REMHA Bench staff
***NEW THIS SEASON*** MANDATORY BENCH STAFF REGISTRATION & VULNERABLE SECTOR
CHECK
As of the 2026/27 hockey season, ALL bench staff members — Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Safety
Personnel, and Managers — across all age divisions and levels must register through the Hockey Canada
Registry (HCR / Spordle) AND complete a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC).
This is mandatory under Hockey Canada and Hockey Manitoba rules (aligned with provincial Protecting
Youth in Sport Act legislation). The Vulnerable Sector Check includes a Police Criminal Record Check and
is valid for three (3) years. If you are still coaching when your check is up for renewal, you will only need
to complete a Criminal Record Check. The VSC is a one-time initial requirement.
Welcome to the River East Minor Hockey Association Bench Staff Hub. This page is for Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Safety Personnel, and Managers across all age divisions and levels. All bench staff members are team officials and must complete the required administrative steps, background screening, and certifications prior to participating in on-ice activities or being rostered to a team.
Before You can coach/participate behind the bench
Before stepping behind the bench, all head coaches, assistant coaches, safety personnel, and managers must complete the following mandatory steps:
1. Submit REMHA Coaching Application: All interested head and assistant coaches must complete the REMHA Coaches Application.
• Royals A1 Head Coaches Deadline: September 15th
• Royals Assistant Coaches: Must submit an application as soon as selected.
2. Register via Hockey Canada Registry Store (HCR / Spordle): All bench staff must register through the HCR Store for the current season. All coaches must have a valid Respect in Sport Activity Leader certification prior to registering.
-If you have issues with Respect in Sport, please contact their customer support portal.
-To create an HCR ID profile, click Register Now on the Registration page to open Spordle, select Add Participant, search for your name, and click Create Participant to complete the required questions if no existing account is found.
3. Complete Screening Disclosure Form (SDF): During the HCR registration process, complete the three (3) Screening Disclosure Form (SDF) self-disclosure questions before being added to a team roster.
4. Apply for a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) with Criminal Record Check (CRC): Required for all team officials over 18 years of age. (Note: Anyone who can produce a valid VSC with CRC completed after April 30, 2024 will be accepted for the current season).
• Winnipeg Residents: Request your VSC online through the Winnipeg Police Service.
• Outside Winnipeg: Contact the REMHA Secretary (rmatias@remha.ca) for an official volunteer confirmation letter to present to the RCMP for your check.
• Fee & Reimbursement: There is a $65 base fee payable to the police service. Keep your official receipt, as you can submit it to your team manager for team reimbursement.
5. Submit Approved Screening Documentation: Submit the digital PDF/copy of your cleared VSC to the REMHA Secretary (rmatias@remha.ca). The REMHA Registrar will log your screening completion and expiry date into your HCR profile.
IMPORTANT — Screening Disclosure & Background Check Rules
• If you answer 'YES' to any of the self-disclosure questions on your SDF, you will be directed to contact Hockey Manitoba, and your registration will be subject to review before you can be rostered.
• If you answer 'NO' to all questions, but a previous conviction appears on your background check, you will not be allowed to coach. You may file an appeal with Hockey Manitoba, but please be advised that approval for the current season is unlikely.
• Flagged Checks: If your VSC is flagged, you must upload and submit your documentation directly to the Hockey Manitoba Screening Committee for review and an official ruling on eligibility.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS & tRAINING
All certifications must be fully completed by December 1st of the current hockey season.
Mandatory Training for All Team Officials: • Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders: Mandatory online course for all bench staff (Coaches, Managers, Safety Personnel).
• On-Ice Safety & Helmets: All Minor Hockey coaches and on-ice bench staff must wear a CSA-approved helmet during all on-ice activities.
Role-Specific Requirements: • Coaches & Assistant Coaches: Must complete required Hockey Manitoba Coaching Requirements (Coach 1, Coach 2, Development 1, etc.) for their age division. Login & check certifications via Hockey Canada HCR / Spordle.
• Safety Personnel: Each team must have at least one designated person holding a valid Hockey Canada Safety Program (Level 1) certification.
• Managers: Respect in Sport Activity Leader
Frequently Asked Questions (Q & A)
Q: What is the difference between a Vulnerable Sector Check and a Criminal Record Check?
Criminal Record Checks (CRC) determine if a person has been convicted of a crime. Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC) are a specialized type of police information check that includes a search for pardons or record suspensions related to sexual offences. VSCs were created specifically to protect children and vulnerable persons. A VSC automatically includes a Criminal Record Check.
Q: I have a current background check for my work (or other means), can I use it for this?
Yes, provided it includes a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) with Criminal Record Check (CRC) and was completed after April 30, 2024. If your check meets these criteria, submit your official document to the REMHA Secretary (rmatias@remha.ca), and the expiry date will be attached to your HCR profile.
Q: How does Hockey Canada / REMHA know that I’ve completed the necessary background check?
Once you receive your official Vulnerable Sector Check results from the police, submit the clear report to the REMHA Secretary (rmatias@remha.ca). The REMHA Registrar/Secretary will input your screening completion date and 3-year expiry date directly into the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR / Spordle), updating your official profile.
Q: Is there a cost for this check?
Yes. The base cost for a VSC/CRC through the Winnipeg Police Service is $65 and is payable by the bench staff member at the time of application. If you are selected for fingerprint verification, additional police fees may apply. Keep your receipt and submit it to your team manager for reimbursement through your team budget.
Q: Do I have to complete this check every year?
No. Background screening checks are valid for three (3) years and replace the old annual disclosure requirements. When your VSC expires after 3 years, you will only need to complete a Criminal Record Check (CRC) upon renewal. Expiry reminders will automatically reflect in your HCR profile.
Q: Who does this requirement apply to?
This applies to ALL bench staff over the age of 18 — Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Managers, and Safety Personnel. If you are listed on a team roster, this applies to you. The only exception is persons under the age of 18 (e.g., Apprentice Coaches), who are exempt from VSC/CRC background checks.
Q: What are the Respect in Sport requirements for the current season?
Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders is valid for five (5) seasons. If you completed your certification during the 2020/2021 season or prior, your certification has EXPIRED and you must complete the online recertification course prior to registering for the current season.
Questions or Registration Assistance?
• Registration & HCR Profile Assistance: Email REMHA Registrar at achan@remha.ca
• Background Screening & VSC Submissions: Email REMHA Secretary at rmatias@remha.ca