Dear Parents,

In an ongoing effort to foster a safe and enjoyable environment for our athletes in this great game; Vancouver Island Amateur Hockey Association is implementing the final phase of its Respect in Sport program platform.

Starting the 2015-2016 hockey season at least one (1) parent or guardian of each player registered in minor hockey on Vancouver Island will need to complete the online RIS Parent Program as a condition of their participation. 

The Respect in Sport parent program is a proactive, educational program that empowers parents with the tools to ensure the game is enjoyable and respectful for themselves, their children and all other stakeholders in the game. This portion of the program is only one of the three pillars of our respect platform. The Respect in Sport Coach Program edition is already a condition of participation for both coaches and Team officials which represents the final level of respect when considering our athlete’s needs.

Your Local Minor Hockey Association will be responsible for helping us to implement this requirement as established by VIAHA and requires your support and cooperation with attaining this programs completion. While VIAHA has a deadline of October 31st, 2015 for adherence to this requirement - your MHA may choose to have a deadline that is much sooner than our own. We respect that this may be the case based on local needs and would support our members in enforcing this strengthened position should they have it.

Frequently asked questions:

 How is the Parent program taken?

Accessed the Clinic via https://bchockeyparent.respectgroupinc.com it is a one hour online course with both audio and visual features that can be taken whenever you want and does not have to be completed all at once. Parents need to have their children’s MHA name on hand so their child/children can be credited with the certification. A parent can enter more than one childs name. A child can be added after certification at any time as well (for example, a second child enters hockey next season). Children can also be from different hockey Associations.

 I have taken and passed the Respect in Sport Coach Program version - is this sufficient?

Yes – Parents/Guardians who hold the Respect in Sport Coach/Team Official Certification do not need to take the Parent edition at this time. However, Coach RIS Certification will not show up under a child’s Hockey Canada Profile, therefore it makes tracking & reporting difficult. Coaches with children in hockey are strongly encouraged to take the Parent RIS Program in order to understand from a parent’s perspective – they will also become familiar with what their team parents have taken and understand. Vancouver Island Amateur Hockey Association 2301-E McCullough Road Nanaimo BC V9S 4M9 info@viaha.org www.viaha.org Ph: 250-751-8811 Fax: 250-751-8812

　

 Why do I need to take it?

Besides being a new VIAHA condition of participation in hockey it provides tools to deal with various situations that could arise in a hockey team setting. Let’s face facts, hockey is an emotional game for all stakeholders, but by completing this program you will be better equipped to deal with many other situations you could face.

 What will happen if I do not complete it?

VIAHA, will not allow the child/children to continue participating until the program has been taken.

 Do I have to take it every year?

No, once you have completed it you are certified and there are currently no plans for recertification at this point.

 What if I have no access to a computer/internet?

Most libraries provide internet access, however the local minor hockey association may also be able to assist by providing space to use their computer(s). Other options include schools and friends.

 What if I have slow internet connection?

The program is designed to be accessible by either high speed or dial up.

 What if I do not have strong computer or literacy skills?

Utmost attention to detail was taken to ensure the program was designed to be user friendly, if issues do arise there is online help as well as a 1-800 support number.

 Cost?

The cost is $12.00 and Parents/Guardians are expected to cover this fee.

 Is this the same as the new BC Hockey/Vancouver Canucks ‘Sportsmanship in the Stands’ Program?

No, but the two programs will complement each other very well. The ‘Sportsmanship in the Stands Program’ is a mandatory ‘parent meeting policy’ initiative that will take place during Parent Team Meetings.

Again, here is the link to enter the Respect in Sport course sight https://bchockeyparent.respectgroupinc.com

Please ensure to provide your child’s name and MHA when prompted so they can get credited and remember to keep a copy of your RIS certification completion in case. Please provide the feedback asked for at the end of the online program so that the ongoing improvement of the content and usability of the system is maintained.

Thank you for your commitment to all players’ safety, enjoyment and success on Vancouver Island and within the game of hockey.

Respectfully,

Jim Humphrey

VIAHA President