League position and verified status
Division 1 is the second national senior level in the FFHG structure, below Synerglace Ligue Magnus. FFHG has published the 2026/27 calendar and current sporting regulations.
2026/27 competition framework
FFHG confirms 16 teams in Division 1 for 2026/27. The regular season is played over 30 rounds. Use the live FFHG calendar for exact dates, rescheduled games and the current playoff/relegation details.
Clubs and choosing a target
Target clubs by position, role, roster construction, recent level, city and an authorised sporting contact. A place in Division 1 does not prove a vacancy. Confirm the club, contact and exact recruitment need before sharing documents or paying travel costs.
What clubs assess
Clubs compare skating pace, decisions under pressure, special-teams value, role, verified recent statistics, full-game video, health, contract status, citizenship and administrative readiness. The application must show value at this exact level, not only career totals.
JFL and roster construction
French roster rules use JFL — joueurs formés localement, not a simple nationality quota. For a 20-player game sheet in Division 1, FFHG requires at least 13 JFL players, including at least one goaltender. JFL status depends on the FFHG training-history definition, so a foreign passport does not automatically mean non-JFL and a French passport does not by itself prove JFL status.
Recruitment timing and tryouts
Recruitment may continue before and during the season, but a trial is not a contract. Confirm who invited the player, dates, evaluation criteria, travel, insurance, accommodation, equipment, expenses and the deadline for a written decision.
Contract, pay and housing
There is no official universal salary table for every club. Put gross or net pay, taxes, payment dates, bonuses, housing, deposit, utilities, meals, travel, equipment, insurance, injury protection, termination and return travel in writing.
Residence and right to work
EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and third-country nationals follow different employment routes. Official French guidance states that an employer generally needs the appropriate work authorisation for a worker who is not an EU, EEA or Swiss national, unless the player already holds a visa or residence document granting work rights. FFHG eligibility and immigration permission are separate checks.
IIHF transfer, licence and insurance
An international move follows current IIHF transfer rules, but an IIHF transfer does not replace the FFHG licence, competition eligibility, insurance, immigration permission or a valid agreement. Confirm responsibility for each step and fee.
Player application package
Send passport and any second citizenship; birth year, position, shot, height and weight; current team; verified statistics; Elite Prospects or federation profile; role-based highlights and a recent full game; contract or release status; health status and availability.
Official sources and FAQ
- FFHG: Division 1 calendar 2026/27 ↗
- FFHG: sporting activities regulation 2026/27 — JFL rules ↗
- Service-Public: work authorisation for foreign employees ↗
- IIHF rules and transfers ↗
Verified: 2 October 2026.
What level is France Division 1?
It is the second national senior level in the FFHG structure.
How many teams play in 2026/27?
Sixteen teams, with a 30-round regular season.
What JFL rule applies in Division 1?
For a 20-player game sheet, FFHG requires at least 13 JFL players, including at least one goaltender.
Does an invitation grant work permission?
No. Immigration and employment eligibility are separate checks.
Get a league assessment
Send your profile, statistics, full game, citizenship and contract status. EHA will assess whether France Division 1 is a realistic target and identify a next step without promising a contract.
Get assessed for Division 1