Background
On Saturday November 16th the Hockey Canada membership ratified the Board of Directors’ decision to change the names of the hockey age divisions (as they will appear in the rule book and in the HCR):
Public Communication
On Monday November 18th Hockey Canada issued a press release, supported with a post on Twitter, and included the chart below with the following highlights:
- At its Annual General Meeting this weekend in Montreal, the Hockey Canada membership approved a regulation change proposed by the Board of Directors to revise the naming of the hockey age divisions used in minor hockey across Canada.
- This change was initiated by Hockey Canada and its 13 provincial and territorial members and will be implemented nationally with their input and support.
- Following the recommendations of a task team the age divisions will become U7, U9, U13 through to U21 impacting all minor hockey programs under the Hockey Canada umbrella. The change will come into effect for the 2020-2021 season.
- Quote from Michael (in English): “We believe that everyone should feel welcome in the game and I am proud of the hockey community for the thoughtful response to concerns expressed about the names used for our age divisions. We have gone through a comprehensive review and believe that this change will also simplify the system for families who may be new to the game. I look forward to the new naming of the age divisions being implemented for next season.”
- Quote from Michael (in French): “We have gone through a comprehensive review of the names of our age divisions and believe this change will simplify the system for families who may be new to the game. I look forward to the new age division names being implemented for next season.”
- Include chart of age divisions for next season – see below (this is part of the press release a consumer communication piece. It includes ‘Timbits’ as this is how consumers will know it. Note that ‘Timbits’ is not part of the official regulation.)
Q&A
Q. Why did Hockey Canada make this change?
Hockey Canada believes that hockey is a sport for everyone, and we want all families to feel welcome. We heard some concerns about an age division name, and we appointed a task team to review. This change aligns with the Hockey Canada brand in being inclusive for all. This change also aligns with International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) age division names. And importantly, we believe that it makes it simpler for parents to register their kids.
Q. Was Hockey Canada not inclusive before?
Hockey Canada and Members strive to be inclusive in everything we do. We heard some concerns with an age division name and responded. A task team was put together and we are pleased with the new age division names.
Q. What is the timing?
Hockey Canada and its Members are committed to having the new age division names in place in advance of the 2020 – 2021 season, and have developed an implementation plan to ensure consistency across the country.
Q. What about existing events and tournaments (i.e. Quebec Peewee, Mac’s Midget)
Hockey Canada and it’s 13 provincial and territorial members have made the change to the age division names and we encourage all organizations to follow suit.
Q. The Quebec International Peewee Hockey Tournament is an international event, how can Hockey Canada tell it to change its name?
The Quebec International tournament is a tremendously successful event that for years has provided teams and families with an incredible experience. We certainly respect the tournament and the brand that has been built through its history. We look forward to working with the Quebec International Tournament to discuss how we move forward together.
Q. Does Hockey Canada sanction all tournaments (i.e. Quebec Peewee, Mac’s Midget)? If so, what will Hockey Canada do with organizations that don’t change to the new names?
Hockey Canada and it’s 13 provincial and territorial members have made the change and we encourage all organizations to also change. We will review on a case by case basis with organizations that may have concerns with the name changes.
Q. How will this impact ‘Minor’ and ‘Major’?
Age divisions can continue to be subdivided as they currently are in some parts of the country. In parts of the country where Major and Minor are currently used, the name of the age division will become the age, for example: Minor Peewee will become U12 and Major Peewee will become U13.
Q. Does this include women’s hockey?
This change will impact all programs under Hockey Canada from U7 to U21.
Q. Will MHAs need to change their websites and other age group-named items?
Hockey Canada and its 13 provincial and territorial Members are committed to updating all materials for the start of the 2020-2021 season. We will work with MHAs in updating their materials in a timely manner.
Q. How will historical documents/banners be managed?
Our focus currently is looking forward and updating materials to support families getting into the game.
Q. How will this change be implemented and monitored?
Hockey Canada and it’s 13 provincial and territorial Members are committed to updating all materials for the start of the 2020-2021 season, and have developed an implementation plan to ensure consistency across the country. Hockey Canada’s registration system (HCR), that is used by all minor hockey associations in Canada will be updated for the annual rollover for the 2020 – 2021 season.
Q. Will this change impact the CHL, CJHL and other Junior hockey leagues?
The naming of the age divisions impacts all levels below Junior hockey so the CHL, CJHL and other junior leagues are not impacted by this change.
Q. It says U7 is for kids aged six or under, can a four-year-old register?
Registration is administered through local minor hockey association (MHA). Families would need to check with their local MHA to determine if four-year old’s can be registered in their community.