Please read this article regarding OMHA Vaccine Policy to its entirety.
Update on OMHA Vaccine Policy
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) released a Vaccine Policy on September 3, 2021 that requires all players born in 2009 or earlier to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to play. This policy does not apply to players born 2010 or later, or spectators at this time. The complete policy can be found here.
What does this mean for South Kent?
South Kent Minor Hockey is a member of the OMHA, which means that we must follow OMHA policies including the requirement for players, board members, officials, coaches, and volunteers to be fully vaccinated to participate in the 2021-22 season. The OMHA has indicated a deadline of October 31st for these vaccinations to be complete. To be considered fully vaccinated, individuals must have received a recognized vaccine (youth 12 to 18 Pfizer only at this time and adults can have received Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Johnson and Johnson) and have completed the 14 day period after receiving their second dose. It takes 6 weeks from start to finish to be considered fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination will be required, and provided to the organization either by emailing the registrar at [email protected] or by bringing it to our first skates. If you need to find a copy of your receipt, you can access it by going to https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/ or by calling CK Public Health at 519-355-1071 ext. 1900.
If you are in need of vaccines, information on local clinics can be found on the CK Public Health Website at https://ckphu.com/covid-19-vaccination-clinics/
Can I get an accommodation?
The OMHA has indicated that they will review and approve any requests for accommodation (SKMHA is not able to do this). If you wish to have an accommodation, please go to the OMHA Accommodation Form to have this considered. Accommodations must be approved by October 31st and are eligible for the following reasons:
- Medical
- Creed/Religion
- Other Grounds
Documentation will need to be submitted directly to OMHA and more information on what each of these includes, can be found in their policy.
I have questions about the vaccine, where can I get information?
It is important you look to credible sources of information. You can find information on the vaccine at CK Public Health or by calling 519-355-1071 ext 1900.
I have decided to not allow my child to play. What happens now?
If you choose to remove your child from SKMHA, refunds are available and must be submitted to the registrar by email at [email protected]based on the following dates:
September 17 – full refund
September 18 - no refund
How will the Provincial Vaccine Passport impact hockey?
The Province of Ontario announced that they will be starting the use of a Vaccine Passport in Ontario on September 22nd; in it, youth sports were exempt, however, organization such as OMHA among others, have implemented their own requirements. While the OMHA policy doesn’t apply to spectators, we are anticipating that the vaccine passport may require spectators to have a vaccine to enter arenas or other indoor settings. It should also be noted that individual owners/operators of arenas or facilities used by teams may impose their own vaccination requirements on hockey. We know that this is the case in arenas in Essex, London and Toronto already.
We know that this isn’t an easy decision for parents. We look forward to continuing to support your child in their hockey development and hope to provide a safe and enjoyable season for all our players.
If you have additional questions or concerns about the OMHA policy please reach out to the OMHA directly by contacting them at 905-780-6642 or by email at [email protected]