Hello Ice Kats,
Here is the most recent information that was just sent out via public health today with regards to vaccine requirements.
They are upholding the under 18 exception for players, but are overriding the policy for coaches, trainers or volunteers who do need to be vaccinated.
This will come into effect as of Sept 22 - we are still unclear as to what will happen with the policies from the OWHA as thus far they have provided no guidance or clarification on their policies.
See the message below from public health and the protocols that will be in place moving forward.
1) Vaccination Requirements:
As previously detailed, as of next Wednesday Sept 22nd required businesses including our sport and recreation facilities must comply with the provincial requirements related to proof of vaccination, as amended in O. Reg. 364/20 through O. Reg. 645/21 and the Ministry of Health’s Proof of Vaccination Guidance for Businesses and Organizations under the Reopening Ontario Act. This include but is not limited to:
- Confirm proof of vaccination (or proof of being entitled to another exemption) and identification each time a patron, 18 years of age and older, arrives at the facility to actively participate in the indoor organized sport.
- Confirm proof of vaccination (or proof of being entitled to another exemption) and identification for all patrons, 12 years of age and older, each time the patron attends the facility as a spectator.
Facility users will be required to review and ensure all individuals have provided proof of vaccination before entering the facility and will be required to have the contract holder or representative complete the attached form prior to the group being permitted access. Individuals will not be permitted unless a contract holder or designate has completed all activities and signed the acknowledgment form, which is attached for reference only and will be provided and retained by facility staff at time of entry.
Please also visit the following webpage PPH has created with additional resources and information https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-proof-of-vaccination/
2) Exemptions:
Any patron under the age of 12 can enter the arena or fitness and sport recreational facility without proof of vaccination but they must be accompanied into the building by an adult and the adult must show proof of vaccination.
Patrons under 18 years of age who are entering the indoor premises of a facility used for sports and recreational fitness activities solely for the purpose of actively participating in an organized sport, in accordance with the guidance below, are exempt from the proof of vaccination requirement. The exemption relating to youth under 18 years of age actively participating in indoor organized sport applies to training, practices, games, and competitions. Examples of an organized sport for which the exemption applies include:
- sports leagues
- organized pick-up sports
The exemption does not apply to youth who are spectators 12 years or older at sporting events, nor does the exemption apply to youth who are using a gym or other area with exercise equipment or weights unless actively participating in an organized sport.
Individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions will be permitted with a written document completed and supplied by a physician or by a registered nurse.
3) PPH Instruction Letter:
Please see attached and weblink to an instruction letter for vaccination proof requirements for individuals aged 18+ participating in sport released earlier today by Peterborough Public Health. This letter details all information and requirements for all volunteers, coaches and officials 18 years of age and over who are participating or associated with indoor organized sport to confirm proof of vaccination (or proof of being entitled to a medical exemption) and identification each time the individuals arrive at the facility.
The Peterborough Public Health instruction supersedes the related provincial regulation for this aspect of the proof of vaccination requirements. With this being a requirement pertaining to the use of facilities located within the geographical region served by Peterborough Public Health, local organized sports groups will need to ensure that teams or individuals from other jurisdictions attending the Peterborough area for the purpose of a game or competition are made aware of these instructions, prior to attendance at local facilities.