COVID-19 & THE 2020-21 SEASON |
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(ANOTHER) MASK CLARIFICATION & UPDATED RETURN TO PLAY STANDARDS FROM MAHA |
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We know you are probably still adjusting to the sheer number of email communications we are sending! And, while we apologize for filling your inbox, we are in unprecedented times and attempting to navigate an extremely fluid situation.
This morning's email, if you missed it, can be found on our website home page (with all of our other recent membership emails), or by clicking here.
This evening, MAHA shared their updated Return To Play Standards, and also included some points of note: (There are no provisions in Executive Order 180 for medical intolerance reasons or medical waivers with respect to wearing a mask, so that part remains unchanged.)
Over the last week, Governor Whitmer has signed several Executive Orders which allow for a return to hockey activity in Michigan. The details contained in those Executive Orders have been the subject of discussion, as well as debate, as there are significant conditions required for returning to organized sports, while still navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) has actively sought out clarification on the issued Executive Orders, including direction from the Governor’s legal counsel. Due to the fluid nature of this situation, the MAHA will continue to assist its associations in understanding the requirements, as well as provide continued points of clarification as they become available.
The attached document is a revised version of the MAHA Return to Play Standards for the 2020-21 season. We have incorporated the mandated guidance, as well as clarifications, of the Executive Orders into this revision. It should be noted that these are not MAHA regulations, and thus the MAHA has no legal authority to waive or modify Executive Orders from the Governor’s office.
As you review the document in full, there are a few key considerations to note:
- Although the mandate for facial coverings to be worn by athletes, coaches and spectators is not ideal, its intent is to protect our own families, as well as the members of our hockey family. It has been proven that mask use and proper social distancing significantly slows the spread of COVID-19. Despite the fact that our rinks have re-opened and a new season is beginning, it is not time to forget about the risk mitigation strategies for minimizing the spread of COVID-19. This is a challenge that all organized team sports are faced with at this time – not just hockey.
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Fortunately, the sport of hockey lends itself additional flexibility in meeting the mask mandate for organized sports. This is based on the fact that youth hockey players are required to wear helmets with a face mask (either cage or shield). As a result, our athletes have more options available to them for meeting the facial covering standard. Whether it’s a traditional cloth mask, a neck gaiter or a newly-released helmet accessory, our community will find many options for meeting this requirement. We highly encourage you to research the various options available in the marketplace, in an effort to find the best solution for your athlete.
- Based on all updates provided by the Governor’s office this past week, it is evident that the Governor discourages contact sports, and/or indoor athletic activity, at this time. With rinks re-opened, it is up to our statewide hockey community to show that we can safely operate at this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on this challenge, compliance is critical. Now that we are fortunate to have achieved our goal of re-opening for hockey activity, we must take all necessary steps to ensure that our doors remain open and our season is not interrupted. While we anticipate challenges along the way, we’re confident that the protocols in place will allow us to safely, and efficiently, enjoy our 2020-21 hockey season.
As previously noted, this will continue to be a very fluid situation. With that in mind, the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) will commit to providing regular updates, as they become available. We sincerely appreciate the patience and support of our hockey community, and we look forward to seeing you at the rink!
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THINGS TO KNOW FOR 9/12-9/13 CLINICS |
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- Mask must be worn AT ALL TIMES
- Players must bring their own water bottle, marked clearly with their name.
- Arrive no sooner than 15 minutes prior to your scheduled ice session and check-in with KOHA staff in the lobby; Depart no more than 10 minutes after ice session.
- Arrive with gear on except helmets & skates.
- No more than ONE (1) parent may enter the building to assist skaters/players who need it with skate tying. That parent will be allowed to proceed to the bleachers to watch, but MUST socially distance while there, and must vacate when their player's session concludes.
- No lingering in the building/lobby areas; keep moving or wait outside. This includes the upper hallway between the rinks.
- No bags may be left in the lobby, common areas, or the restaurant. (When on the ice, bags may stay in the locker room.)
- Follow all building and rink/ice surface entry and exit signage.
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Remember, “We A.R.E. KOHA” - which stands for Attitude, Respect & Effort, is more than just words - it’s who we are. It’s our club culture, and, as parents, modeling those principles during such an unusual time for our kids is vital (both in-person and on social media). Thank you, in advance, for helping foster a positive return for our players. |
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House C registration can be accessed by clicking the general link below.
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IF YOU NEED TO CHECK TO SEE WHAT YOUR PLAYER IS REGISTERED FOR, ACCOUNT BALANCES, AND PAYMENTS MADE, CLICK THE GENERAL LINK ABOVE, SIGN IN USING THE SAME CREDENTIALS YOU USE WHEN REGISTERING YOUR PLAYER AND THEN CLICK "MY PROGRAMS". |
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WE A.R.E. KOHA
Attitude. Respect. Effort.
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