The St. Thomas Minor Hockey Association recognizes the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on sports and recreation. We have heard how important hockey is to our families, coaches, and participants, and are committed to doing what is necessary to keep our participants on the ice, and our rinks as safe as possible for the coming season.
Earlier this week Alliance Hockey had implemented a Mandatory Vaccination Policy for all participants 12 years of age and older, and today the OMHA has also followed suit. In keeping with the most recent recommendations for amateur sports leagues, and the mandates from both STMHA Governing Bodies; STMHA will now require proof of COVID-19 immunization for all coaches, volunteers, bench staff, and participants who are eligible for vaccination (including those born in or before 2009), unless exempted.
Eligible participants will require to bring proof of having received their first dose before their first tryout skate and be considered fully vaccinated by October 31, 2021. This means that a participant must have their second dose before October 16, 2021.
Further details regarding the qualification of an exemption, as well as how to submit proof of vaccination, will be available in the STMHA Vaccination Policy, which will be posted on our website in the next few days.
As our community begins to see the effects of a possible 4th wave of this pandemic, and as the frequency of COVID-19 cases in amateur group sports continues to increase, STMHA believes that mandatory vaccination is an important step to support our community’s efforts to prevent the spread of this virus.
Ensuring that all eligible individuals are fully vaccinated will provide us the best opportunity to keep our participants on the ice and participating in regular team play.
If you have any questions or concerns, please forward them to our association Risk Manager, Diana Wilson via email: [email protected]
We look forward to seeing you all back at the arena soon!
STMHA Board of Directors