It will now be mandatory for all local parents or guardians of Novice and Atom players as well as new players in Peewee and Midget to take a one hour online course entitled Respect in Sport.
The program helps guide the behaviour of hockey parents.
Hockey Northwestern Ontario says the course has been found to be effective in other jurisdictions.
HNO President Trevor Hosanna says other areas who have implemented the program have seen a reduction in issues with parents and notes that’s nothing but good news for volunteers, coaches, players and parents.
Hosanna notes HNO is one of the last hockey organizations in the country to implement the program.