Body Contact FAQ
Understanding Contact vs. Non-Contact Hockey at U15/U18
At U15 and U18, Canmore Minor Hockey offers two streams:
- REP/CAHL - Competitive stream, body checking allowed (Checking Clinic strongly recommended)
- RHL - Recreational stream, non-body checking (Checking Clinic not required)
This FAQ explains how to navigate each path, including registration, evaluations, and checking clinic requirements.
Contact Eligibility
What Age Divisions allow Body Checking?
According to Hockey Alberta, body checking is only permitted in:
- U15: BC Tier 1, 2 and 3
- U18: BC Tier 1, 2 and 3
Registration & Evaluations
How do I indicate if my child wants Body Checking or Non-Body Checking?
At registration, select either REP/CAHL or RHL:
- CAHL teams play contact hockey
- RHL teams play non-body contact hockey
Are evaluations conducted separately for Body Checking and Non-Body Checking?
We aim to assess REP/CAHL and RHL players in separate groups, though this depends on registration numbers. Some sessions may include mixed groups for skills or scrimmages, but non-contact players will not participate in contact-specific drills.
We selected REP/CAHL at the time of registration, but my child was placed on an RHL team. Why?
Choosing REP/CAHL at registration indicates your interest in that stream, but final placement is based on evaluation results. If your player is not rostered to a REP/CAHL team, other playing opportunities—such as RHL—may be available.
Are RHL teams also tiered?
Yes. RHL teams are divided into two tiers—Rockies and Mountain—to help ensure balanced competition and appropriate skill placement. Where the team is placed depends on the number of teams in the division.
Can my child affiliate with a REP/CAHL team while playing in RHL?
Yes. Affiliating is possible and players are strongly encouraged to attend the Checking Clinic if they want to be considered for affiliation.
What if my child changes their mind after choosing non-contact?
If your child initially registered for RHL but later wants to be considered for a REP/CAHL (contact) team, eligibility depends on if space is available. Please contact the CMHA Operations Manager as early as possible to discuss your options.
Can my child switch from RHL to REP/CAHL mid-season?
Mid-season switches are generally not permitted. However, affiliate opportunities may be available depending on team needs.
Checking Clinic
Is a Checking Clinic required?
No. However, it is strongly recommended for all U15/U18 players new to contact hockey and beneficial for all players, regardless of stream.
Does Canmore Minor Hockey Provide a Clinic?
Yes. A free clinic is held in early September and includes two sessions. Attendance is encouraged for first-year U15 players and those without prior contact experience.
Is my U15/U18 player automatically registered for the Checking Clinic?
Yes, all U15/U18 players are welcome to attend the clinics. See main Camps and Clinics page for more info.
If my child completed a Checking Clinic over the Spring/Summer, can they still participate in the CMHA Checking Clinic?
Yes, players are welcome to attend as additional training.
My child played U15 or U18 REP/CAHL previously. Do they need to attend the Checking Clinic?
If they want a refresher, they are welcome to attend.
What if my child only wants non-contact?
Attending the clinic is recommended for skill development, as incidental contact can still occur in RHL.
Contacts
Still have questions?
- Development or clinic inquiries: CMHA Development Director or Development Coordinator
- General Info: CMHA Operations Manager
Glossary
- REP/CAHL: Competitive stream with body contact, part of the Central Alberta Hockey League.
- RHL: Recreational stream (non-body contact), part of the Rockies Hockey League.
- RMFHL: Rocky Mountain Female Hockey League (non-body contact).
- Affiliate: A player registered on one team but eligible to fill in temporarily on another (e.g., an RHL player skating with a REP/CAHL team).
- BC Tier: Refers to body-checking tiers defined by Hockey Alberta, generally Tier 1-3.
