On April 1, 2026, Hockey Canada introduced The Shift Forward: Evolving Hockey Culture, a new learning and development program that is the home for national education and training courses.
As part of the response from the national Training Needs Analysis that was conducted by Hockey Canada, there was overwhelming feedback that national education and training courses should be age-appropriate, modernized, engaging, specific to how participants engage with hockey, and progressive as they go through their hockey journey, with content that seeks to evolve the culture of hockey on and off the ice.
In an effort to support a successful transition to The Shift Forward, Hockey Canada will continue to recognize existing certification—including Respect in Sport—as an equivalent as part of a multi-year phased in approach before all participants engaging with hockey will be required to complete The Shift Forward beginning in the 2028-29 season.
The Shift Forward courses will replace the previous:
- Respect in Sport (RIS) – Parent
- Respect in Sport (RIS) – Activity Leader
To support a smooth transition:
- Existing RIS certifications will continue to be recognized until their current expiry dates.
- New participants (parents, coaches, and volunteers) will be required to complete the Shift Forward program.
Take the First Shift Course Click Here
