Update on Stage 2 restrictions

Hockey Associations across Bytown District have put in place health and safety protocols, processes and emergency response plans that respect Ottawa Public Health (OPH) municipal and provincial (regulation 364/20) rules and regulations. These protocols are key to making our programs work.
 

With the latest announcement by the Province yesterday, Ottawa is returning to a modified version of Stage 2 of its Emergency orders. For Minor Hockey, that means that we are returning to a modified version of Stage 2 of our hockey program, called the Return to Ice.
 

This means that no scrimmages or games are permitted during ice times for at least the next 28 days. The existing limits of 25 players on the ice and one spectator per player remain in effect, provided that all spectators wear masks. We do not anticipate that the changes will have any impact on our plans for the U7 through U13 groups, and those cohorts will continue as planned. We are currently working with the U15 and U18 coaches to determine how those programs can be modified to respect the new rules. We hope to be able to provide more information on that in the next day or two. U21 scrimages will be cancelled until at least Nov 1.
 

We know that this has been and continues to be a stressful time for so many given the rising case count and the return to school. The protocols and plans in place are to help us mitigate risks as much as possible. This is why it is critical that everyone coming to hockey ensure that they accurately complete health screening questionnaires prior to arrival at the rink. Ensuring the names and phone numbes recorded by the Safety Coordinator are vital to aid in contact tracing. If anyone (player, volunteer or spectator) or anyone in their household is showing any symptoms identified by OPH, please stay home. Your health and the safety of others is something we take seriously and must maintain. We all have a responsibility to each other as a community.
 

Following health and safety protocols will help us keep our program going week after week. Given the psychological and physical benefits of sport to our children, it would be a difficult blow for many if the opportunity to have some sort of normal activity was no longer available. On that point, I’ve included a link to an article provided by the District that speaks directly to the mental health benefits of team sports when done in a safe and distanced manner.

 

We will continue to share information and updates regularly to let you know how we are doing, and to give you opportunities to submit questions and comments. If you have any comments or questions at this point, please reach out to us at president@ocmha.ca or riskandsafety@ocmha.ca

Volunteers have been working on the return to hockey for several months and everyone is doing their best with so many unknowns and changing variables. As things change and as we learn more, we will communicate via email and our website up to date. Information can also be found on the District site: http://bytowndistrict.ca/ or on Twitter at @districtbhky
 

We are doing our very best to provide the kids with a safe and fun season and we look forward to working together to achieve this goal

 

Happy thanksgiving and stay well.

Dave Loehr

President OCMHA