ALLIANCE Hockey has worked in conjunction with Hockey Canada, the Ontario Hockey Federation, our members, staff and other volunteers to provide a Return to Hockey Plan specifically for ALLIANCE Hockey Participants for the 2021-22 season.
It aligns with the OHF Return Hockey Framework and Hockey Canada’s Return to Hockey Safety Guidelines in focusing on the safety and well-being of all participants.
Updated versions of the Plan will be published and posted to the ALLIANCE Hockey website based on changes to the Government of Ontario’s Reopening Plan.
All timelines within this plan are subject to change based on ALLIANCE Hockey’s evaluation of environmental factors and Government of Ontario restrictions.
The information in this document is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The knowledge and circumstances surrounding COVID-19 are ever changing and ALLIANCE Hockey recommends that the Government of Ontario COVID-19 site be accessed for the most up to date information.
This Plan must be considered only in conjunction with the documents that are referenced throughout and within the appendices.
Click here: ALLIANCE Hockey Return to Hockey Plan V3.0
**Included in the RTH Plan is the Vaccination Policy.**
ALLIANCE HOCKEY COVID-19 VACCINE ACCOMMODATION PROCESS
As per Section 2 (PAGES 6-8) of the ALLIANCE Hockey Return to Hockey Plan, ALLIANCE Hockey has established a policy requiring the following persons (“Affected Persons”) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (i.e.: including the 14-day period after receiving their completed dose) by October 31, 2021:
- Players born in 2009 or earlier
- Game Officials (referees, linespersons, timekeepers)
- Staff
- Team Officials (coaches, trainers and managers)
- Volunteers
All Affected Persons must present to ALLIANCE Hockey, as applicable, evidence demonstrating that they have received the completed series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine by October 17, or earlier. This will ensure they are "double vaccinated" by the October 31st deadline.
ALLIANCE Hockey will comply with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and provide accommodation up to the point of undue hardship to any Affected Person who is unable to be vaccinated for substantiated medical reasons and/or on grounds protected under the OHRC. Any Affected Person who has not been granted an accommodation and who has not received their completed series of an Accepted COVID-19 Vaccine by October 17, or who has not disclosed their vaccination status or proof of first dose by Sept 17th, will no longer be eligible to participate in any Sanctioned Activity until such time as they present satisfactory evidence that they are vaccinated.
Affected Persons wishing to request accommodation can complete and submit the appropriate form below.
MEDICAL ACCOMMODATION
Request for MEDICAL ACCOMMODATION regarding mandatory vaccination for participation in ALLIANCE Hockey-sanctioned hockey activities:
Any affected person who is unable to be vaccinated for substantiated medical reasons and/or on grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an accommodation.
By submitting this form, you acknowledge that you are seeking a medical accommodation to ALLIANCE Hockey’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement.
DOWNLOAD FORM: ALLIANCE Hockey Medical Accommodation Form - Vaccine
Creed/Religion Accommodation regarding mandatory vaccination for participation in ALLIANCE Hockey-sanctioned hockey activities, please note:
The Ontario Human Rights Commission issued a policy statement on September 22, 2021 saying that requiring proof of vaccination is not discrimination contrary to the Human Rights Code except in the rare cases where someone with a true medical exemption is not accommodated.
In particular, they noted that choosing not to get vaccinated is not a "creed" protected by the Code:
Personal preferences and singular beliefs not protected
The OHRC and relevant human rights laws recognize the importance of balancing people’s right to non-discrimination and civil liberties with public health and safety, including the need to address evidence-based risks associated with COVID-19.
Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is voluntary. At the same time, the OHRC’s position is that a person who chooses not to be vaccinated based on personal preference does not have the right to accommodation under the Code. The OHRC is not aware of any tribunal or court decision that found a singular belief against vaccinations or masks amounted to a creed within the meaning of the Code.
While the Code prohibits discrimination based on creed, personal preferences or singular beliefs do not amount to a creed for the purposes of the Code.
Even if a person could show they were denied a service or employment because of a creed-based belief against vaccinations, the duty to accommodate does not necessarily require they be exempted from vaccine mandates, certification or COVID testing requirements. The duty to accommodate can be limited if it would significantly compromise health and safety amounting to undue hardship – such as during a pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q – Do the Government of Ontario’s Vaccine Passport regulations apply to Spectators?
A – YES - All spectators of any ALLIANCE Hockey Sanctioned Activity aged 12 and over, including the parents or guardians of players, should be prepared to provide proof of vaccination to facility staff to obtain entry to the facility.
Q – Does the ALLIANCE Hockey Vaccination Policy apply to children 12 to 18?
A – Yes. The ALLIANCE Hockey Vaccination Policy will continue to apply for all Affected Persons, including those aged 12 (2009 birth year) to 18.
Q - How do I apply for a COVID-19 vaccine exemption?
A – ALLIANCE Hockey’s Accommodation Request form(Medical Accommodation form) can be found here.
Q - What protocols can I expect at the rink and what may I need to do differently?
A - Each facility is unique so you can expect different protocols at each location. All protocols mandated by Public Health Guidelines including the need to social distance and the requirement to wear a mask will be followed. Click for: Various Facility & Local MHA Guidelines
Q - What happens if someone on my team has been in contact with a positive COVID case/ high risk contact?
A - They should contact the local Public Health Unit for direction.
