Jul 01, 2020 | Dave Tiffin | 1541 views
WMHA Update
As Hockey Canada and OMHA slowly
release the return to hockey guidelines we are working to pull together
how Wingham Minor Hockey will look for the upcoming 2020-2021 season.
There are a lot of unknowns at this time
with one of the largest unknowns coming from the Township of North
Huron and the arena/ice situation. The municipalities are part of Stage
3 openings and at this point the timing and guidelines have not been
released.
Registration – ONLINE only – to be completed by July 15th.
So for today we are planning to move forward with an online registration process only, to understand the #’s of children that will be playing hockey this year. We will not be collecting any registration fees at this time. Go to the Online Libraries, Forms & Applications section of this website. Families can enter up to 3 children on the form. If you have more than 3 children playing, just submit a second form. This registration is for information only. Should at a later date (prior to the children getting on the ice) you decide your child will not be participating – you can provide us with written documentation stating such and your child will be removed from our registration lists.
Registration Fees – TBD
At this time given the number of unknowns we have not finalized our registration fee structure. We do know that if the season begins and ends in the normal course – fees will be less than or equal to the fee structure from last year. With the exception of girls hockey which will be different and is still to be finalized and communicated. If the season timing is less than a normal year the rates will be prorated and reflect whatever known changes there are. Should the season start in September, payment will be required on September 1st. If you require support in the form of a payment plan – 3 equal payments beginning September 1st, and ending November 1st will be required. If the season start gets pushed out the payments will be required on the 1st of the month the season starts.
Season Start
At this time OMHA and HC is looking for a normal September start and we will plan as if that is the case. However as more information becomes available this timing may change and the season could be shortened to reflect the later start date. We will communicate more on this as information becomes available. As mentioned above if the season is shortened the fees will be prorated to reflect that.
Rep/Local League/Travel
At this time we have not finalized what the team structures will look like. It is not clear on how much travel will be restricted at this time. Should travel continue to be restricted we may be required to consider a more non traditional team structure for this season. As more information becomes available we will communicate. It is also not clear how or when tournaments will be allowed to commence.
Fans/Parents/Arena Occupants
It is still unclear if parents/fans will be allowed in the facility or to what # this may be restricted. We will provide more information as it becomes available (Stage 3 Opening and Public Health).
Dressing Rooms/Washrooms etc
It is still unclear how children will be required to dress for hockey or how dressing rooms will be used. We will provide more information as it becomes available (Stage 3 Opening and Public Health).
Coaches/Trainers/Certification
We are in need of coaches/trainers and will be sending out application forms for the upcoming season. The OMHA is reviewing how certification will be completed this year given that in class sessions will not be held. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Jerseys
We are aware that given the abrupt ending to the season in March that not all jerseys have been collected. As we do not have access as of yet to the North Huron Community Complex we are asking you to hold onto the jerseys for a bit longer until we have storage available.
Volunteers
We will still require some volunteer time from each family. Given the situation and the unknown restrictions at this time we will communicate closer to the start our plans for volunteer time.
Fundraising
We will still go ahead with the fundraising calendars again this year. We may also run some additional fundraising opportunities. This will be communicated closer to the start date.
Thank you for your patience. We understand there are a lot of unknowns and that you as parents are anxious to know what is going on. We want to get the children back on the ice as early as we can but also in the safest manner possible. More information to follow as it becomes available.
Stay safe and well and enjoy your summer.
Wingham Minor Hockey Executive.