If the player is Atom age, he/she would be ineligible to play Atom A or on an Atom B Female team.

Hockey Canada's definition of "Non-Sanctioned League" : any amateur hockey program that operates in Canada outside the auspices/sanctioning of Hockey Canada. This currently does not include summer hockey leagues/teams, adult recreational hockey leagues/teams, high school hockey, and/or hockey schools.

To:          SHA Membership

From:      Kelly McClintock, General Manager

Re: Non-Sanctioned Hockey Programs - Minor/Junior

June 27, 2019

Over the past weekend the SHA Board of Directors addressed the topic of Non-Sanctioned Hockey Programs that have been proposed throughout the province.

Hockey Canada has a National Policy related to Non-Sanctioned Leagues - Leagues Operating Outside the Auspices of Hockey Canada,

I would like to refer you to section lll - Consequences of Supporting or Participating in a Non-Sanctioned League. This section allows Members (SHA is a Member of Hockey Canada) to implement more restrictive Non-Sanctioned Hockey policies for Divisions and Categories of Hockey that do not compete for Regional and National Championships.

The following is the decision of the SHA Board of Directors regarding participation of individuals in Non-Sanctioned programs during the winter season and their ability to return to SHA sanctioned winter Programs.

Players

Any player who participates with a non-sanctioned program after September 30th of the current year and wishes to return to SHA sanctioned programming, must apply for a concession from the SHA Registration Committee for re-instatement. The deadline to apply is October 31^st of the current year. The player submits their concession to their respective MHA, and if the MHA chooses to support the application, the MHA will work with the SHA Registration Committee to determine if the player can be accommodated. As roster sizes, tiering and registration deadlines can all be factors, there is no guarantee that a player will be able to return within the season. The Registration Committee will decide what level of hockey that player can participate in.

Additionally, the SHA will only accept players registered in the current season with a SHA member MHA or Accredited School into Provincial Programming. This includes Sask Female Futures, Female Jamborees, and Sask First Programming. Access to these programs is a privilege that is offered to and reserved for the proud members of the SHA.

Team Officials/Team or League Administrators/Officials (Referees or Linesman)

Any individual functioning in the capacity of a Team Officials/Team or League Administrators/Officials (Referees or Linesman) within a Non-Sanctioned entity as determined by the SHA will be indefinitely barred as a member of the SHA.

The SHA recognizes that individuals have the right to make choices in the type of programming they wish to participate, however the SHA wishes to protect the integrity of the winter season of programming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my son or daughter play both SHA Sanctioned and Non-Sanctioned hockey at the same time during the winter season?

No. They must choose which program they wish to participate within.

If my son or daughter plays an entire winter season of Non-Sanctioned hockey, can they return to SHA Sanctioned hockey the following winter season?

Yes, they can without a concession application and approval providing the MHA accepts the players registration.

If my son or daughter participates in games in Non-Sanctioned hockey after October 31^st of the current season and wishes to return to SHA Sanctioned programming, are they able to?

No. The final date to apply for a concession to return is October 31^st. Following that date there is no opportunity to return during the current winter season.

If I am coaching a Non-Sanctioned team can I coach a team in SHA Sanctioned programming?

No. As an adult you are making the decision to coach in a program outside the SHA jurisdiction during the winter months and therefore are ineligible to coach within SHA Sanctioned programming. The SHA supplements the cost of training coaches throughout the province annually to ensure players receive the instruction from competent coaches to assist in their development as a player. Therefore, the SHA will not allow those same coaches to participate in non-sanctioned programming during the winter months which is competing with SHA programming.

If I serve as a coach of a Non-Sanctioned Team during a winter season, can I return to coach the following winter season within the SHA?

No. All those people involved in coaching, a team official of any kind (i.e.: Trainer; Manager) or a Team or League Administrator (League Scheduler, Commissioner, President, etc.), within a Non-Sanctioned program, are indefinitely barred from further involvement in SHA programming.
For example, an individual serves as a coach on an Atom Non-Sanctioned winter team, they are indefinitely barred from serving as a team official with any SHA Sanctioned winter team.

If I referee or serve as a linesman in Non-Sanctioned winter season games may I still officiate in SHA sanctioned games?

No. All those people involved in officiating within a Non-Sanctioned program, are indefinitely barred from further involvement in SHA programming.

If I am indefinitely barred from SHA sanctioned winter activity what is the process to attempt to be reinstated so that I can participate in future SHA sanctioned winter programming?

The SHA Appeal Procedure is located on the SHA website and must be followed if you wish to be reinstated from the indefinitely barred decision.

Can players participate in Non-Sanctioned winter activity and SHA Programming such as the Sask First Male and Female Programs?

No. Access to these programs is a privilege that is offered to and reserved for the proud members of the SHA.

If I place my Novice aged son in a Non-Sanctioned winter League and I am not a team official of any kind with that Non-Sanctioned team, can I serve as a team official with my daughters’ team who is registered with the SHA?

Yes, you can.

If my child plays within a Non-Sanctioned winter League or I Coach/Manage a team within a Non-Sanctioned winter League, can I access Hockey Canada/SHA insurance?

No. The SHA strongly recommends you investigate the levels and types of insurance coverage you have if you choose to participate in a Non-Sanctioned winter League