After carefully considering the evolving
public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MGHL has decided to
require all eligible participants born before 2010 to be fully vaccinated no
later than November 1, 2021.
This policy will be in effect for all athletes, coaches, trainers, managers and other volunteers in direct contact with athletes. To be fully vaccinated by November 1, an eligible person must receive two doses by October 17, 2021.
The health and safety of all participants is the top priority of the MGHL. The Association is implementing this policy to protect the health and safety of all participants by reducing the risk of exposure to and transmission of COVID-19.
Vaccine Policy History
On September 2, the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) announced that it would require (subject to any additional developments) that, as a condition of participation in the OWHA, players and other participants who were born before 2010 be fully vaccinated.
On September 14, the Ontario government announced that children aged 12 to 18 who enter an indoor facility to actively participate in an organized sport would be exempt from the provincial vaccination requirement. Workers or volunteers, including coaches and officials, were also exempt from the provincial requirement. However the government made it clear that this was a minimum, and that public health units, facilities, and organizations could establish additional policies or requirements.
The OWHA announced on September 17 that it would be following the provincial requirements. Associations could choose to impose additional requirements.
Aligning policy with other Associations
When making this decision, the MGHL considered that other members of the Ontario Hockey Federation (GTHL, OMHA, Alliance, and NOHA) have already mandated that all players and other participants who were born before 2010 be fully vaccinated. And that neighbouring and nearby municipalities and facilities have already started to impose stricter requirements.
The Town of Oakville requires everyone aged 12 or over to be fully vaccinated to enter a town facility, including arenas. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health and the City of Hamilton also require all coaches, volunteers, and officials to be vaccinated.
Further details on how to provide proof of vaccination and the process for applying for an exemption pursuant to the grounds enumerated in the Ontario Human Rights Code will be provided to all registered MGHL participants in the coming days.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the MGHL’s COVID-19 Vaccine Policy, contact [email protected].