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OWHA Vaccine Policy Update for Girls Hockey Update Sept. 27/21
On Monday, September 27, 2021, the OWHA met with Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health for the Province of Ontario.
Pursuant to this meeting, effective immediately, it is mandatory, as a condition of eligibility to participate in any OWHA-sanctioned activity, that everyone born in 2009 and earlier must be fully vaccinated (2 shots plus 14 days) as soon as possible and by no later than November 1, 2021. This includes all players, staff and volunteers, including coaches, trainers and officials. The only exemption from this requirement is for two specific medical reasons. The full policy reflecting these rules will be posted shortly on OWHA’s website.
Previous statement on September 17th
September 17th, 2021
The Government of Ontario has provided, in a September 14 news release, detailed information regarding the upcoming Proof of Vaccination requirements and exemptions. These come into effect on September 22, 2021.
Please note that there is a limited youth sport exemption.
The rules of the limited youth sport exemption include but are not limited to the following (please carefully read all the information links above for more detail):
- Patrons under 18 years of age who are entering the indoor premises of a facility used for sports and recreational fitness activities solely for the purpose of actively participating in an organized sport, in accordance with the Guidance (third link).
- The exemption relating to youth under 18 years of age actively participating in indoor organized sport applies to training, practices, games and competitions.
- Proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and proof of identification (or proof of being entitled to another exemption) is required for patrons 18 years and older, including parents or guardians of youth actively participating in an organized sport.
- Proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated is not required for workers or volunteers, including coaches and officials.
Please also note that rules regarding Proof of Vaccination requirements and exemptions may vary by public health unit / region / municipality / location / specific facility and that these rules may change. Communication with individual facilities is crucial.
OWHA strongly encourages every eligible person to get vaccinated and help stop the spread of COVID-19. We also strongly urge all adults who are taking any position of responsibility such as coaches, managers, trainers, team staff, officials, volunteers and others to get fully vaccinated prior to participation in hockey.
The OWHA does point out that PHUs, municipalities, arenas and facilities have the authority to be more restrictive and that some are being more restrictive than the requirements noted in information linked above. This may mean that OWHA players and teams may be able to practice or play in 1 facility but may not be permitted to enter other facilities without complying with different local or facility requirements. The best way to ensure access into a facility is to be fully vaccinated and carry proof and identification with you.
The OWHA continues to work within the mandates of the provincial government and is prepared to implement measures that are deemed appropriate by it to protect the health and safety of its citizens and our participants and stakeholders.
Previous Statement - September 2, 2021 COVID-19 Update
The OWHA continues to address the complexities of the Covid-19 pandemic.
On Sept. 1, 2021, the Government of Ontario announced its decision to require proof of full vaccination (two doses plus 14 day waiting period) for access to select indoor facilities, beginning on Sept. 22, 2021. As soon as the associated regulations are publicly available to review, OWHA will review them in relation to female hockey in Ontario. Based on the Government’s announcement, the mandatory vaccination requirements will include indoor “Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and personal fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sport”.
In light of this development and of various trends, OWHA’s Board of Directors met on Thursday, September 2nd and will be requiring (subject to any additional developments in this area) 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. Details will be posted when available.
Kind Regards,
Ontario Women’s Hockey Association
225 Watline Avenue Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1P3
Phone 905-282-9980
Email
[email protected]
Web www.owha.on.ca
Twitter @OWHAhockey