Volunteer Certifications, Courses, and Qualifications

Thank you to all volunteers with the Dartmouth Whalers Minor Hockey Association! Your commitment plays a crucial role in our community and the development of young players. To ensure a positive and safe experience for everyone involved, it is important to complete the necessary certifications.

The Hockey Nova Scotia (HNS) links below outline the certification requirements and expectations for coaches, trainers, and team managers:

HNS Volunteer Requirements

HNS Volunteer Screening

HNS Respect in Sport

The certification process is outlined below. 

Step 1: Create Your Hockey Canada Registry (HCR) Account

Before you can start your certifications, please create a Hockey Canada Registry (HCR) account if you have not done so already. Make sure to associate your account with the Dartmouth Whalers. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our Registrar at registrar@whalers.org

• Create your HCR Account: Login | Spordle Account (Link to Spordle Account)

Your HCR account is your main hub for all certification needs, allowing you to:

• Register for clinics
• Apply for permits
• View your current certifications along with their expiry and renewal dates

Step 2: Understand Your Certification Requirements

After creating your HCR account, the next step is to understand the specific certifications needed for your volunteer role.

Review Certification Levels and Roles

• Visit the Hockey Nova Scotia Website: Access the Hockey Nova Scotia website to explore certification requirements tailored to your specific volunteer position.
• Role-Specific Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the credentials necessary for your role. For instance, a head coach will have different certification needs compared to a team manager or other volunteer positions.
• Check Your HCR Account and Access Your Profile: Log into your HCR account to view your current certifications. This profile will also indicate what courses you still need to complete based on your volunteer position.

Stay Informed

• Consult with Your Team: Speak with your head coach or the Registrar if you have questions or need clarification on what certifications are required.
• Documentation: Keep track of any required documentation or prerequisites for certification courses that may apply to your role.

Step 3: Complete Your Required Certifications

Criminal Record Checks (CRC)/Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC)

Every team volunteer with the Dartmouth Whalers is required to have a valid CRC/VSC on file. If you are rostered to a team, we can provide you with a link to complete your CRC/VSC.

• Submission Reminder: Once your CRC/VSC is complete, please download the document and email it to info@hockeynovascotia.ca to ensure it is properly updated in your HCR account.

Select Courses: Based on your role and Step 2 above, select the relevant clinics and certification courses you need to complete.

Team Registration: Make sure you are already registered with a team before requesting approval to take a clinic certification course.

Step 4: Verify Your Eligibility

Once you have completed your certifications, it is crucial to ensure everything is updated and verified:

• Certification Status: Make sure that all your qualifications are entered in your HCR account and are visible. The Dartmouth Whalers will use this profile to confirm your eligibility to volunteer.
• Keep Track of Expirations: Be mindful of any expiration or renewal dates for your certifications, and plan for future renewals ahead of time.

Important Deadlines

To remain eligible for volunteer activities, all certifications must be completed by December 1st. If certifications are not submitted by this deadline, you will not be permitted to participate in any hockey activities until all qualifications are valid and up-to-date. Incomplete certifications can also lead to suspensions affecting both the individual volunteer and the team head coach.

Need Help?

If you have any questions regarding certifications or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to us at certifications@whalers.org. We are here to support you!