Effective September 20, 2021
Dear Canmore Minor Hockey Players, Families and Community,
As you are likely aware, on September 15 the provincial government announced new temporary health measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19, many of which come into effect Monday, September 20, 2021.
As has been the case throughout the evolving pandemic, these restrictions are being implemented on a timeline that has left organizers very little room to develop plans and processes to adhere.
In the past three days, the Town of Canmore has confirmed that, effective September 20, 2021, the Canmore Recreation Centre will be subject to provincial restrictions, however they will be implementing the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) which will mean our continued ability to operate with minimal disruption. The caveat however is that they are relying on User Groups to enforce the provincial requirements. Therefore, C.M.H.A. volunteers will be responsible for managing, administering, and enforcing the restrictions under the REP in place.
Earlier today, our Board met to discuss the new temporary measures to reduce transmission of COVID-19; the recently released CMOH Order 42-2021 Re: 2021 COVID-19 Response and CMOH Order 43-2021 Re: 2021 COVID-19 Response - Alberta Government’s Restrictions Exemption Program, as well as the Requirements for the Restrictions Exemption Program guidance document released by the province on or about September 19, 2021.
Based on the above resources, C.M.H.A. has concluded that, until otherwise determined:
PLAYERS:
- All players under 18 are permitted to participate in C.M.H.A. programs (including evaluations, conditioning and training camps and sessions, practices, games, etc.) WITHOUT the requirement to provide proof of vaccination; negative COVID-19 test or proof of medical exemption.
- Parents/guardians of players must self-screen players for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to participation. Any player exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 must refrain from attending C.M.H.A. events and follow mandatory COVID-prevention protocols as outlined by the government. In the event your player is sick, keep them home and notify the registrar so alternate arrangements for evaluations can be made.
BOARD MEMBERS, EVALUATORS, CONTRACTORS, EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS AND SPECTATORS:
WILL be required to provide:
- Proof of vaccination; or
- Proof of a negative privately-paid test result from a sample that is taken within the prior 72-hours (Results from Alberta Health Services are not eligible for consideration for this program), or
- An original (non-copied) medical exemption letter.
- Additionally, individuals 18 years or older must produce valid personal identification as defined.
Therefore, if you intend to come inside the Recreation Centre building at any point for a C.M.H.A. event, you (and any additional persons aged 12+ with you) will be required to provide either proof of vaccination; proof of negative COVID-19 test taken within the last 72-hours or proof of valid medical exemption. Additionally, all non-players aged 18+ will be required to provide proof of identity. For details of acceptable documentation, identification and more, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid19-restrictions-exemption-program-requirements.pdf
Please be prepared to provide the required proof of identification and COVID vaccination; negative test; or medical exemption to two or more board members and/or C.M.H.A. representatives whenever you are in the Canmore Recreation Centre and we thank you in advance for recognizing we are doing what we need to do to keep kids on the ice!
Please note - C.M.H.A is considering these only as temporary measures that we are monitoring and fine-tuning during the start of the season. As further clarification comes from the province, as well as Alberta Health Services, Hockey Canada, Hockey Alberta, Central Alberta Hockey League, Rockies Hockey League and our neighboring minor hockey associations, long-term plans for the season will be developed. Please bare with us as we navigate uncharted territory once again.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to minor hockey. If it weren’t for the continued smiles (even under masks), and genuine energy and excitement of our players, we don’t know how we would have made it through these last two-years!!
C.M.H.A. Board of Directors
