The cost of putting children in organized sports in Ontario can seem daunting on top of other costs for families. There is the perception that registering your child in minor hockey means enrolling them in the most expensive sport. But how true is this? Let’s take a look together. 

There is no question that costs go up for sports that are played indoors.  Certainly, ice rental is the most significant cost associated with our game but there are several other variables to consider when looking at the overall cost and value of participating in minor hockey, most notably the length of the season, the volume of games and practices and other intrinsic benefits. 

If you compare the cost to register your child in hockey against other popular organized sports in Ontario, you may notice that the base hockey registration fee is in some cases a few hundred dollars more than other sports programs. However, if you break down what is included in the programs and their fees, hockey is relatively equal in cost per session to other sports.

To break this down further, let’s look at the value you are getting for your investment in the game. Compared to most other sports, hockey seasons are generally longer with more overall activity than other sports. 

For example, a recreational soccer club may offer a 10-week season which includes a game or combined game/practice per week. Your local minor hockey association could offer a similar recreational program that runs over 24 weeks and includes a game and a practice per week.

So, how is this reflected in the fee you pay? 

Below are real examples from different sport associations and their Recreational registration fees along with the estimated cost per session for each program. These fees can include additional items such as a picture day, team uniforms and an end-of-season event.

SOCCER

BASEBALL

BASKETBALL

LACROSSE

HOCKEY

This demonstrates how base registration fees are misleading. When you look at the numbers in totality, the cost of playing hockey is on par with other sports, especially when you look at the cost per session every time your child steps onto the field, court or ice.

We can’t forget there will be additional costs that come with playing hockey that aren’t included in the base registration fee. To ensure your child’s safe participation, parents will need to purchase equipment for them to wear while playing. Many Associations try to assist by running equipment swaps during the off-season, and sports stores sell gently-used equipment which can help to keep costs to a minimum.

As not-for-profit organizations, OMHA member associations work tirelessly to provide affordable hockey in their communities and limit the financial strain that the sport can have on families. 

This season, the OMHA proudly announced the recipient of the inaugural Hockey is Fun grants to help Associations offer additional programming to their members.

If you could use financial assistance to put your child in hockey, consider applying to grant programs like Canadian Tire Jumpstart or KidSport Ontario.

The value of having your child participate in a sport like hockey has benefits that last a lifetime. When families are considering their recreational activity options, hockey is a sport that will help them connect with their communities, provides friends for life, offers children with one of the most fun winter activities that brings all Canadians together, and teaches valuable lessons including how to win and lose.  These benefits cannot be measured in dollars and cents alone.

Just like every activity your child participates in, there are costs associated with it, and families want to know where that money goes, how it is used and how it positively impacts your child's experience.

We’ve taken a base registration fee of $700.00 and broken down that fee with a description of each of the different areas paid for.

In the diagram below, you will see that the single biggest cost to playing the game is through your Association's ice costs – this is something that we know happens the moment you go inside, costs go up – that means a gymnasium, indoor field, pool and rinks.

91.2% - LOCAL ASSOCIATION: This pays for general operations including administration, ice rentals, uniforms and game official costs where you play a season that lasts longer than most sports. $638.23

4.8% - INSURANCE PREMIUMS: This is paid to Hockey Canada, our National Sport Organization, to protect all registered participants (players, bench staff, game officials) and volunteers in providing the game of hockey. This also pays for Director and Officer Liability (so volunteers can serve on the Board of your local association). This covers Liability Insurance, Major Medical and Dental, Accidental Death and Dismemberment and PST. $33.32

2% - OMHA ASSESSMENT: General operations and overall administration of the game including Membership Services, Hockey Development Programs, Marketing/Communications and Information Technology. This also includes Risk Management Initiatives, such as complaint investigation. $14.00

1.4% - HOCKEY CANADA ASSESSMENT: This is paid to support the general operations of Hockey Canada. $10.00

0.6% - OHF ASSESSMENT: This is paid to support the general operations of the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), our Provincial Sport Organization and a branch of Hockey Canada. $4.45

We hope these insights showcase transparency and how we are addressing the barriers, such as cost, in order to play our great game.

Visit our Risk Management page for more information on fees and coverage.