VULNERABLE SECTOR CHECK

New this season from Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) — please review the important screening updates below for the 2025–26 hockey season.

? For full information, visit the HEO Screening Page: https://www.hockeyeasternontario.ca/vulnerable-sector-check/

✅ The Online Submission Portal is now live! Please click the “Start the VSC Screening Process” button below to complete your screening requirements.

Note: The video instructions reference OHF but are also applicable to HEO as this is a province-wide initiative.

To be rostered on a team, you must submit both your Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) or receipt, and your declaration through the online portal.

? Returning Individuals (With HEO-Validated VSC from 2023 or 2024)

If you are a returning Team Official, On-Ice Official, or Third-Party Instructor with a VSC approved by HEO from 2023 or 2024, you are only required to complete the online declaration for the 2025–26 season.

This declaration must be renewed annually.

Note: The 2024–25 declaration expires on May 31, 2025.

? New Individuals or Those with a 2022 VSC or Older

If you are new to your role, or your most recent VSC is from 2022 or earlier, you must:

Register in the HCR system with your Association before submitting screening. (Contact your local association if you need assistance.)

Submit a new VSC AND

Complete the online declaration — both through the screening portal.

? VSC Receipts & Processing Timeline

While waiting on your VSC to be processed by your local police:

You may submit a receipt and declaration in the meantime.

Receipts will NOT be accepted between June 1 and July 30, 2025. ⏳ Police services may take 6–8 weeks, so start your application ASAP. Once completed, submit the final VSC via the portal and complete your declaration.

? Requesting and Submitting a VSC

Request a VSC through your local police service (e.g., OPP). You may need a formal letter — HEO’s letter can be found here.

Check your email (including spam/junk) for your completed VSC, and note any download expiry date.

If the file is password protected, upload it anyway — HEO can access it.

✅ Required Information Before Submission

Have the following ready:

Your Hockey Canada Registry (HCR) number (click here for help)

Your VSC document, or a receipt (accepted again after August 1, 2025)

If you already have a valid 2023 or 2024 VSC, only the declaration is required

After submission:

You’ll receive a confirmation email.

A follow-up email on your screening status will follow within 3 business days.

ℹ️ Why Screening is Centralized

HEO is centralizing screening for all Team Personnel and On-Ice Officials to:

Ensure complete and consistent checks

Reduce duplications across Associations

Support a safe hockey environment for all

Those required to comply with HEO screening include:

Team Officials (head/assistant coaches, managers, trainers, etc.)

On-Ice Officials

Volunteers, Third-Party Instructors, and Supervisors

Reminder:
Steps to Follow Once VSC is Received from OPP

(Valid for 3 years)

Step 1: Participants must submit a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) request to their local OPP detachment. A template letter is available on the HEO website.

Step 2: Once received, participants must provide a copy of the completed VSC to their MHA Registrar. This will be uploaded to your Hockey Canada profile.

Step 3: Participants must complete an online submission through the HEO portal to finalize the process.

Annual Declaration

(Valid for 1 year – expires May 31st each year)

Step 1: Participants must submit a Declaration annually through the HEO portal.

If you have questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.