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Effective April 1, 2026, Hockey Canada is introducing The Shift Forward: Evolving Hockey Culture, a national education and training initiative designed to support all participants and promote a positive, respectful environment within the game.

The Shift Forward program replaces the Respect in Sport (RIS) program and is not an additional requirement.

Beginning with the 2026–27 season, this program will apply to all new Coaches, Rostered Team Officials, Volunteers, and Parents/Guardians.

As part of a multi-year transition, any education previously completed through platforms such as Respect in Sport (RIS) will continue to be recognized through the end of the 2027–28 season or until RIS certificate expires. 

Please note that once The Shift Forward program launches, access to previous education programs will no longer be available for new or existing participants.

For support, a 24/7 help desk is available at 1-866-945-9906.

Shift Forward FAQ

The Shift Forward: Evolving Hockey Culture program is a mandatory requirement for one parent or guardian of each child registered in minor hockey in Canada.

This online course takes just over one hour to complete and covers key topics such as positive sport parenting, effective communication with coaches and officials, respectful interactions with other parents, and concussion awareness.

Parent/ Guardian

The Shift Forward: Evolving Hockey Culture is an enhanced education program developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders across Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs. This process included a comprehensive national Training Needs Analysis, which identified key opportunities to improve how education and training are delivered throughout the game.

This specific course is intended for Team Officials (coaches and bench staff) as well as On-Ice Officials.

The program is designed to:

• Deliver age-appropriate, modern learning experiences
• Provide engaging, role-specific content for participants
• Support progressive learning pathways throughout a participant’s hockey journey
• Promote positive culture change, with a focus on reducing unhealthy behaviours both on and off the ice

Coach/ Team Official