Thank-you
for your patience as we work through all the new requirements from OMHA/OWHA,
the Ontario Government and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
Please continue to read this article to gain an understanding of the mandates we are dealing with...
The province recently announced youth sports, for ages 18 and under are exempt from the new vaccine passport requirement that comes into effect on September 22nd. However, OMHA reinforced their OMHA vaccine policy today with this OMHA Association Mailing requiring all players (born2009or earlier) to be fully vaccinated by October 31st. This means that all players must have completed both doses and the 14-day period after, in order to be fullyvaccinated by October 31st. Failure to complete the requirements will result in the participant being suspended from hockey until all vaccination requirements are met.For anyone who is coaching, acting as bench staff, officials, time/scorekeeper or volunteer, the above also applies to them for the game/practice that they are involved with.
With the information above there is no change to our previous message sent September 10.
The information below from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is a change.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has also implemented vaccine requirements for all spectators (including parents) entering the arena. Their communication reads as follows. “In accordance with Ontario's Proof of Vaccination, effective September 22, all individuals aged 12 and over entering a CK Recreation program/facility must provide proof of full vaccination and Photo ID. Individuals aged 11 and under are eligible to enter the program/facility. If they are accompanied by an adult, the adult must provide proof of vaccination and Photo ID”
The new requirement will start Wednesday September 22nd.
Anyone born in 2009 or earlier must show proof of vaccination at the door to enter the arena, if they are not directly participating in the practice or game. The temporary exception to the vaccination rule, will be players under 18 years of age, 17 and below. The exception will also include coaches, trainers, and referees. This temporary exemption for this specific group is only granted until Oct 31.
Please note that on September 22nd, if you are not fully vaccinated (two weeks after your second dose), you will not be able to enter the arena as a spectator.
As detailed in our recent website post we’re asking all players, coaches, volunteers to send their proof of vaccination to [email protected] For spectator entry requirements we’ve not yet been informed by the Municipality of an entry protocol however we ask that all spectators be ready to show proof of identification and vaccination.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to [email protected] and we will help to address them the best that we can.
We thank you for the patience and support during this time. The Wallaceburg Minor Hockey Association understands these OMHA/OWHA/Government requirements may not align with all Participant's perspectives, and we respect your choice. We want to give you an opportunity to consider your decision carefully. As we continue to plan, and schedule Ice we will begin to incur costs. WMHA will need to know if you are withdrawing your Registration for the 2021-2022 Season by Friday September 24, so we can have time to advertise roster spot openings, and adjust scheduling plans for the season. Members withdrawing by Sept 24 will qualify for a FULL Refund.
We continue to be driven by our mission to create the best minor hockey experiences for our families and strive to create better people and stronger communities. We will again do that for the 2021-2022 season. We hope that you will continue with us!
WMHA Board Executives