PROGRAMS

This program is supported by the Legacy Foundation of Canada and is a comprehensive seminar with the goal of providing players with information about mental health and to help them take that information and apply it to their own lives and continue to do so in order to maintain good mental health.

Support our players with resources on a team by team and player by player basis

Support parents and billets with resources on awareness.

Focused on mental wellness, positive youth development, resilience building

Utilizing discussion based learning and skill development needed to improve mental well being and bounce back in times of distress

Gaining an understanding related to concerns commonly faced by youth and issues specifically linked to hockey

The connection between physical and mental health

This program is available in both in-person and on-line sessions

Life Skill Development Support

• Life Skill Program Materials – booklet, handouts
• Follow up process
• Safe Talk 
• 24 hour help line
• Counselling Services
• Program Poster, Website, App Development, Player Card, 

The Second Assist program is the next step in the groundbreaking First Assist initiative developed by the OJHL Foundation.  The program offers skills-based support for the development of mental health and well-being of hockey players.  Building on the foundations of First Assist, Second Assist addresses critical issues identified by players as important to their personal and professional growth.  With a focus on substance use and addiction, the impact of substances on performance, healthy relationships, and team dynamics, Second Assist empowers athletes to navigate these challenges while promoting a culture of well-being and accountability, as outlined in the hockey community’s code of conduct.  The Second Assist program is a continuation of the league’s commitment to the experience and support provided to our players.

Outline of the Second Assist Program

Introduction

• History of First Assist
• Funders

Section 1: Mental Health Refresh

• Defining mental health
• Asking what kinds of things impact a person’s overall mental health
• Introducing content areas for the session

Section 2: Substance Use

• Tie in with HC Code of Conduct
• Basics of Substance Use/Abuse
  • Understanding Different Substances (alcohol, drugs, performance-enhancing substances)
  • Impact on Physical and Mental Health
    • What does addiction mean and how does it happen
    • What can you look for?
  • Legal Implications
  • Short and long term effects
• Substance Use/Abuse in Sports
  • Including stories from professional athletes
  • Impact on athletic performance
• Peer Pressure and Decision Making
  • Recognizing Peer Pressure
  • Strategies for Making Informed Decisions
• Mental Health and Coping Strategies
  • Mentioning stressors in hockey and life (connection to First Assist)
  • Healthy coping
  • Seeking support
  • Case study/example in small groups

Break

Section 3: Bullying and Harassment

• Tie in with HC Code of Conduct
• Current stories in hockey
• Importance of respect in team dynamics
• Understanding Bullying and Harassment
  • Definitions and examples
    • Verbal, Physical and Cyberbullying
    • Discrimination and Microaggressions
    • Recognizing Inappropriate Behavior – when is it more than just joking around
  • Differentiating between bullying and harassment
  • Impact on individuals and team unity
• Building a Positive Team Culture
  • Effective communication skills and open dialogue
  • Responsible social media use
• Dealing with hate

Section 4: Healthy Relationships

• Tie in with Code of Conduct
• Signs of Unhealthy Relationships (interactive question – what makes a relationship unhealthy or toxic)
  • Power Imbalances and Manipulation
• Characteristics of Healthy Relationships (interactive questions – what makes a relationship healthy?)
  • Mutual Respect and Trust
  • Understanding Consent
  • Setting boundaries

Section 5: Wrap Up, Resources and Evaluation (5 min)

The OJHL Foundation will initiate a gala awards banquet that honors our league award winners, highlights our vast past alumni and raises funds for the OJHL Foundation to help support our many goals.

 The first annual award celebration is tentatively scheduled for April 24, 2019.  More news to come!

The goal is to  educate players, administrators, physicians, coaches and officials on the cause, effects and consequences of concussions and neurotrama injuries in hockey.

• Educate
• Prevention
• Resources 

Through the use of partnerships, seminars and resources to educate our Athletic Therapists, Trainers, Coaches we hope to achieve our goals

Developing and maintaining a series of scholarships and bursaries to help all players of the OJHL in furthering their education in post secondary education or training.

Creating a fair, balanced and simple application and selection program.

The OJHL Foundation is committed to helping those in need whether it be for players who cannot afford to cover the cost associated with playing in the OJHL or special tragic circumstances that happen from time to time. 

Through our alumni and friends of the OJHL, the OJHL will create a program that provides players with opportunities of internship and placements both volunteer and paid to further their experiences and development in their chosen fields.  Additionally, we will create a summer job program to help players during the offseason.