Organization - Kitchener Minor Hockey COVID 19 Update Nov 24th 2020
Attention
Parents and players. Region of Waterloo Public Health has
reinterpreted the provincial Red-Control level
restrictions and they were communicated to KMHA on Monday November 23rd at 4:00 pm after our initial plans and e-mails were
shared with you. These changes take effect on Nov 25th.
The primary change from public health indicates that while participants can have a guardian attend, they are included in the limit of 10 people allowed in each rink. KMHA has worked diligently since the 23rd to examine our programs, drill down on survey results to the program level, and determine how each program will move forward. This restriction also means that guardians would not be allowed into the arena to tie skates, or assist with equipment, including handing over a piece of missing equipment, regardless of age or level. KMHA will continue to work with our contacts to determine if these restrictions change or lessen to allow parental support.
These restrictions change KMHA’s ability to adapt some of our programs. They alter the plans KMHA has for utilizing a parent to act as trainer for our programs. Each of KMHA’s programs operate under different rules, environmental impacts and have differing expectations of service delivery, therefore require a different approach. While we know our decisions will not resonate with everybody, we hope that you understand these were difficult decisions made with much thought, discussion, and frankly heartache in all regards. We are attempting to deliver what we can and will augment with alternate programming where possible. In this regard KMHA has revised its plans for Hockey during the Red level restrictions to the following:
Boys House League
- All Boys House League operations will be suspended effective immediately. They will remain suspended while we are at RED level restrictions under the Ontario COVID-19 Response Framework. We will resume programming once we have returned to Orange level restrictions or less. It is KMHA’s intention to return for a full season, but a decision will be reached once we are more accurately aware of the duration of the restrictions. This decision has been made as a greater number of house league participants expressed a desire to suspend programming in our survey. To help offset this decision, those that requested a refund but would like to be placed back into the program now while it is suspended can email the registrar to ensure their space is safe. Please do so by Nov 30th to ensure you are registered. KMHA will design and implement a skills-based program for those House League players wishing to still practice with their peers. Details of this program will be released this week.
Boys Rep
- All age categories will operate with reduced number in the building.
- KMHA will follow a model of 9 skaters and 1 coach with each program being governed by an emergency action plan that will be reviewed with each team.
Girls Local League
- All age categories U18 and below will continue with an 8 players 2 team staff model (one female guarantee), with each program being governed by an emergency action plan that will be reviewed with each team.
Girls Rep
- All age categories U18 and below will continue with an 8 players 2 team staff model (one female guarantee), with each program being governed by an emergency action plan that will be reviewed with each team.
Ice Pirates
- The ice pirates will be operating programming under restrictions with details regarding ratios and programming to follow this week.
Sidewinders Sledge Hockey
- The KW Sledge hockey program will suspend all activities effective immediately. They will remain suspended while we are at RED level restrictions under the Ontario COVID-19 Response Framework. We will resume programming once we have returned to Orange level restrictions or less. It is KMHA’s intention to return for a full season, but a decision will be reached once we are more accurately aware of the duration of the restrictions.
This reinterpretation is new and disappointing information for all of us, and impacts all the minor sport associations across Waterloo Region. We’ve appreciated the support of our KMHA family through every adjustment required so far to keep our community safe and operate Hockey in the way that supports each program best, and we ask you to please continue with your patience and understanding.
If you were kind enough to volunteer as a trainer under KMHA’s first plans and you had already taken the trainers course and paid for it please submit your receipt for reimbursement. Should you still wish to help your Hockey team and become a trainer reach out to your director and let them know. KMHA reimburses for required training for all of its volunteers.
Yours in Hockey
The KMHA board of Directors