Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey Association Position Statement on Dual Participation in Sanctioned and Non-Sanctioned Programming

Purpose

This position outlines Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey Association’s approach to BC Hockey’s Non-Sanctioned League (NSL) Policy. It is intended to provide clarity, consistency, and direction for our families, coaches, and board members.

RMMHA’s Position

RMMHA respects and complies with the current BC Hockey policy, which states:

“Any individual who participates in a non-sanctioned game after the Cut-Off Date will be ineligible to participate in any BC Hockey sanctioned program, game, or league play for the remainder of the season.”

However, as this policy was created and is enforced by BC Hockey, RMMHA does not take responsibility for verifying or enforcing violations of this rule. It is our belief that:

While RMMHA is responsible for supporting and upholding BC Hockey’s policies, we do not determine eligibility. If BC Hockey advises that a player is ineligible under the Non-Sanctioned League policy, we will respect and follow that directive.

Application of Our Values

The RMMHA core values of RESPECT, DESIRE, and PRIDE inform this position as follows:

• We believe in transparency, fairness, and consistency.
• We do not assume that dual participation reflects a lack of commitment.
• We support families in making development choices that work for them, and we also expect all participants to comply with BC Hockey rules once registered with RMMHA.

Our Vision for Hockey in Our Community

RMMHA is committed to building a hockey program that combines high-level athlete development with an unforgettable player and family experience.

We believe in offering our athletes a place to:

• Compete at a high level;
• Develop in an environment that challenges them to grow;
• Create lasting memories with friends from across Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

We also recognize that families have the right to explore the hockey programming that works best for their athlete.

Our job is not to tell families what they can or can’t do. Our job is to build a program strong enough that they want to stay.

At the same time, BC Hockey has a policy in place that prohibits dual participation in sanctioned and non-sanctioned programming after a designated cut-off date. It is our responsibility to respect and follow it as a sanctioned Minor Hockey Association.

Our Commitment Expectations for Competitive Teams

Earning a roster spot on one of RMMHA’s competitive “A” teams is a privilege, not a guarantee. These teams require a higher level of dedication, consistency, and accountability — both to the team and to the association.

In most cases, one athlete’s selection means another athlete is not offered a spot. With that in mind, we expect that:

• Athletes selected to “A” teams make their RMMHA team a top priority during the season.
• Coaches clearly outline expectations regarding attendance and commitment during early-season team meetings.
• Families ensure they are capable of supporting the level of commitment required before accepting a roster position. If a family’s schedule includes external activities (e.g., club sports, private training, or NSL participation), these should be discussed openly during early-season meetings to ensure alignment with team expectations.

Commitment expectations for competitive teams apply to all external activities — whether they’re other sports, private training, or non-sanctioned programming. The issue is not where else a player participates — it’s whether they are honoring their responsibility to their RMMHA teammates once they’ve earned a competitive spot.

Team-first culture starts with commitment. And commitment starts with clarity.

How We Will Handle Potential Violations

• RMMHA will not actively investigate NSL participation.
• If a concern is raised with verifiable evidence (e.g., published team rosters, promotional materials, game footage), it must be submitted via email to the RMMHA President at president@ridgemeadowshockey.com. If the concern appears valid, RMMHA may forward the information directly to BC Hockey for review and will await their direction. RMMHA will not investigate or make eligibility decisions independently.
• RMMHA will not suspend, bench, or discipline any athlete based solely on internal reports or speculation.
• As a BC Hockey–sanctioned association, it is our responsibility to uphold BC Hockey’s policies. If BC Hockey determines that an athlete must be removed from a roster due to a violation of the Non-Sanctioned League policy, RMMHA will respect and enforce that decision.
• Refunds in these cases will be provided in accordance with RMMHA’s Refund Policy.

 

What Makes Community Hockey Different

While there are many hockey programs available to families, there is one thing that only community minor hockey can truly offer:

the opportunity to grow up playing the game you love with your closest friends.

That’s something NSL programs will never be able to manufacture — and it’s our greatest competitive advantage.

At RMMHA, we believe that:

• The memories made at out-of-town tournaments,
• The laughter in the dressing room after practice,
• The team spirit at fundraisers, bottle drives, and community events,
• And the impact of volunteering together as a team…

These experiences are the ones our athletes will carry with them for life — long after their last game.

Few players will go on to play junior hockey, and even fewer will make a living from the sport. Most athletes — whether they come from sanctioned or non-sanctioned programs — will eventually lace up their skates for a beer league or adult rec team.

 

What sets community minor hockey apart is the lasting impact it leaves — the friendships formed through seasons spent playing with classmates and neighbours, the shared memories from tournaments, fundraisers, team events, and all the little moments between the whistles.

 

When the competitive chapter of hockey ends, those are the memories our athletes will carry. And those are the experiences they won’t find anywhere else but here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Dual Participation in Sanctioned and Non-Sanctioned Programming

Q1: Can my child play in both a BC Hockey-sanctioned program (like RMMHA) and a non-sanctioned league (like HPL, JPHL, etc.) during the season?

A: No. Under BC Hockey’s current policy, players who participate in any non-sanctioned games after the designated cut-off date (typically September 30) are ineligible to participate in sanctioned programming for the remainder of the season.

Q2: What happens if a player is found to be participating in both?

A: BC Hockey may declare the player ineligible. If BC Hockey instructs us to remove an athlete from a roster, RMMHA will comply with that decision. Refunds, if applicable, will be issued according to our refund policy.

Q3: Does RMMHA investigate or monitor who is playing in non-sanctioned leagues?

A: No. RMMHA does not actively investigate or monitor NSL participation. However, if someone has verifiable evidence (e.g., published rosters, promotional materials, game footage), it must be submitted via email to the RMMHA President at president@ridgemeadowshockey.com. If the concern appears valid, RMMHA may forward it to BC Hockey for review. We do not make eligibility decisions independently and will await direction from BC Hockey.

Q4: Can my child still attend non-sanctioned camps or development sessions?

A: Yes — as long as they are not participating in games after the cut-off date. Skills development and private training are not restricted under BC Hockey’s policy.

Q5: What if a player has already registered with RMMHA and then joins a non-sanctioned team mid-season?

A: If this is confirmed by BC Hockey, the player will be removed from the RMMHA roster, and a refund will be provided in accordance with RMMHA’s Refund Policy.

Q6: Why doesn’t RMMHA enforce this rule more directly?

A: As this is a BC Hockey policy, BC Hockey is responsible for enforcement. Our primary role is to support athletes and families in having exceptional minor hockey experiences, maintaining the integrity of our programming without acting as investigators. As a BC Hockey member association, we will uphold the application of this policy as directed.

 

Q7: Will my child be judged for playing in a non-sanctioned program?

A: No. RMMHA does not view participation in other programs as a reflection of loyalty or commitment. Every family is encouraged to determine what is best for their athlete. Athletes selected for RMMHA competitive 'A' teams must ensure RMMHA remains their top priority.

Q8: I heard there were athletes participating in both sanctioned and non-sanctioned programming last season. Why is this season different?

A: Last season, there was confusion across many associations — including ours — about how the BC Hockey Non-Sanctioned League (NSL) policy was to be interpreted and enforced. While efforts were made to support athlete participation, it became clear through direct communication with PCAHA that athletes are not permitted to participate in both sanctioned and non-sanctioned games after the cutoff date. This season, RMMHA is taking proactive steps to provide clear guidance to families and teams so everyone understands the policy and how it will be handled.