WMHA Press Release - Feb 10th
Whitecourt Minor Hockey Executive Board and Directors met tonight, as a result here are the decisions made:
WMHA made the exciting decision that the season will resume on Feb16th with back to similar practice schedule as the fall with a little bit of modification to accommodate for the 10-participant rule for all divisions. This decision is made to support the majority of members who voted in favour of getting back on the ice and extending the season.
- The season will conclude on April 30 or if the GOA health order increase restrictions due to Covid-19.
- Refunds will be discussed and considered for the remaining of the season if cancelled due to COVID-19 right up to March 15.
- Teams will practice in groups of 10 participants including coaches. Depending on the division, practices will be on half or full-ice.
- As per Town of Whitecourt press release , spectators will not be allowed in the arena, both arenas will be closed to the public and open to only participants (players, team coaches and assistant coaches, managers, safety personnel, WMH board and directors and any designated approved female team staff)
- There will be limited access and maximum 10 people per dressing room. If players can’t dress themselves, please have players fully dressed when arriving into the arena. Coaches will be assisting with skates for younger players and any that require assistance.
- Masks must be worn at all time by coaches off and on the ice, no exceptions. Players are required to wear masks when not on the ice.
- Requests for refunds will now be accepted until 6pm on Friday Feb 12. Please submit your request for refund by following this link. Failure to do so could result in losing on the refund. Admin fees will be $10 per family.
https://forms.gle/PMVgTgymTU1GAnHy6
As always, all safety measures will be in place to minimize contact and keep players and coaches safe off and on the ice.
Step 1 of the Government of Alberta’s A Path Forward allows the opportunity for specific hockey activity to occur. Children and youth are allowed to participate in limited team sport activities, subject to certain mandatory restrictions as outlined by the Government of Alberta on the A Path Forward webpage.
The following rules and guidelines are in place for permitted hockey activities in Step 1.
- Practices are allowed for indoor and outdoor training. o Games are not allowed.
- All players must be 18 years old or younger.
- Maximum of 10 total participants, including all coaches and players. An indoor ice surface may be split in half to allow for two groups of 10 on the same ice surface. Please see Question 1 below for additional information.
- At least 1 registered coach for the 2020-21 season must be on ice at all times and have at minimum RIS - Activity Leader training.
- Physical distancing must be maintained between players at all times:
o 3-metres physical distance for indoor activities
o 2-metres physical distance for outdoor activities
- Coaches should use equipment to ensure physical distancing is maintained. (dividers, pylons, nets, bingo dabber, ice paint etc.)
- Coaches may enter physical distancing space for brief interactions with players (for example, to correct form or technique)
- Players must wear a face covering at all times, except during the training activity.
- Coaches must wear a face covering at all times.
- Access to change rooms must be limited, including accelerated arrival and departure,
emergencies (for example, first aid) and washroom use.
For more information on gathering restrictions and minor sports restrictions please check GOA PATH FORWARD plan and the clarification on practice plans for return to hockey with the new restrictions can be found at Hockey Alberta Bulletin 20-14
This is a tremendous opportunity to keep kids active, involved and moving and we are committed to making the best of it.
Friends, we look forward to seeing the kids back on the ice, it may not look like we are used to but we know and understand the benefits to these young athletes’ mental and physical well-being will help overcome the obstacles along the way.
Whitecourt Minor Hockey