The OMHA have posted that their Vaccine Policy will not change. The OMHA requires proof of full vaccinations by October 31 for all Vaccine-Eligible Players, Game Officials, OMHA Officials, Instructors, Association Officials, Team Officials and Volunteers. This means that your player that is turning 12 this year or older must have both vaccinations and the 14 day wait period complete before October 31. If you were later getting the vaccine and will not be considered fully vaccinated by October 31 you will need to miss hockey until such time as your player is considered fully vaccinated. Further the City of Hamilton requires all parents, spectators and siblings aged 12+ must show proof of full vaccinations and ID to be allowed to enter the arena starting on Wednesday September 22.
Here is the message from the OMHA...
We appreciate how challenging a time this is for all of you as we continue to deal with the impact of COVID-19 as we return to play. We wanted to provide you the latest update with respect to the OMHA Vaccination Policy for COVID-19 and how we plan to put the health and safety of our participants first and foremost.
The OMHA held a Board of Directors meeting this weekend. Included in the meeting agenda was a discussion around the Government of Ontario’s Proof of Vaccination requirement and exemption relating to youth under 18 years of age actively participating in indoor organized sport as it applies to training, practices, games and competitions. The Ontario government considers its regulations to be a baseline and allows organizations and businesses to supplement with further measures to ensure the health and safety of participants.
The Board was pleased to welcome Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario as a guest to the meeting. Dr. Moore provided important information regarding indoor sports with a high risk of transmission, such as hockey.
In addition, Dr. Moore and his office have offered support to the OMHA to continue to provide ongoing education and direction as we continue to navigate this evolving pandemic.
The OMHA's Board of Directors have reaffirmed their commitment to provide the safest environment possible for our participants, to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to mitigate further restrictions and disruption to programming.
The OMHA Vaccination Policy will remain in place without any changes.
We thank you for your commitment to all participants and we celebrate your efforts to allow players to return to play safely.