COLGHA Return to Play, Feb 10th 2022 UPDATED

Greetings Lightning Families,

We are so pleased to announce a Return to Hockey next week and look forward to seeing the girls back on the ice!

On Thursday, January 20th, the Ontario Government announced that the current COVID-19 restrictions would begin to ease. It is our understanding that hockey activities can resume as of January 31st, 2022. All House League, Competitive, U7 Little Lightning and Fundamentals Programming will resume as scheduled from January 31st, 2022.

Check Your Schedule; There WILL be schedule adjustments required in the coming days and weeks, parents and players are asked to pay close attention to team schedules on the COLGHA website. https://collingwoodgirlshockey.com/mastercalendar

Facility Protocols; While some details have not been fully provided, and protocols may differ slightly for each facility operator, generally we are expecting the following conditions to be in place for Collingwood arenas as of January 31, 2022. These current regulations are very similar to those in place September 2021.

• Masks are mandatory at ALL times within the facility (dressing rooms included) with the exception of participating in on ice activity.
• Contact tracing - The Provincial Government has removed the contact tracing portion of the regulation. So ALL patrons 12 years and older will still be required to show their Government issue QR vaccine certificate along with valid government issued ID (electronic/paper copy acceptable for those 12-17, original document required for 18+).
• ALL patrons entering will still be required to answer the active screening health questions upon entry , however no one will be required to sign in and leave their name and contact info.
• Ice limits will be set at 40

Individuals can download their enhanced certificate with QR code by visiting https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/.\

Dressing room capacity - The current regulation is written in such a manner that there are NO LONGER capacity restrictions specific to dressing rooms. The 50% capacity is related strictly to the entire building capacity not individual rooms/areas within the building with the exception of spectator seating. These capacities are different at both arenas and will be posted on front doors. Spectator area capacity CPA 195 - - EBMA 500

We understand that there are varying comfort levels surrounding the current COVID situation. So keeping that in mind, while the Town has chosen to follow the current regulations and not exceed them they will still offer alternate opportunities to accommodate all. We encourage teams to use the additional chairs provided and/or lower bowl area of Eddie Bush. With this change to dressing rooms the wearing of masks in the room becomes even more important and we ask that you please enforce within your group as best possible. 

**The COLGHA Executive are requesting that ALL Lightning Players in the divisions of Fundamentals, U7 Little Lightning, U9, U11 and U13 arrive at their HOME arena dressed in their gear. This will alleviate the need for the dressing rooms or at least limit their time in the dressing rooms.**

The Lightning organization is very excited that hockey is permitted to return. It is important for everyone to realize that it will take the individual efforts of all members for hockey to continue to be safe. With Covid-19 still circulating in the community, and with certain public health measures like PCR tests and contact tracing no longer in place, it will be up to each player and parent to use good judgement regarding when to participate or not participate in hockey activities, for the safety of their teammates.

We ask you follow the SMDHU protocols (and continue to self-assess each day).

1. If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19; isolate a minimum of 5 days and must be feeling better for 24 hours.
2. If you are exposed to COVID-19 (not a close contact); self-monitor & isolate if develop symptoms.
3. If someone who you live with has symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or tests positive, you must isolate for the duration of the contact’s isolation period, and if you develop symptoms see (1). 
4. If you have turned 12, and are not yet fully vaccinated, your isolation period will be 10 days as directed by public health for 1-3 above.

Players Born in 2010; The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit recently provided clarity regarding the impact of vaccination requirements on children born in 2010 who will turn 12 in 2022. While this is not specifically a COLGHA policy, we want to share this information as widely as possible since it could have a significant impact on our 2010-born players. 

According to Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit directions, as of January 1, 2022, all children will have a grace period of 12 weeks from their 12th birthday during which they may provide identification at the point of entry, but do not need to provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. After 12 weeks following an individual’s 12th birthday, full vaccination requirements will apply for participation in recreation and sport activities.

Please note that this is a requirement of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, imposed on facility operators, and therefore it is not within the power or control of the Collingwood Girls HA or the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association to provide an exemption to this policy.

Extending The Season; The COLGHA is still in the process of determining the impact of the recent pause on our full season. Efforts are being made to reschedule missed activities, while trying to maintain a balance between family and hockey. Please be prepared for an extension to our hockey season or ice time in general. We are hopeful the girls' season will continue through April 8th for HL, U7 and Fundamentals and April 10th for Competitive if they qualify for Provincials! We will continue to update you as more information becomes available to us.

This is going to require a huge TEAM effort to pull off this covid season for the girls, please support the association and the board by communicating any concerns, changes and challenges. 

Please stay positive and let's give these Lightning players a season they deserve.

All the best, COLGHA