President's Return to Play Update, News (Central York Girls Hockey Association)

Good Morning Panther Families,  

I am hoping that everyone enjoyed an eventful Canada Day with your small groups and that the upcoming summer months will continue to bring reduced numbers of COVID19 cases coupled with additional public allowances for all groups, workplaces, sports and entertainment.  

I am writing to update you on the recent activities that pertain to the process involving returning to hockey.  

The OWHA recently met with discussions surrounding the return to hockey.  They have developed their own risk assessment framework, based on the guidance of the Province of Ontario (PDF attached).

Phase One – Protect and Support – no activity

Phase Two – Restart, Protect and Support
Stage One – Individual In-Person Training and Virtual Group Training
Stage Two – Group Development Training
Stage Three - Informal Programming 
Stage Four -Traditional Hockey

Phase Three – Recover, Protect and Support
Stage 1 - Registration 
Stage 2 - Internal Events 
Stage 3 - Integration 

Currently, the OWHA is working out the details for Phase Two with the hopes that we can enter  Phase 2/Stage 2 as soon as possible.  The following are some of the details that were discussed:

Each Association needs to develop a COVID Response Plan and have one Member or a committee to coordinate its implementation.  The following criteria are to be included in the plan:

 - Screening – temperature checking, a questionnaire as participants enter the building
 - Contact Tracing system
 - Education program for participants on hygiene etiquette
 - Parents are not allowed in the building, therefore must have a plan to make sure the player is returned to the    correct parent.
 - Need to be sure coaches have 
   drills
   plans that avoid contact
   rules for distancing that are being followed
 - OWHA will only be giving proof of insurance once associations complete the COVID-19 Protocols certification for each association which is part of the application process.    

While we have not been granted permission to enter this stage now, we should be provided with some information in the next couple of weeks.  The exec is currently in the midst of putting together a COVID19 committee as per the OWHA requirements and will continue to meet in hopes of working toward following all protocols to try and bring some ‘play’ back for the next season.  

I will continue to keep you up to date on any information and progress that is made in this process.  

Wishing you all a safe and healthy summer!  

Richard Clarke President

OWHA_Return_to_Hockey_Framework_June_9_-_Final_3.pdf