Players and parents, Nov 2, 2021, practices officially resume with the season not far around the corner. This all would not be possible if it wasn’t for you and the great volunteers that have helped pull this together.
Understanding that we all have questions about what may be ahead, we hope this communication will help address some of what is being asked.
So here we go:
1. Practices
Practice times are posted to this website. Coaches have all agreed on the practice times selected and again this year, all teams will have 2 hours of practice weekly. Teams are to arrive no more than 15 minutes early and are to enter the Mike Rodden Arena Main Entrance and leave via the dressing room exit. Players and staff are permitted to get dressed at the facility. Two (2) rooms will be assigned per practice. Masks are required up until such a time that you are ready to go on the ice.
2. Vaccination Requirements
All players, coaches, managers, trainers, board members, officials, and volunteers over the age of 12 are required to be fully vaccinated when entering the facility. Proof of vaccination will be verified upon your first arrival and tracked and we will not be asking for proof in subsequent visits. Parents will need to continue to provide proof to the screener at the Mike Rodden Arena. All players, coaches, managers, trainers, board members, officials, and volunteers are required to complete the provincially mandated screen before entering the facility. If you do not pass a screen, like school for children or work for adults, please do NOT come to the arena. A participant waiver form will NEED to be signed by everyone involved at the first practice.
3. Fees
The Mattawa Minor Hockey Association is committed to ensuring all players are able to play the game we love. To insure that commitment, all players/parents are required to pay the respective registration fees before stepping on-to the ice. This ensures we are able to provide the appropriate insurance for all players and others involved on behalf of Minor Hockey. If fees are not received and/or alternate payment arrangements made, players and parents may be asked to not attend. There are programs available to assist if needed and we are always here to work with you to find a suitable solution.
4. Games
All games for all levels will be “normal” hockey. With the exception of U7/U9, 5 on 5 hockey will be played all season. U9 will continue to be 4 on 4 modified hockey until January, at which time they transition to 5 on 5. We are in the process of finalizing the game schedule and all teams will have their respective schedule shared with them. Area arena policies may be different than what we expect in Mattawa and we will do our best to ensure everyone is aware of the local area arena restrictions.
5. Housekeeping Items
It is important to note that as much as these are different times, the rules we had in place before are still very much in effect. Zero tolerance will be accepted for any and all behaviour that breaches the MMHA’s Code of Conduct, Respect In Sport, and all other superseding policies. The path to a great season involves positive experiences for all involved.
6. Smoking & Parking
Smoking is not acceptable on arena property at any time. The off-property smoking area will be designated to the fire hydrant adjacent to the main entrance.
Parking spaces in front of the main entrance are for staff vehicles only. All other patrons of the facility will be required to park next to the building or in the main parking lot.
Non-compliance with either could result in tickets from the Municipality.
As a minor hockey association, our sole purpose is to create and foster positive opportunities for everyone involved. It is important to remember that the administrative team who supports the existence of hockey in our community are volunteers, parents, and maybe even coaches. We do our best because we want what’s best for your children.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me directly at [email protected] or 705-845-8520.
Have a great season!
Dexture
MMHA President
P.S. There will be 2 equipment exchange tables setup at the arena. Please feel free to exchange clean equipment for clean equipment.
If anyone has or knows anyone that has a Rockets jersey, please return them as soon as possible to a Team Manager or Dexture.
