Information regarding return to play for Minor Hockey 2020-2021
Hockey Canada, the OHF and the OMHA have released a statement outlining the steps for return to play protocol for minor hockey organizations.
It is a 17 page document that highlights a multi-stage process that will be guided by the local health units.
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Hockey Canada, the OHF and the OMHA have stated that they will defer to the local health authority in each particular region to decide what is appropriate for the people of their region. All hockey organizations will need to be in constant contact with local health units and the Recreation Facilities to determine what stage their region will be operating within. Facilities will be required to meet specific cleaning and sanitizing standards through their own Recreational Facility Associations in order to reopen, so we are confident that when they do open up, they will be prepared. As for the bench staff and hockey players, stringent hygiene practices will be implemented along with physical distancing when dropping off and picking up, passing through lobby areas and especially in dressing rooms, on the ice and on the bench. At this point, we do not know what the health units will decide in regards to the number of non-player patrons to be allowed in facilities or what the protocol will be when it comes to attending and watching practices and games but we are confident that those in charge will be ready with their plans by the time hockey starts back up again. Hockey will not go ahead until all health and safety benchmarks are met. We encourage our hockey family to keep in mind that Covid-19 has created an ever changing global health crisis, so while Hockey Canada, the OHF and the OMHA have laid out their plans, we must all be prepared for anything to happen and for the authorities to make decisions based on science and the safety of Canadians.
Please know that as more information is provided by Hockey Canada, the OHF, the OMHA and our local health units, we will pass that along to our membership immediately.
Thank you for your patience as we navigate these unprecedented times.