Beginning with the 2026–27 season, Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta have transitioned from the previous Respect in Sport program to The Shift Forward.
The Shift Forward is Hockey Canada’s updated online education program for parents/guardians and team officials. It is designed to support a safer, more positive hockey environment by providing role-specific education focused on hockey culture, active bystander behaviour, crucial conversations, autonomy, individual rights, grooming, and consent.
TRANSITION FROM RESPECT IN SPORT
Existing Respect in Sport Parent and Respect in Sport Activity Leader certifications will continue to be recognized until their current expiry dates. If your Respect in Sport certification has not expired, you do not need to immediately retake the new program.
Once your existing Respect in Sport certification expires, you will be required to complete the applicable The Shift Forward program.
THE SHIFT FORWARD – PARENT PROGRAM
One parent or guardian for each player must complete The Shift Forward – Parent Program. Once completed, the qualification will be added to the player’s Hockey Canada Registry profile.
Parents/guardians with multiple children should ensure all children under their legal care are properly linked in their Hockey Canada Registry / Spordle account so the qualification can be applied appropriately.
THE SHIFT FORWARD – COACH / TEAM OFFICIAL PROGRAM
All registered Team Officials must complete The Shift Forward – Coach Program, unless they have a valid, unexpired Respect in Sport Activity Leader certification that is still being recognized through the transition period.
Team Officials include any individual rostered to a team, including coaches, managers, safety persons, and equipment managers. Proof of completion will be reflected on the Team Official’s profile in the Hockey Canada Registry.
MULTIPLE ROLES
If you are both a parent/guardian and a coach or team official, you are required to complete role-specific portions of The Shift Forward for each role. The program is designed to reduce repeated content while still ensuring participants receive the education relevant to their role in hockey.
PROGRAM FEES
Hockey Alberta’s published FAQ lists the following fees:
- Parents/Guardians: $11.50
- Team Officials: $27.00 reimbursable by SPMHA
FAQ & TECHNICAL SUPPORT
For more information, visit Hockey Alberta's FAQ page. For technical issues accessing or completing The Shift Forward, please refer to The Shift Forward documentation first. If the issue continues, technical support is available through Spordle / Hockey Canada Registry by emailing hcr@spordle.com.