Vaccine Policy Update, News (Oro Thunder Minor Hockey)

Please refer to the chart below to know if you will be required to show proof of double vaccination upon entry to the building. Please note the second dose must have been received at least 14 days prior to the day of your visit. (Medical exemptions detailed below.)

It is recommended to arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of your ice time, with all of the necessary documents in hand. Be prepared that you may have to wait as the Township reviews everyone’s vaccination status and identification upon entry. Please be patient and remember that this is a Provincial Regulation and not a rule made by the Township.  They will do their best to get you in the facility as quickly as possible.

Process for Entering a Recreation Facility as of September 22, 2021

1. Screenings- Participants and parent/guardian must complete the online screening (same as current process). Screenings must be completed the day of your visit at Arena Screening (simcoe.ca)
2. Proof of Vaccination - If proof of vaccination is required, have your identification and vaccination documents ready. It is suggested that you take a picture of your ID & your vaccination receipt side by side to make it easy for staff to review. (Please make sure picture is clear and legible.) Please refer to enclosed chart for applicability.
3. Parent/Guardian/Spectators – if under the age of 12, identification confirming age must be presented. If 12 years and older, both proof of vaccination and identification is required.
4. Leagues and Teams - Email your team roster to the Township at least 1 day prior to your next booking (if it you haven’t already submitted it). On your first booking on/after Sept. 22, we will check each players’ vaccination status and record it on a master roster. For every visit after, we will review your daily screening record and confirm on the master list that your vaccination records have been seen. If a player has yet to show their proof of vaccination, they must present it prior to being allow in the building.

Identification Documents

Supporting identification documents must be presented that show the name and date of birth of the individual:

• Birth certificate
• Citizenship card
• Driver’s license
• Government (Ontario or other) issued identification card, including health card
• Indian Status Card/Indigenous Membership Card
• Passport
• Permanent Resident card

Proof of Vaccination

One of the following documents must be provided to confirm proof of vaccination:

• An Ontario vaccination receipt from a vaccine clinic (printed copy)
• A vaccination receipt signed by an Indigenous Health Provider
• An Ontario Ministry of Health vaccination receipt received by email following your appointment (digital or printed copy)
• Downloaded vaccination receipt from Ontario’s provincial booking portal
• A vaccination receipt from another jurisdiction that shows the holder is fully vaccinated against COVID-19

Medical Exemptions

Written medical exemptions must include the following:

• First and last name of the person with the medical exemption
• The physician or registered nurse’s information including:
  • Name and contact information of physician or registered nurse
  • Logo or letterhead identifying the physician or registered nurse
  • Statement that there is a medical reason for the individual’s exemption
  • Effective time-period for the medical exemption

Effective October 31, 2021, the OMHA requires that all Affected Persons be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  At present the policy does not apply to hockey players born after 2009.  An official from the Board of OMHA will be required to check vaccination records in order for a player to be allowed on the ice effective November 1st.

Affected Persons
This policy applies to the following Affected Persons, which includes the following persons:
• Players born in 2009 or earlier
• Team Officials (Coaches, Trainers and Managers, etc.)
• Game Officials (referees, linespersons, timekeepers, etc.)
• Association Officials (minor hockey association directors, officers, executive and staff)
• OMHA Officials (directors, officers, executive and staff, including hockey development personnel)
• Volunteers
• Instructors (third parties engaged by Associations or Teams to provide specialized instruction (e.g., power skating, goaltending coaching)
At present, this policy does not apply to hockey players born in 2010 or later, or to hockey spectators.

Vaccination Requirement & Records
All Affected Persons are required to be Fully Vaccinated (i.e.: including the 14-day period after receiving their completed dose) by October 31, 2021 or earlier. All Affected Persons must present to their Association designate, as applicable, evidence satisfactory to the OMHA demonstrating that they have received the completed series of an Accepted COVID-19 Vaccine.
5. Acceptable Vaccines
The OMHA recognizes all vaccines approved by Health Canada. All Affected Persons will be required to confirm they are vaccinated regardless of which approved vaccine they receive.

Acceptable Documentation
Acceptable documents serving as evidence of COVID-19 vaccination include:
• A digital or physical Dose Administration Receipt.
• Medical records signed by a licensed health care provider indicating vaccine name and date(s) of administration.
• Government verification/language (e.g. Government issued vaccine passport or card)

Accommodation
The OMHA will comply with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and provide an accommodation to any Affected Person who is unable to be vaccinated for substantiated medical reasons and/or on such other grounds protected under the OHRC, unless such an accommodation cannot be made without inflicting undue hardship on other Affected Persons.

We thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience as we respond to these new regulations.