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Bytown District and OCMHA Vaccination Policy
2021-08-27Important message for all OCMHA participants - please read.....
Further to my previous message on mandatory vaccinations, I can now provide an update on the requirements that will be in effect this hockey season.
The Bytown District executive, which is responsible for overseeing the Bytown Minor Hockey League, met earlier this week and made the unanimous decision that all eligible participants in the BMHL will be required to have received their first COVID-19 vaccine by September 9, and their second COVID-19 vaccine by October 15. The Bytown statement on vaccinations can be reviewed here.
The OCMHA fully supports the Bytown District decision and to help protect the health and safety of our hockey community, the OCMHA will implement the same requirement for attendees at all of its programs.
All eligible participants in OCMHA programs and any individuals who may have contact with participants in dressing rooms or other areas of the arena must be prepared to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination – one dose by September 9 and full vaccination (2 doses) by October 15.
This requirement will apply to all:
- Players born in 2009 or earlier
- Coaches
- Trainers
- Managers
- Safety Coordinators
- Timekeepers
- Other volunteers, including all OCMHA Executive members
- Parents and guardians who need to enter dressing room areas
For those in our community who are unable to be vaccinated based on human rights related grounds,such as medical or religious requirements, we will consider how their individual needs can be accommodated on a case-by-case basis, while continuing to protect the health and safety of all members of our community. Please contact Dave Loehr, OCMHA President or Matt Meagher, Director of Risk and Safety, in confidence if you require accommodation under the policy.
Please note that all other public health precautions (e.g. masking, social distancing, staying home if you have symptoms) will remain in place regardless of vaccination status.
Full details of the OCMHA vaccination policy and updated safety guidelines will be published shortly. Information on how and where to access the COVID-19 vaccine can be found on the Ottawa Public Health Website.
Once again, thank you to all members of our hockey community who have already been fully vaccinated. We are looking forward to kicking off a fun and safe hockey season.
David Loehr
President, OCMHA