To register for programs, first make sure individuals are added to your family profile. When an individual is created, you’ll see waiver buttons beside their name—these must be reviewed and accepted before the “Register” button appears.

You can register one person at a time, or use “Register Multiple Individuals” to register several family members at once.

Detailed instructions can be found in the Help tab on the platform. If you need a hand, email Support@PlayFinder.ca

We want everything about activities in Nova Scotia to be as simple and clear as it can be. That goes for this platform too! If you find any functionality issues, please let us know.

For example, if the font is the wrong size, or the colours make it hard to read, or the menus are difficult to navigate. We want to make sure finding the information you want is easy, so help us serve you better by letting us know of any issues you encounter.

Simply bring the issue to the attention of support@playfinder.ca 

Yes! We’ve started a page for PlayFinder generally, as well as community-specific pages for each PlayFinder county. These pages share programming opportunities, community events, and local recreation news. Some pages are currently more active than others based on level of community involvement in PlayFinder. Check out the list of links below to find & follow your community!

We love sharing positive community news on these pages. If you’d like to contribute a story, request a share, or suggest content, please email Support@PlayFinder.ca.

PlayFinder Inc.: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderInc
PlayFinder Annapolis: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderAnnapolis
PlayFinder Antigonish: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderAntigonish
PlayFinder Cape Breton: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderCapeBreton
PlayFinder Colchester: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderColchester
PlayFinder Cumberland: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderCumberland
PlayFinder Digby: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderDigby
PlayFinder Guysborough: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderGuysborough
PlayFinder Hants: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderHants
PlayFinder Inverness: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderInverness
PlayFinder Kings: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderKings
PlayFinder Lunenburg: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderLunenburg
PlayFinder Pictou: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderPictou 
PlayFinder Queens: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderQueens
PlayFinder Richmond: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderRichmond
PlayFinder Shelburne: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderShelburne
PlayFinder Victoria: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderVictoria
PlayFinder Yarmouth: https://www.facebook.com/PlayFinderYarmouth

Yes. PlayFinder provides user guides, help resources, and regular online training sessions such as Lunch-and-Learns. These are designed to help staff, volunteers, and administrators feel confident using the platform. Additional support is always available through our Help tab or by contacting our team.

Some optional questions help communities and organizations understand who they are reaching—and who may be missing out. This information supports more inclusive, equitable recreation planning and helps ensure programs are accessible to everyone. You can always choose whether or not to answer these questions.

Visit PlayFinder.ca and click “Create an Account.” Enter your information and save—once complete, you’ll be logged in automatically.

From there, click “Set Up PlayFinder Profile” to create your family profile, then select “Add Individual” to add yourself and any other family members. Each individual receives a customized list of opportunities based on their profile details.

Step-by-step instructions are available anytime through the Help tab on the platform.

Creating an account unlocks additional features that make participation easier. With an account, you can register for programs, manage your family’s activities, track payments, subscribe to calendars, receive important updates, and stay connected to the communities and organizations you care about—all in one place.

No. You can explore programs, facilities, parks, trails, and other recreation opportunities on PlayFinder without creating an account. An account is only required if you want to register for programs, manage family profiles, make payments, or personalize your experience.

Yes! You can follow multiple communities to stay informed about programs, events, and opportunities in different areas—whether you travel frequently, have family in other regions, or participate in activities across communities. To add communities to your profile, click "My Communities" in your dropdown menu. 

PlayFinder is an online community navigation platform created in Nova Scotia and built collaboratively with the communities we serve. It’s designed to make it easier to find, access, and manage recreation and sport opportunities—especially in rural communities.

PlayFinder brings together program registration and management tools (like registrations, facilities, and equipment) alongside community recreation information such as parks, beaches, trails, and other local amenities—all in one place.

As PlayFinder continues to grow, additional features will be introduced in your community. Program registration is just one part of a much bigger picture: a shared community resource that helps people discover and enjoy opportunities to play, connect, and belong.

Yes. Your information is securely stored in Canada and used only to support your experience on the platform. When we use community level data to inform research, it is completely anonymized. You own and control your account and preferences, and PlayFinder does not sell personal information. Protecting user privacy is a priority for us.

Yes. PlayFinder allows accounts to be linked so multiple caregivers, guardians, or family members can help manage registrations and schedules. This makes it easier to coordinate shared responsibilities and stay organized. As long as the other person has an account - simply go to "Linked Accounts" and add other's to your family via their email address. If you have trouble, contact us at Support@PlayFinder.ca

We’re a small team who live, work, raise families, and volunteer in and around Antigonish and Pictou Counties. PlayFinder was born out of real, on-the-ground experience in pilot communities, where we saw firsthand the challenges facing recreation staff, volunteers, organizations, and families.

The platform was developed collaboratively from the very beginning to address common pain points—like inefficiencies, burnout, and difficulty accessing information—and to make recreation and sport easier for everyone.

We travel, play, and participate across Nova Scotia, and we’re passionate about strengthening access to recreation in rural communities. As a social enterprise, our long-term goal is to reinvest in community development. When you reach out to PlayFinder, think of us as a friendly neighbour—not far away, and always happy to help.

Registration Instructions for New Users

Creating an Account

• On the top right corner of the page, on the menu bar, click “Create an Account”.
• Fill out your details, create a password, and save your information.
• You will receive an email confirming your account has been created. 
• Click “Log In” on the menu bar (top right).
• Fill in your User Name and Password, click “Log In”.

Setting up your Family

• On the top right, you will now see your drop-down beside your name.
• Under this drop-down menu, select “Setup PlayFinder Profile” and submit your information here.

Adding Family Members

• First, you MUST add yourself as the “primary adult” and fill out your profile information. You will not be able to take other actions until this step is complete.
• You may add additional adults here as well if you wish for communications and shared family management purposes. You can also link other adults accounts to yours so you can both log in to access management of the same fam.
• Add family members by clicking “Add Individual” and filling out their profile info like you did your own.

Registration

• Once you have added the registrant as part of your family and completed their profile, you will now see 2 “Waiver” buttons beside their name for Participation and Media agreements. 
  • Click to review each waiver, and confirm that you have read and understand the waiver by clicking the confirmation button at the bottom of the page.
• Return to your family profile page. Now you will see a “Registration” button by their name in place of the waiver buttons. Click this to reveal a personalized list of programs based on the participant’s profile. Use the checkboxes to select all program(s) and submit. 
  • To register multiple family members at once, click "Register Multiple Individuals" instead of the indvidual register button.
• For more info on a program, you can click the title to reveal additional details. 
  • Select the programs you wish to register for using the checkboxes, and then hit “Submit” to request registration.
• If there are additional waivers or questions associated to the program these will pop up now.
  • Select waiver answers and submit. Now the registration request process is complete.
• While your status is still “pending” you can unregister using the same process. Once the registration status is confirmed, you have to contact the organization directly to withdraw.
• Follow payment prompts ONLY once your registration status is CONFIRMED.
  • An email will come through to you when you are confirmed. Keep an eye on your junk!

Need Help? Email: Support@PlayFinder.ca

Mission: To provide a shared community navigation tool—supported by a collaborative framework—that increases access to information, opportunities, and resources, resulting in positive recreation experiences and the full benefits of recreation for all Nova Scotians.

Vision: “It’s easy to play in Nova Scotia.”

Yes. Your registered programs automatically appear in your PlayFinder family calendar, and you can subscribe to certain organizations so their events show up in your personal calendar app on your phone or computer.  You can set each member of your family to have a different calendar colour, so you can quickly and easily tell who needs to be where and when!

Yes. A single PlayFinder login can be used for both personal and organizational roles. You can easily access your personal profile and any organizations or facilities you’re connected to, based on your assigned permissions.

From your PlayFinder profile, click “My Communities” and “My Organizations” to manually opt in to communications from groups you’re interested in.

You’re also automatically added to communication lists when you register for a program or event, so you’ll receive important updates such as cancellations, schedule changes, or location updates.

Help is always close by! You can browse or search our help resources through the Help tab, or directly visit: https://sites.google.com/playfinder.ca/playfinderhelp

If you’d prefer personal support, please email Support@PlayFinder.ca with details about what you’re experiencing. Screenshots are very helpful if you’re able to include one. We’ll investigate and respond as quickly as possible—don’t struggle alone!

Yes. Many organizations offer secure online payments directly through PlayFinder. Your payment history is stored in your account for easy reference. Some organizations may also offer alternative payment options, you will receive custom payment options for any org you register with!

PlayFinder is mobile-friendly and works on any device through your web browser. While there isn’t a standalone app yet, you can bookmark PlayFinder.ca on your phone for quick access via "add to homescreen". We plan to develop an app for the platform in the future, stay tuned!

We love feedback. Truly.

If you have ideas, suggestions, or questions - big or small - please email Support@PlayFinder.ca. Your input helps shape improvements that benefit everyone, and many platform features exist today because users shared their thoughts.

On the PlayFinder Platform, we only ask information that is critical for use by the community organizations that we serve and that you associate with. Your privacy and security is our first priority.

We collect information from you and your family in two ways:

1. Through your account and family member profiles you create to access the Sport Hub Community Registration System, and
2. Through the “Additional Information Form” that is collected in hard copy to provide medical and other important personal details that help organizations provide a safe and enjoyable experience for participants.

The owner/caretaker of the online data is PlayFinder Inc. This data is used:

1. at the individual level to help your family register for programs – the information is shared only with the specific organizations you are signed up with, as well as their provincial or national organization, and
2. at the group level, assessing all data (anonymised) in a broad, holistic way to monitor, evaluate, and enhance community sport and recreation services in our communities.

The caretaker of any confidential medical form is the organization you fill out and submit it directly to. The suggested protocol in regards to their management of these types of forms is as follows:

• The organization is responsible to have a safety binder onsite with the coach/leader at all times.
• This binder includes 2 copies of the form and the coach/leader is responsible for safely managing your confidential information while in their possession.
• The binder will also include incident reporting forms which are to be filled out after every injury or incident to keep a record.
• The forms will be destroyed by the organization at the end of each season.
• The form will only be used to:

1. Review in advance of participation (by organization admin and coaches/leaders) to determine if any additional supports need to be put in place or if there is any critical medical information a coach/leader must know (ex. Allergies).
2. Find contact information or share with medical personnel in the case of an emergency (hence the “two-copy” policy – ex. if one form is taken by a paramedic, the organization has one form remaining.

If you have any questions or concerns about your data storage or how it is used, please do not hesitate to email us at support@playfinder.ca

PlayFinder is still growing, and not every community organization is online yet. We’re actively working with partners across Nova Scotia to expand coverage. If you’d like to see your community included, please contact us—we’d love to explore how to get started!

Being listed on PlayFinder is free. Our goal is to build a comprehensive directory of recreation and sport opportunities in each community. If you're interested in using some of our other services like online registration, let us know and we can provide more information!

If you’d like to add your organization or facility, email Support@PlayFinder.ca and we’ll help you get started.

Yes. Organizations can import participant information and export reports and data to support planning, reporting, and operational needs. Filtering tools help generate useful insights specific to your organization or community.

The organizations you see during registration are based on the Community selected in the community drop-down menu. If you’re seeing organizations you don’t recognize—or none at all—you may be viewing the wrong county.

On desktop, the community drop-down is located in the top-right corner of the screen. On mobile devices, tap the three-bar menu icon to reveal the community selector.

No, PlayFinder does not operate programs or events directly. Our role is to provide the online access point that connects you to opportunities in your community.

For questions about specific programs or events, please contact the organization or facility directly using the contact information listed on their PlayFinder page.

If you’re having trouble finding something, feel free to reach out—we may be able to help point you in the right direction. Contact us at Support@PlayFinder.ca.

PlayFinder is continuously evolving. If there’s a feature you need that isn’t available yet, we encourage you to reach out. Feedback from communities and organizations directly informs platform improvements and future development.

Here is an example of a Bylaw

Here is a second Bylaw

Organizations are permitted to use this sytem for the purposes of managing registration and facility scheduling.

MEDIA RELEASE AGREEMENT
(PARTICIPANT AND PARENT/GUARDIAN)

PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY AND CLARIFY ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS BEFORE ACCEPTING

Please note: additional waivers/documentation may be required by individual organization(s) as per their provincial body or board requirements.

Please note: It is the responsibility of the Participant or Parent/Guardian to review this Media Release Agreement (the “Agreement”). The Agreement remains valid and binding for the duration of any/all programs for which Participants are registered. The Agreement made by signing this waiver in advance of program registrations does not expire, but a renewed electronic signature may be required for further transactions.

In consideration of the Participant being permitted to register and take part in the Activity, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged, the following is agreed:

 THIS WAIVER APPLIES TO:

1. The individual participating in the programs and activities accessed through PlayFinder, together with their heirs, administrators and assigns (the “Individual Participant”). For all Individual Participants who have not attained the age of majority, this Agreement is being agreed to on their behalf by their legal Parent/Guardian. For those Individual Participants who have attained the age of majority, this Agreement is being agreed to in their individual capacity. Whether signing in an individual capacity or as a Parent/Guardian on behalf of an Individual Participant, both parties are referred to herein as the “Participant”;
2. The creators, managers and funders of the PlayFinder website (“PlayFinder”);
3. All participating organizations and/or community sport organizations, whose programs are accessed through PlayFinder, which include but are not limited those listed on the website (the “Organizations”); and
4. All of the Organizations’ governing bodies, National and Provincial sport organizations, as applicable, together with their directors, officers, employees, coaches, instructors, volunteers, agents, representatives, business operators and/or members (the “Affiliated Organizations”).

(collectively PlayFinder, the Organizations and the Affiliated Organizations shall be referred to as the “Indemnified Parties”)

MEDIA:

1. “Media” includes, but is not limited to, any taped or digital footage, photographs, appearance, voice recording, or interviews of the Participant when taking part in the activity(ies) associated with the Indemnified Parties.

MEDIA RELEASE:

2. The Participant gives full permission to the Indemnified Parties, to take, adapt, use, and reuse Media of the Participant and their associated persons on site (such as friends / family members, and spectators) when taking part in the activity(ies) associated with the Indemnified Parties.
   
   
3. The Participant agrees that Media of the Participant may be used (in physical printed formats, audio formats such as radio, and digital/online formats) by the Indemnified Parties in perpetuity, without compensation or remuneration to the Participant, for marketing, promotion, advertisement collateral material, website development, community news/spirit, and media related purposes at the Indemnified Parties discretion.
   
   
4. The Participant agrees that the Indemnified Parties may use all or any part of the Participant’s likeness, and may later re-use in original or modified forms, regardless of whether the Participant is recognizable.
   
   
5. The Participant agrees that the Indemnified Parties may use the Participant’s name or other identifying information (such as club, team, region, etc.) in connection with Media sharing at the Indemnified Parties’ discretion. 
   
   
6. The Participant agrees that all Media is the sole property of the Indemnified Parties and agrees to release and discharge the Indemnified Parties from any and all claims and demands arising out of, or in connection with, the use of Media, including any and all claims for future liability.
   
   
7. The Participant understands that while participating in public activities (such as organized sport and recreation activities), there is always a chance of being photographed or recorded by members of the public (such as parents, spectators, other teams, media, etc.) and that these third parties may use or post this media based on their own discretion.
   
   
8. The Participant confirms they understand the potential unintended risks associated with participating in public activates such as use of public media in unauthorized or inappropriate ways by other members of the public, and that these unintended risks are out of the Indemnified Parties’ control.
   
   
9. The Participant understands that consenting to this Agreement is conditional for registration and participation in programming.
   
   
10. The Participant understand if they wish to withdraw their consent for a legitimate reason, they must contact the Organization(s) that they are registered with directly through written communication to ensure the Indemnified Parties become aware of the manual opt-out. The Organization(s) will respond to the Participant to confirm the receipt of the manual opt-out. The manual opt-out will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure the Organization is able to realistically accommodate the request and to relay the manual opt-out to the appropriate coaches/leaders to mitigate media exposure to the best of their ability.

REPRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

11. If applicable, I have authority as the parent or legal guardian of the Individual Participant to enter into this Agreement;
    
    
12. If applicable, I have discussed the risks associated with this Agreement with the Individual Participant;
    
    
13. If applicable, the Individual Participant signing on their own accord has attained the age of majority.

By selecting (a) program(s) and submitting registration through PlayFinder website registration portal, you understand and expressly acknowledge that you have read this Agreement, are executing it voluntarily and with full knowledge of its content, and that it is binding upon the Individual Participant. By selecting “Accept” you agree to the above. If you do not agree you can select “Cancel.” By selecting “Accept” you have used your electronic signature to signify that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms of the Agreement.

"Play at your own Risk."

Should you have any questions or concerns please contact support@playfinder.ca