OMHA Policy on Vaccine Mandates - This is an essential read for all participants. Please read carefully.
The OMHA announced Friday September 3rd, 2021 that it will
require proof of COVID-19 immunization for all vaccine eligible participants (birth year 2009 and older unless exempted). This will include players, coaches, officials, coaching staff, board members and volunteers. Eligible participants will require proof of having been fully vaccinated by
October 31, 2021.
If we look at the dates to ensure you or your child (12 years and older) is eligible to participate in OMHA sanctioned hockey within the AMHA, you should keep the following in mind.
First Dose by: September 17, 2021
Second Dose by: October 15, 2021
14 days post second dose: October 29, 2021
Fully vaccinated by: October 31, 2021
You or your child will not be able to continue with OMHA sanctioned events after October 31, 2021 if they are not fully vaccinated or do not have a documented exemption. This does not mean that you cannot get the vaccine past October 31, 2021 and then be eligible to play. It simply means there would be a pause in you or your child's participation. If someone has a documented exemption, they will still be required to show proof of a negative covid 19 test within 24 hours of a practice or game to a designated person in the AMHA organization.
At this time, the OMHA mandate does not apply to spectators. However, with the Government of Ontario announcement Wednesday September 1st, there is a chance that anyone entering an indoor sporting facility could need to be fully vaccinated. This may or may not come into effect on September 22, 2021.
NOTE: this has not been confirmed by the EECC at this time. It is more than likely the EECC will be required to screen people at the entrance if this goes into effect. More info will come as it is available.
The OMHA has charged organizations with keeping a list of those who are fully vaccinated for auditing purposes. If you are an eligible player, coach, volunteer or board member requiring vaccination and do not have an exemption, please send your 2nd dose vaccine receipt to AMHA board member
Shawn Pede at [email protected]
Note: If you have an exemption to getting the vaccine, the OMHA requires a note from your physician, nurse practitioner or specialist. This can also be sent to Shawn Pede.
The AMHA is committed to making the environment as safe as we can for our young athletes and their families. Though we respect an individual's personal choices, the AMHA is required to follow the guidance of Hockey Canada, the OHF, the OMHA, the leagues and the Ontario Ministry of Health.
Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mark Holmes at
[email protected].
We certainly do not want to lose any participants or volunteers, as hockey can provide many rewarding opportunities to our kids and families. However, we realize some may not be in agreement with this mandate. Should you require a refund, you can connect with Leon Thoonen at
[email protected]
The link to the OMHA announcement for your review is
https://mcusercontent.com/ed1fb6c79cb1b8204b16b527d/files/62795759-e762-cbbf-572f-38384f7aca4c/OMHA_VACCINATION_POLICY_V1_2.pdf
Sincerely,
The AMHA Board