Under-7/Initiation Program First Time Hockey Player Parent Information

Below are are some common questions from parents of U7-age children who are signing their child up for hockey for the first time.

U7/IP Info	4-6 years old Royals - mix of boys and girls Storm - girl only team Being able to skate is NOT a prerequisite Parents are not permitted on the ice, all teams have several qualified coaches that are insured and certified to Hockey Canada standards to support and teach U7 Players. For those parents that wish to volunteer as a coach/trainer please see the KDMHA website for more information. Players require a practice jersey and socks for camps. If you do not have one please let your convenor know as we may have extras to provide. Timbit Jerseys and Socks are provided to each player once teams are made. All Timbit Jerseys are players to keep at end of season.
Season Duration	End of September to End of March Players will participate in a weekend sorting process to IP1 (new to hockey/first & second year players) and IP2 (typically 3rd year players)
Practice Days	Every Saturday and Sunday (50 min/practice)
Practice Times	Typically between 7am and 9am
Late Fees	Only applies to returning players. New players do not pay the late registration fee.

Hockey Canada announced beginning Fall 2017/18 season cross-ice/half-ice will be mandatory at the Initiation level. All levels of IP follow this mandatory half ice requirement for the entire season to deliver the age-appropriate programming and skill development as set out by Hockey Canada.

For more information about the Under-7 Timbits program, see
Hockey Canada - Timbits Under-7 Hockey
Hockey Eastern Ontario - U7 Program
OWHA - U7 Program

Shift foward (formally called Respect in Sport Parent) Requirement:

Parents of players in the HEO jurisdiction are required to take the Shift Forward (formally called Respect in Sport Parent Program). The program is taken online at a cost of $13 and a minimum of one parent from each family with NEW player to hockey at all levels will need to take the program.

By the end of the 2027-2028 season ALL individuals will be required to complete The Shift Forward course to meet eligibility requirements. This applies regardless of whether you have previously completed Respect in Sport or Speak Out. Respect in Sport and Speak Out Certificates will continue to be accepted until the end of the 2027-2028 season.

For more information about the Shift Forward requirements please review HEO Memo April 2026

The Shift Forward for parents program differs from the Shift Forward - Coaches, Rostered Staff, or Officials. Therefore, parents must take the Shift Forward parent program separate from the Shift Forward - Coach/Rostered Staff/Officials courses.

** All NEW players must have a family member complete this program before player is ADDED to a team. Please complete it early so there are no delays.**

Parent Program

English- https://page.spordle.com/heo/clinics/1f12ec7f-20d7-6d76-81a0-0233802c013f

French- https://page.spordle.com/heo/clinics/1f12ec84-e619-6f80-ac3b-06b18f5f402f

Please contact the U7/IP convenor via email u7royals@kemptvillehockey.com or u7u9storm@kemptvillehockey.com for the details about the program, or contact registrar@kemptvillehockey.com or stormregistrar@kemptvilleyhockey.com for registration inquiries.