Vaccine Requirements and Procedures, News (North Simcoe Girls Hockey Association)

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Sep 24, 2021 | Tico Kock | 905 views
Vaccine Requirements and Procedures
The following email was sent out today.

We hope this email will provide some clarification regarding the vaccination rules in effect as of September 22, 2021 and how it impacts our hockey community. Most individuals - but not all - are required to be double vaccinated in order to access arenas and community centres in Ontario. The situation continues to change and we will attempt to update accordingly.

As of September 22, 2021 proof of vaccination is required for the following individuals entering arenas and community centres in our area:

  • All visitors 18 and older
  • Youth spectators 12-17 (not participating)
  • Participants using weight rooms or exercise equipment (all ages)
  • Any youth 12-17 not actively participating in an organized sport

This means that PLAYERS under 18 are NOT required to show proof of vaccination at this time.  ALL hockey participants 18 years and older - including players, coaches, trainers, managers, assistants, and referees - and spectators are required to show proof of vaccination to enter recreation facilities.

Please keep in mind that all of our teams (house league or competitive) will have the opportunity to play games (or tournaments) outside of Midland this season and that other jurisdictions may have different proof of vaccination requirements. This means that unvaccinated players, coaches or spectator participation could be limited in their ability to participate.  For this reason, we continue to strongly recommend that everyone in our hockey community who can, should get their vaccine - and be ready and willing to provide proof of vaccine whenever asked, at any game or practice.

We’d also like to remind everyone that there will be ABSOLUTELY ZERO TOLERANCE for any disrespect or abuse of any arena employees.  It is important for us to work together, as a community, to support each other through these uncertain times, understanding that each of us has a job to do. If you have any concerns or encounter any difficulties, please contact us directly and we will work together to find a resolution. 

Finally, in hopes of providing some clarification and understanding around our attempts to follow and implement the guidelines that are continuing to evolve, please note the following: 

On September 1, the Ontario government announced that all individuals would be required to be double vaccinated in order to access recreation facilities as of September 22. On September 14, the Ontario government announced changes that means youth aged 12-17 would not be required to show proof of vaccination to participate in organized sports.

On September 2, the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) announced that “as a condition of participation in the OWHA, players and other participants who were born before 2010 be fully vaccinated as soon as possible and by no later October 17, 2021.” However, the detailed guidelines released by the OWHA on September 17 matched the updated regulations provided by the Ontario government meaning proof of vaccinations is not currently required for participants under 18. 

As you can see, circumstances have and could continue to change.  New requirements could come at any point in the season - from the Ontario Government, OWHA, or NSGHA - so our strong recommendation remains that all players and those supporting hockey should get their vaccine shots as soon as possible.

We remain hopeful for a safe and successful hockey season for our children and youth and appreciate your ongoing cooperation and support.  

Sincerely,

NSGHA Executive

 
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