KMHA makes additional programming changes under new COVID-19 restrictions, clarifies house league suspension

Kitchener Minor Hockey Association has made additional changes to its programming under the ‘red – control’ category of the province’s COVID-19 response framework.

The additional changes include the suspension of all boys house league operations, and the KW sledge hockey program operations effective immediately. These programs will remain suspended while the region remains in the ‘red – control’ category. KMHA said operations will only resume once the region moves back into the 'orange – restrict' level. 

KMHA's General Manager, Rolland Cyr wrote to parents in a letter posted to its website explaining the changes.

“It is KMHA’s intention to return for a full season, but a decision will be reached once we are more accurately aware of the duration of the restrictions,” said Cyr, “this decision has been made as a greater number of house league participants expressed a desire to suspend programming in our survey. To help offset this decision, those that requested a refund but would like to be placed back into the program can email the registrar to ensure their space is safe. KMHA will design and implement a skills-based program for those wishing to still practice with their peers.”

An additional letter was posted to its website Wednesday afternoon clarifying the suspension of certain programs. 

“The KMHA Boys House league does not prohibit the participation of these boys and girls in augmented programming during the ‘red – control’ category,” Cyr clarified. 

“What it means is that the league as operated will pause giving those that wish to take a break the ability to do so and those wishing to continue the chance to register for something else,” said Cyr, “many factors played a role in this decision from survey results for the House league where calls to suspend were higher than in other leagues, to higher levels of concerned players and volunteers under the changing restrictions.”

KMHA said that anyone affected by these restrictions would be offered augmented programs for those wishing to still participate from its house league. 

“These programs are being designed and will support those wishing to participate from current programs. The organization said that it understands that parents and players are concerned, but it will need time to finish the designs.”

The organization goes on to say that it is asking for assistance from the hockey community to focus on these programs so all KMHA players have a chance to play.

“We know this decision does not resonate for everyone, but based on the information we were able to obtain, the KMHA Board of Directors feels it was the best for this segment of hockey. The organization will put its focus on development programs to get those who want to be on the ice, back on the ice.” 

Cyr adds that the organization has worked diligently since Nov. 23 to examine its programs and to be able to take in the survey results to the program level, and determine how each program will move forward. 

KMHA outlines that boys rep age categories will operate with reduced numbers in the building. Nine skaters and one coach with each program will be able to participate in activities. 

“The primary changes from public health indicates that participants can have a guardian attend, but that person would also count against the limit of ten people allowed in each rink.”

Girls rep and girls local league of all ages under-18 will continue with eight players and a two-team staff model.

The Kitchener Ice Pirates will be operating programming under restrictions which will be detailed at a later time. 

“This restriction also means that guardians would not be allowed into the arena to tie skates, assist with equipment including handing over a piece of missing equipment, regardless of age or level. KMHA will continue to work with its partners to determine if these restrictions change or lessen to allow parental support.”

KMHA said that with the new restrictions being implemented the organization would like to stress that it was not the choice of KMHA to make these changes but rather it had to act on restrictions that are required by public health during the pandemic. 

“We have asked many questions, sought clarity and identified environmental comparisons that were met with the same answers regarding implementation. 

Volunteers who signed up to be a trainer for this season and paid for the trainers course, are being asked to submit the receipt for reimbursement. KMHA said in the letter that no receipts for a course dated Nov. 25 and beyond will be reimbursed unless prior approval has been received from a director. 

KMHA said it would like to stress that while we had to make programming decisions, the restrictions that we are under are not the choice of KMHA but rather the implementation of restrictions required by public health during this pandemic. We have asked many questions, sought clarity and identified environmental comparisons that were met with the same answers regarding implementation.

These changes are set to take effect Nov. 25. You can read the full letter here.