Trainers Program (HTCP)

HTCP Program

In any contact sport, some injuries are inevitable. Hockey is no exception, and with the speed of the game, presence of skate blades, sticks and boards, the potential for injury always exists. Many of the common injuries can be avoided with proper preparation and good protection.

Perhaps one of the most vital contributions the coach, trainer, parent, and the player can make to the enjoyment and future potential of the game, is to prevent injuries. Equally important is the ability to recognize injuries that can have serious complications both at the time of injury and in future years of play.

Responding to the needs at all levels of hockey, clinics have been developed that will allow interested and conscientious hockey people to learn more about injury prevention and hockey first aid. Unfortunately, it is not possible at most amateur games to have highly trained, qualified medical personnel on hand. It is our aim to provide basic knowledge to, and create an awareness with, all hockey coaches, managers and trainers, in the area of recognition and immediate care of injured hockey players.

The clinics can be taken for information only, or as part of the certification process in the Hockey Trainers Certification Program. It is hoped that each amateur hockey team will have at least one certified person in the arena at all times.

To download copies of the HTCP Injury Data Form please click here!

The Hockey Trainer

The hockey trainer of today is much more than the person who simply hands out water bottles and tapes sticks. The hockey trainer is a highly respected and important part of any hockey team.

The HTCP endeavors to provide an educational ladder for trainers to climb.

  • Who: The hockey trainer can be a person who has a true interest in the well being and safety of our hockey youth.
  • What: The hockey trainer is an individual who provides care and prevention of athletic injuries.
  • Where: Any team in Ontario is eligible to have a certified trainer on its staff regardless of competition or age level.
  • How: The hockey trainer may obtain certification in level I, II or III as he or she grows in confidence and interest.
  • When: Clinics are held upon request from your hockey association throughout the year.

These clinics (HTCP Level I, II, III) can be taken for information only, or as part of a certification process. It is the hope that each hockey team in the Province of Ontario will have a certified trainer on the bench at games and practices.

The HTCP hopes you will become part of a growing team of trainers providing the youth of Ontario a safe and healthy environment to play in.

The Trainers Certification Program

Through the Hockey Trainers Certification Program (HTCP), the Hockey Development Centre for Ontario and its members provide the necessary education to improve the trainer’s ability to deal with various injury situations.

The HTCP first began certifying trainers in 1980. Since 1980 the HTCP has continued to refine and improve in order to provide trainers with an excellent means of obtaining personal knowledge and practical skills.

The purpose of the HTCP

  • To standardize the methods and techniques of hockey trainers in the Province of Ontario.
  • To provide a standard of care for all hockey teams at any level of competition.
  • To provide a progressive training process for hockey trainers.
  • To provide a means of communication and feedback for all trainers (participants and instructors).
  • To assist in the preparation of a safe environment for players and bench personnel.
     

Hockey Trainers Certification Program (HTCP)
Level 1 Equivalency Policy Rationale 

In the past, the Hockey Trainers Certification Program did provide for those individuals with specific medical skills and training, equivalency into the HTCP Level I only.  On September 10, 1994 the HDCO Trainers committee enacted a rule change that equivalencies would no longer be granted into the Level I program and as a result all participants are required to successfully complete the Level I program in order to attain their Hockey Trainers Certification in the Province of Ontario. 

The rationale for this policy change is that the HTCP Level I program is fundamentally non-medical in nature and therefore the program would not recognize medical training of any kind as an equivalency.  Secondly, the HTCP Level I includes sports specific non-medical components that are not necessarily covered in a medical or para-medical program. 

The HTCP does recognize that the medical or para-medical training of some individuals participating in the Level I program is higher than what is required by the introductory program. However, the introductory program emphasizes risk management and safety education as well as other components non-medical in nature, which are vital to all participants to ensure the safety of all players.  These include:   

·          Trainer’s Role and Responsibilities – What is required from a volunteer hockey trainer

·          Code of Ethics and Fair Play Codes – Definition of Codes

·          Risk Management  - What is the role of the volunteer hockey trainer

·          Abuse and Harassment – Definitions, Policy, Disclosure and Prevention Guidelines for the hockey trainer

·          Emergency Action Plan – How to activate the EAP in response to an emergency

·          Protective Equipment & Fitting – Equipment Standards

·          Injury Data Collection Program – Overview of Form and collection of information

·          Return to Play Policies and Guidelines - MD’s written permission to return to play

·          Insurance and Other Forms - Liabilities of a volunteer trainer in the arena 

The HTCP also recognizes those individuals who have attained certain medical qualifications, which are deemed of a higher qualification than that of Standard first aid.  Those individuals having full accreditation in these recognized professions are able to apply for HTCP Level II status once they have successfully completed the Level I program.  

The HTCP encourages individuals that have specific medical backgrounds to become involved as a team trainer as they can also offer a wide variety of technical expertise.  The goal of the HTCP is to educate and inform the participant on ever-changing situations that face the volunteer trainer of today and tomorrow.  The HTCP Level I is a positive experience that is beneficial to everyone!    

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact your Branch/Division office or visit the HDCO web site at www.hdco.on.ca. 

Click here for additional HTCP forms.

Hockey Development Centre for Ontario
Hockey Trainers Certification Program
1185 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 301
North York, Ontario M3C 3C6
(416) 426-7252 or 1-888-843-4326
hockey@hdco.on.ca
 

DID YOU KNOW...?

ALLIANCE Trainer certifications expire August 31, three years from the date you took your original training clinic.

People with certification numbers beginning in `09` are due to expire August 31, 2009 regardless of your level (i.e. 09-TK1-12345-H, 09-TK2-12345-H). Please ensure that you renew your certification by registering for a Level I certification clinic, upgrading to Level II or renewing your Level II certification with an updated Standard First Aid certificate.

The Level II is the recognition of a current Level I trainer who has obtained a (minimum) Standard, Advanced or Emergency (Plus)* First Aid card from a recognized first aid provider group.  *Please note that the Emergency (Plus) first aid is a component of the Level I/II Combination clinic only.  Emergency first aid outside of a combination clinic will not be accepted as a Level II upgrade.  The first aid card must also be valid for the entire hockey season (September to April).  Expiration dates will vary according to the guidelines established by the first aid provider.  In order to maintain this level, you must keep your first aid current and provide proof of re-certification prior to the expiry date on your trainers ID card.  Click here to review First Aid Providers.

The HTCP also recognizes those individuals who have certain medical qualifications which are deemed of a higher qualification than that of a standard first aid.  Those individuals having full accreditation in the following areas are able to apply for HTCP Level II status once they have successfully completeted the Level I program:  Medical Doctor, Registered Nurse, Occupational Health Nurse, Physical Therapist, Athletic Therapist (CATA C.), Ambulance Attendant, Paramedic, Chiropractor, Physiotherapist, Dentist, Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Podiatrist and *Military Medic (*all qualifications must be licensed in Canada).  In all circumstances the individual must provide proof of qualification to the hockey association Technical Director for proper certification to be issued.

HTCP LEVEL I CERTIFICATION UPGRADES TO LEVEL II -Forward a copy of your current trainer certification card and your current Prevention Services certification number, along with a copy of your current Standard First Aid certificate, your complete address and the $8.00 upgrade fee (some Associations cover the fee) to the ALLIANCE Office:

71 Albert Street
Stratford, Ontario
N5A 3K2

The Office will then mail you your new card.

Your Level II HTCP certification expiry date will be August 31 of the year of your First Aid expiry date.
 

HTCP CROSSOVERS FROM OTHER OHF MEMBER PARTNERS (OMHA, GTHL, OWHA, etc. trainer certification)

Forward a copy of your current trainer certification card and your current Prevention Services certification number along with your complete address and the $8.00 crossover fee (some Associations cover the fee) to the ALLIANCE Office:

71 Albert Street
Stratford, Ontario
N5A 3K2

The Office will then mail you your new card.