Important health & safety updates from Girls Hockey Calgary Association (GHC), Hockey Calgary, public health authorities regarding the 2021-22 season. To review Facility Protocols, click here!

Hockey Calgary Update: January 19, 2022

Hockey Calgary provided the following update regarding the remaining Regular Season: HC Information Bulletin (January 19, 2022)

Please review the updated Game Cancellation procedures here: HC Game Cancellation and Rescheduling Protocol (January 19, 2022)

GHC Update: January 18, 2022

Please read the attached letter from GHC President regarding recent incidents reported to GHC: GHC Letter_January 18 2022

Hockey Calgary Update: January 14, 2022

Can I attend hockey today? Please review Hockey Calgary’s chart regarding hockey attendance. Further clarification can be found in their FAQ section, also linked in the document.

Hockey Calgary Update: December 31, 2021

Hockey Calgary has released their January Plan Information Bulletin, including the following:

  • All league games commencing January 2nd will operate as scheduled.
  • EMHW (scheduled to start January 7th) will operate as scheduled o Opening Ceremonies Game Events will be scaled down.
  • A new game cancellation policy will be implemented for the 2022 season (see link)
  • Masking requirements will be maintained and will be strictly enforced, we ask that all HC families read and be 100% compliant to these rules.

Hockey Calgary Mask Requirement Update: December 31, 2021

With the increase in Covid-19 cases due to the highly contagious Omicron variant we wanted to remind all Hockey Calgary families of the importance of the mask requirements in helping to protect your safety. Many of these requirements were put in place in late August but over the course of the last 4 months we have noticed a reduction in compliance to these restrictions. For your safety and the safety of others we ask that we all focus on compliance to help ensure the continuation of the hockey season. These requirements will remain in place for the remainder of the season, or until there is a relaxation in restrictions from the government.

Details are as follows:

  • PLAYERS – Players are required to wear masks upon entering the arena and in dressing room area. Players should remove their masks only immediately prior to putting on their helmet and entering onto the ice surface.
  • COACHES & BENCH STAFF – All coaches and team staff are required to wear a mask at all times while on and off the ice. This includes the dressing room area, and the player’s bench. Referees have been directed to stop the game and ask coaches to put on a mask or leave the bench if they fail to follow the mask requirement. NEW: Coaches must also wear a mask at all times when on the ice during practice time.
  • VOLUNTEERS – All volunteers and minor officials are required to wear a mask in and around the direct playing area, in the timekeeper/penalty box area, and when in close contact with any player, coach or official.
  • OFFICIALS – All Officials are required to wear a mask upon entering the arena, and in the dressing room area. Officials should remove their masks only immediately prior to putting on their helmet and entering onto the ice surface.
  • FANS (PARENTS) – Masks are required in the dressing room area, player’s bench, penalty boxes, and timekeeper’s box. In all other areas of the facility spectators MUST follow the protocols as laid out by the individual facilities.

GHC Update: November 3, 2021

Now that our teams have been operating, we would like to address a few questions on the health & safety requirements for our season! Thank you players, parents and volunteers for your ongoing cooperation with our partner facilities.

How do I download my vaccination QR code?

The Alberta Government has confirmed that a QR code is the only acceptable proof of vaccination starting Monday, November 15th. The QR code can be in printed form or digital. Individuals can access their verified COVID-19 vaccine record with a QR code: https://covidrecords.alberta.ca/home.

The AB COVID Records Verification app is now available for iPhone and Android devices on their respective app stores. The app does not store any personal information.

What type of identification does my daughter need to provide?

In facilities where “valid ID” is required, the City of Calgary bylaw indicated the following are accepted forms of identification:

  • Age 12-15: Government-issued ID (i.e. Health card, Birth certificate, Passport) *Photo not required for this age bracket
  • Age 16+: Government-issued Photo ID

What should teams do if a facility is not following REP protocols and not restricting capacity?

There are a limited number of facilities outside the City of Calgary that may not be following the provincial REP program properly. These facilities are not checking for proof of vaccination or checking for negative tests of its patrons but are still continuing to operate at full capacity. As we have stated from the beginning, GHC cannot control what each facility does or does not do in regards to their own guidelines. However, we as an association are obligated to maintain the safety of our players, coaches, and volunteers regardless of where we play.

In our letter dated September 27, we stated that a GHC family may choose not to share their vaccination or testing status with GHC or their team HSC. This will continue to remain the case for facilities that are used inside the City of Calgary limits. However, for facilities outside of the City of Calgary that are not checking for proof of vaccination or for a negative test, those documents will need to be shown to the team HSC prior to the player participating in on-ice activities. No records or documents will be kept by the HSC, it will simply be to ensure that it is safe to play for all participants.

What are the restrictions for youth under 12 who travel outside of the country?

Please see the following link for greater detail on requirements for youth under 12 upon returning to Canada from international travel:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/awareness-resources/unvaccinated-children-under-12-without-symptoms-travelling-fully-vaccinated-parents-guardians.html

It is the responsibility of the individual to follow any government requirements. Enforcement is carried out by the appropriate government agencies and authorities.

GHC Update: September 27, 2021

Please read our latest Return to Play Letter (September 27, 2021), which includes Team Health & Safety Coordinator responsibilities.

City of Calgary UPDATE: September 23, 2021

The City of Calgary Vaccine Passport Bylaw 65M2021 requires many businesses and organizations to require proof of vaccination, recent negative COVID-19 test, or valid medical exemption letter to gain entry. This includes recreation and fitness facilities  and youth (12-17) recreational sport groups (players and participants).

Any person aged 12 years and older must show identification and one of the following:

#1 PROOF OF VACCINATION

Your proof of vaccination must display the name, type of vaccine and the date it was received.

This can be a paper COVID-19 vaccination record or shown on an electronic device from:

  • Alberta Health Services
  • A First Nation
  • Your pharmacy
  • Your physician
  • Another province or territory
  • Canadian armed forces

Dosage requirements for vaccination:

  • Between Sept. 20 to Oct. 25: proof of a single dose is accepted if you received the dose more than two weeks before entering the facility.
  • After October 25: proof of double vaccination (or single Janssen dose) with the final dose administered at least 14 days prior to entry is required for all customers 12 years and older to access City-operated recreation facilities or participate in a Calgary Recreation program.

#2 PROOF OF NEGATIVE TEST RESULT

You can show a COVID-19 negative test result. Tests must be:

  • Provided as an original or printed copy (photos are not sufficient)
  • Privately-paid
  • A Health Canada approved rapid antigen, rapid PCR or lab-based PCR test
  • Completed within the past 72 hours

Test results must show the type of test, time of sample collection, clear indication of a negative result, and laboratory that completed the test.

Tests must not be from Alberta Health Services or Alberta Precision Laboratories.

#3 MEDICAL EXEMPTION FROM VACCINE LETTER

You must show an original signed letter from a physician or nurse practitioner that includes:

  • Your name that matches your identification (only required for adults 18 and over)
  • Physician’s or nurse practitioner’s complete information, including their name, phone number, contact information, professional registration number and signature
  • A statement that there is a medical reason for not being fully vaccinated against COVID-19
  • The duration that the exemption is valid

Important Reminders

  • Hockey Calgary and its Member Associations have not mandated vaccinations. However, as permit holders in rinks across the city, Hockey Calgary and its Member Associations must comply with their restrictions.
  • The City of Calgary has introduced a bylaw effective September 23, 2021 requiring recreation facilities to require proof of vaccination, recent negative COVID-19 test, or valid medical exemption letter to gain entry.
  • On September 18, 2021 we outlined our compliance plan in our GHC Return to Player Letter so that each family was able to prepare according to their personal situation.
  • Your daughter’s team is run by volunteers. Coaches, Managers, Health & Safety Coordinators and others are dedicating their personal time and energy to ensure a fun and meaningful hockey season. Please respect the position they are in and comply with these guidelines. GHC uses more than two dozen rinks throughout the city, each with their own requirements. We appreciate your support and understanding as this situation evolves.

Resources

GIRLS HOCKEY CALGARY ASSOCIATION (GHC)

HOCKEY CALGARY

CITY OF CALGARY

PROVINCE OF ALBERTA

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