Hockey Canada’s Shift Forward Program is a new hockey-specific education and training initiative designed to help create a safer, more respectful and inclusive hockey environment for everyone involved in the game.

The Shift Forward Program is replacing the previous Respect in Sport training with learning that is specifically designed around the realities of hockey and the different roles within the game. Training is tailored to coaches, officials, rostered team staff and parents/guardians, with player-focused learning being introduced as the program continues to develop. Topics include:

• Hockey culture and creating positive team environments
• Active bystander intervention
• Having crucial conversations
• Personal autonomy and individual rights
• Recognizing grooming and inappropriate behaviour
• Consent and respectful interactions
• Accountability and positive behaviour

The program was developed by Hockey Canada following a national review of training needs. By managing the program directly, Hockey Canada can provide content that is more relevant to hockey and can continue to evolve as the needs of the hockey community change.