Please be aware that the Province has placed Waterloo Region into Red level restrictions under the Open and Safe Ontario
Framework. These changes take effect on Monday Nov 23rd. 2020.
Read on to find out what this means to Hockey.
Please be aware that effective Monday November 23 2020 the Province of Ontario has now placed Waterloo Region into Red level restrictions under the Open and Safe Ontario Framework.
In preparation for this move KMHA surveyed our participants to determine the most supported programming change for KMHA to adopt. Three options were laid out for people to choose from. The below chart identifies the results of the survey for all participants that responded. The programming choice selected the most often was option 2. With 764 people selecting it for 60.97% of the total respondents. These numbers are reasonably similar across all age and skill categories. These stats have led to a decision by KMHA to operate all programs during our Regional Red – Restrictions. We will maintain the ice purchased for each cohort and our team’s players will rotate through that ice on an equal basis meeting the provincial guidelines and the program restrictions offered by our governing bodies. KMHA reserves the right to change this decision based upon our changing environment or changes to the information we have received.
KMHA encourages all families to participate at their comfort level. If you registered and paid for the next period and it has not started, and you wish to withdraw under the new conditions KMHA will offer you a full refund for that period. Please note KMHA will not guarantee a period 3 spot for anyone that withdraws. We will fill period 3 at that time on a first come first serve basis.
KMHA will also seek further supports from both our municipality and other revenue streams to support an increase in our ice blocks to assist us in offering a program as similar to our original program as possible.
- No Games or Scrimmages. Associations may offer skills-based programming only; with an emphasis on remaining 6 feet apart even on the ice.
- Masks must be worn at all times when not actively on the ice.
- 9 skaters & 1 staff (10 people) in a room (arena) at one time.
Girls – 1 coach on the ice up to 9 players. 1 guardian will need to have Respect in sport and a current police check. Trainer, either the coach or the same guardian will have to have their Trainers certification. KMHA will reimburse for any new certification required. Either the coach or the Guardian must be female
Boys – 1 coach on the ice up to 9 players. (see below for guardians)
- U7 to U11 Age categories can have a single guardian from the same family unit attend to assist the player in preparing for the ice and then they may remain to support their player. All guardians attending in this manner must follow all current KMHA protocols regarding attending a practice
- To support safety KMHA is implementing a no spectators Policy for ice times at U12 age categories & older age categories. If your participant requires assistance with gear, please note a guardian from your family unit may enter to assist with gear but must leave immediately once your player is prepared for the program. (exception is the one guardian required in our female hockey programs) This family member must screen and follow all current KMHA protocols regarding attending a practice.
-Teams will have to rotate the players through the designated team ice times equally. The coaches will determine the rotation that best supports the team.
- The head coach does not have to be the coach on the ice for every practice if they are assisting in the design and supporting the implementation. (Supporting the assistant coach before the ice time)
-The KMHA Development Coordinator will help our coaches with any issues or support they may have with physically distant practices.
- no travel outside of the Region to associations that are in a better status (orange, green etc) than the Region of Waterloo
The preceding restrictions are subject to change, additions & deletions as we find out more information.
- additional information will be distributed if/once it is known by KMHA
- Red restrictions will be in effect for 28 days once implemented (Provincial Public Health Unit guidelines)
- all Public Health Unit, City of Kitchener & KMHA rules/procedures will remain in place.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to visit our website www.kitchenerminorhockey.com (we will work to post answers there) or to reach out to your directors or our General Manager. Please note that we are expecting a higher than usual volume of questions and it may take longer than usual to return your message.
Thank You KMHA