BEARS UPDATE SEPT 17th, 2020, News (South Muskoka Minor Hockey Association)

September 17th, 2020 Update

We have been receiving a lot of questions over that last week or so which are warranted and we thank you for bringing various things to our attention.  We hope that your child will play with SMMHA this season and we will provide information as we receive it.  Even though OMHA is a major governing body that has published guidelines, please remember we have other units and policies to adhere to which can vary from Town to Town.

PAYMENT (DUE SEPTEMBER 18th):

A portion of payment for those who PRE-REGISTERED is due tomorrow.

In order to pay your fees, you need to sign in and then REGISTER A PARTICIPANT as if you are registering for the first time this year.  This will generate the fees you need to pay.  Once you get to the CHECKOUT you will see payment options to pay in full or in 2 instalments, please choose Pay in Two Instalments.

We only have a certain amount of space in our team bubbles and have players who are on the waiting list. These players will be contacted if a spot is not secured by a player who is registered.

FEES:  An updated budget was approved which determined our 2020/2021 player fees.  Please feel free to view our approved 2020-2021 Budget HERE

ICE TIMES:

CUBS/INITIATION (U7) - ONE day/week

TYKE(U8) - MIDGET(U18) - TWO days/week

Please view the following schedule.  Coaches will be in contact with families to share specific ice times.

ANTICIPATED START & END to the 2020/2021 SEASON

Our earliest start date, we would hope to be, is September 28th, 2020 with a closing date approximately mid-end of March 2021.  This is dependent on all governing bodies (PROVINCIAL, MUNICIPAL, OMHA, and PHU).  Their directives will determine our continuation or closure.

HALF ICE GAMES WITH U9 & BELOW PROGRAM

Nothing has changed with this program. The same programming for U9 and Below will continue as stated by OMHA.

RETURN TO PLAY HIGHLIGHTS

• The team manager will meet all players at the facility entrance

• Health Screening and Contact Management documentation will be verified complete prior to allowing entrance to the facility.

• The Town of Bracebridge has issued a Daily Contact Tracing Log (Appendix A) which shall be completed for all users of the Bracebridge Memorial Arena.  This log shall be completed by the team manager along with all other required health screening and contact tracing forms required.

• SMMHA has developed an online 'Google form' which shall be required to be completed by all players prior to entering any facility.

• All players shall arrive at the facility dressed in as much equipment as possible.

• Players may enter the facility 15 minutes prior to their ice time.

• No spectators shall be allowed access to the facility.

• All players are covered through OMHA insurance and their respective bench staff will be responsible for their teams.  If there are any medical conditions or specific needs, please reach out to our Director of Volunteers/Off-Ice Officials

• For cubs and Initiation, pre-assigned parents shall be allowed in the facility to tie skates.

• Doors will be locked to prevent access at scheduled ice time.

• A maximum of 30 participants shall be allowed on the ice, including players and bench staff.

• Masks or face coverings shall be worn by all participants before entering the facility and will only be removed by participants before going on the ice.

• Once off the ice all participants shall don their mask or face covering.

All participants shall exit the facility no later than 15 minutes after leaving the ice.

It is important to recognize that the Ontario Government has permitted competition with the understanding that rules have been modified to eliminate intentional physical contact. Playing the game of hockey without intentional physical contact represents a significant shift from traditional hockey. As such, it is the equal and collective responsibility of all participants (players, bench staff, officials) to create and adhere to the gameplay structure that eliminates intentional physical contact.

*Things will change as we move through the next few weeks and months and we need to work with the Health Unit closely to ensure we are following protocol and directives they provide us.