We appreciate the patience everyone has had while we wait for direction from our governing bodies, Municipality, and health organizations. KDMHA remains committed to getting kids on the ice in a safe and fun way.
Q1. Do we know what the municipality's rules are for spectators?
A1. Sep19 Yes. As of September 19, 2020, there is ONE spectator permitted by the facility for North Grenville Municipal Centre. Sep19 For more information, see the updated NG COVID-19 Policy and Procedures v.4: LINK
Q2. What screening is required to take part in KDMHA activities?
A2. Sep19 KDMHA has developed a screening questionnaire that will need to be completed by all participants within 24-hours of taking part in a KDMHA activity. The questions will be based on whether a participant has symptoms or other risk factors for COVID-19. For more information, see the COVID-19 SCREEN tab on the kemptvillehockey.com website: LINK
Q3. Do I have to complete the participant screening?
A3. Yes. As required by governing bodies, local health authorities, and our facility, KDMHA requires all participants to complete a screening assessment prior to every session.
Your information will be retained and only used for communication where necessary for public health reasons. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact riskandsafety@kemptvillehockey.com.
If you choose not to complete the participant screening, you will be ineligible to participate in Kemptville District Minor Hockey Association (KDMHA) activities.
Q4. What if I choose not to provide my contact information?
A4. As required by governing bodies, local health authorities, and our facility, KDMHA requires all participants to complete a screening assessment prior to every session.
Your information will be retained and only used for communication where necessary for public health reasons. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact riskandsafety@kemptvillehockey.com.
If you choose not to complete the participant screening, you will be ineligible to participate in Kemptville District Minor Hockey Association (KDMHA) activities.
Q5. What if my child is sick but does not have COVID-19?
A5. The player should follow up with their physician and/or Telehealth (1-866-797-0000). They will require a note from their physician to return to play. See Hockey Canada Safety Guidelines FAQ: LINK
Q6. What if my child/parent/family member tests positive for COVID-19? What protocols do we follow?
A6. If a child, parent, or family member tests positive for COVID-19, the player and their family will need to stay out of the hockey environment. They should contact their physician and public health authority for instructions. The player will need a note from their physician or public health authority to return to play. See Hockey Canada Safety Guidelines FAQ: LINK
Q7. If someone on my child’s squad tests positive for COVID-19, will the squad be allowed to continue to play hockey?
A7. If someone on your child’s squad tests positive, the local public health authority will determine contact tracing and isolation requirements. It is possible, therefore, that one diagnosis on a squad could lead to that squad being required to pause hockey activities until the public health authority determines it is safe to return.
KDMHA COVID-19 Policy (V1.2 updated 2020-12-01 to add 'Fail to Comply w COVID Policy; HEO Code of Discipline' information). We will be referencing the Safety Guidelines from our governing bodies, and consulting with our local public health authorities.
You can review the Hockey Canada document for the information until KDMHA has completed a specific COVID-19 policy for easy access for participants and families.
See Hockey Canada Safety Guidelines FAQ: LINK (pages 17 to 20)
Q8. What will happen if we go back to a previous stage and hockey must be cancelled?
A8. KDMHA will provide updates on our website and by email to participants. Fees will be refunded in accordance with the KDMHA refund policy. See kemptvillehockey.com > Registration > Refund Policy: LINK
Q1. Will there be a reduction in registration price since hockey will be different this year?
A1. The KDMHA is a not-for-profit association and the KDMHA executive strives to operate each year on a cost-recovery basis.
Registration costs consist of several components: ice, insurance, referees, fees to governing bodies, coach course reimbursements, equipment, and operational costs.
While some of these costs will be reduced for KDMHA this year, our registration numbers are also expected to be lower. Therefore, with less players to share the fixed costs like ice, coach reimbursements and operational costs, the more the per player fixed cost will be.
The maximum number of players on the ice has been reduced to a maximum of 20 players (plus 4 coaches) at a time vs. over 30 players when half ice practices occurred during a typical season.
KDMHA is committed to keep the same number of hours at NG Municipal Centre as in previous years. Since KDMHA will be releasing the contracts at other arenas, there will only be a slight decrease in the number of ice hours available in comparison to previous years. Games played at Away arenas are not factored into the typical season registration costs, so the decrease in games played away have no impact on your home ice time or registration costs.
Some reductions to costs for families this year include:
● No Rep/Comp Tryouts ($60 to $80)
● No Camp Fees ($35)
● No additional Rep/Comp player fee payable when the player is selected for a Rep/Comp team ($75)
● Team Fees for tournaments & off-ice activities will not be permitted at this time
The KDMHA is committed to ensuring that each squad will see a minimum of 2 hours a week, our hope is to still provide opportunity for squads to pick up more ice like in previous years.
At this time, the KDMHA expects the base registration fees as posted on our website will remain the same until we determine the total number of players returning and the exact hours of ice required.
Q2. Will we have regular hockey in January?
A2. Maybe. Return to Traditional Hockey will be dependent on information from the Province, local health authorities, and governing bodies.
KDMHA ice contract remains the same from September to March as in previous years.
Further programming for January to March will be provided as soon as it is available; it will be determined before the end of the KDMHA’s Fall 2020 session.
Q3. Will U21 (Juvenile) happen this year?
A3. Aug25 No. Unfortunately, KDMHA’s plans for a U21 division has been put on hold due to the limitations on game play for the Fall 2020 session. If details change, previously registered U21 players will be contacted by KDMHA.
Q4. Will female players be able to play with Storm for the 2020/21 season if they did not play here in 2019/20?
A4. Aug25 Yes. Female players not living in North Grenville—including those outside our public health unit (PHU) area—can play for KDMHA. In other words, player movement is the same as in past years. This year, however, a full Release is required from the departing Association (i.e., there are no permission-to-skate needed). All player administration will be handled using the new RAMP Interactive system.
Q5. Aug25 What is the OWHA registration system that Storm will be using for 2020/21?
A5. Aug25 "RAMP Interactive" is a new system that must be used to officially register players and teams with OWHA. The system takes over from ivrnet (aka, ITSportsNet) to offer easier processing of required information and forms. For example, parents or guardians will be required to register for an account to be able to complete required online forms (e.g., Registration Waiver, Rowan's Law, OWHA Code of Conduct, KDMHA Player/Parent Code of Conduct).
NOTE: More Storm-specific details about RAMP has been sent in separate correspondence. For more information and to register in RAMP as a Player or Coach/Team Official, see http://kemptvilledgha.rampregistrations.com
Q1. I paid registration/camp/tryouts and now I need a refund?
A1. Please reply to the player opt in/out survey that will come out soon.
The Treasurer will process any refunds after August 31st for registration, camp, or tryout fees. Refunds will be issued in batches, by email money transfer, on the 15th or 30th of the month.
Q2. Can I apply any refund to next year’s registrations?
A2. No. As there is nowhere in Goalline to track future payments, it would be difficult to make the financial information available to parents to know amounts owing for future registrations.
Q3. I paid registration and now I want to opt out for the 2020 season.
A3. Players who respond to the player opt in/out survey that they do not wish to play for the 2020 season and already paid registration will receive a refund from the Treasurer after August 31st. Refunds will be issued by email money transfer on the 15th or 30th of the month.
Players who opt out of the KDMHA’s Fall 2020 session will not have the opportunity to play with KDMHA even if there is a return to traditional hockey in January.
Q4. Will there be team fees?
A4. Maybe. Team Fees may be set up to cover a squad’s costs associated with the needs of the squad (e.g. first aid kit, sanitizing lotion, wipes etc.) There are to be no tournament or off-ice activity related team fees for the KDMHA’s Fall 2020. Team fees should be discussed among the families, with a budget discussed and agreed to in advance.
Q5. What is the refund policy?
A5. Refund Policy …
Amended for the 2020/21 Season:
An administration fee will apply to all refund requests after August 31, 2020 to cover banking fees and insurance costs, as applicable. Between September 1, 2020 and October 15, 2020, an administration fee of $15/player will apply to all refund requests. After October 15, 2020, due to the payment of non-refundable insurance fees to governing bodies, an administration fee of $70/player will apply to all refund requests.
KDMHA’s refund policy will be as follows (less administration fee):
● 80% refund up to October 31, 2020.
● 60% refund from November 1 to December 1, 2020.
There will be no refunds issued after December 1, 2020, unless accompanied by a Doctor’s note.
Special circumstances due to COVID-19 and Pandemic Planning:
If at the beginning of the season, KDMHA is not able to provide a squad for a registered player (due to restrictions on squad and bubble sizes), the full registration fee is refundable, and the administration fee will not apply.
If the season is cancelled through an order of the local health authority, Ontario or Canadian Government, Hockey Canada, HEO/OWHA or any other recognized governing body of sport, the following refund policy will apply:
● Season is cancelled in October: refund of 80% of registration.
● Season is cancelled in November: refund of 65% of registration.
● Season is cancelled in December: refund of 50% of registration.
● Season is cancelled in January: refund of 35% of registration.
● Season is cancelled in February: refund of 20% of registration.
● Season is cancelled in March: no refund will be issued.
NOTE1: If a player is unable to play due to any medical reason, a refund amount will be determined by Treasurer and Presidents/VPs on a case by case basis.
NOTE2: If the season is cancelled in the middle of the month between October and February, and KDMHA costs are further reduced, the percentage of refund may be higher, to be determined by the KDMHA Executive.
Q6. Why is there an admin fee for refund requests?
A6. KDMHA is a not for profit organization and has several up front and fixed fees; the administration fee is to cover incurred costs (bank fees and then player insurance once paid).
Q7. What are the registration fees based on?
A7. Aug25 The KDMHA is a not-for-profit association and the KDMHA executive strives to operate each year on a cost-recovery basis.
Registration costs consist of several components: ice, insurance, referees, fees to governing bodies, coach course reimbursements, equipment, and operational costs.
Q8. When do I need to pay by?
A8. The due date for payment will be within 30 days of the KDMHA providing notice of the final cost of registration. Sep19 Payment is due October 1, 2020.
Aug25 KDMHA is collecting fees in full for the season to help keep costs low and volunteer time manageable.
Q9. How do I pay?
A9. The fastest and easiest way to pay is within your online banking (like you would a bill payment). Payment instructions are available on our website. See kemptvillehockey.com > Registration > How Do I Pay: LINK
Q10.Will there be a hockey lottery this year?
A10. Yes. Sep19 This year the lottery will be 3 weeks in December (instead of the 4 weeks in November as previous years), but the overall prize total will be the same as in previous years of $12,000. As in previous years tickets will be able to be sold for families wishing to recover their costs with the lottery. Each player will receive 8 tickets at $10/tickets for a total of $80 and as in previous years will be limited to two players per family.
Q1. What will the rink rules be when we start playing?
A1. The Municipality of North Grenville has implemented the following policy and procedure when entering the rink (subject to change by the Municipality North Grenville). Please ensure you have read the policy and procedure and discuss with your player as well so that they are familiar with the current guidelines. Any changes to this policy and procedure will be notified to squads for distribution. Sep19 See NG COVID-19 Policy and Procedures v.4: LINK
Q2. Can I request my child to have a specific coach? Can I make a friend request?
A2. No. KDMHA is unable to accommodate requests for specific coaches or friends due to existing requirements for establishing player bubbles.
Q3. D1 letter stated only 4 people within bubble will be permitted to tie skates. My player is not comfortable with this.
A3. KDMHA will be following the Municipality of North Grenville Policy and Procedures with respect to people entering the building: “Skaters aged 13 and under who require assistance with skate tying are permitted one parent/adult/guardian (with mask on) to accompany them to the dressing room. Immediately following skates being tied, the adult exits the facility. Special considerations can be made upon request to the municipality.”
Sep19 For more information, see the updated NG COVID-19 Policy and Procedures v.4: LINK
Q4. Will players be allowed to use change rooms?
A4. Yes. Sep19 As of September 19, 2020, dressing rooms are available for skaters to dress within the 15-minute timeframe. Users are permitted 12 skaters per dressing room; rooms will be identified by the rink staff on the white board before the changerooms. Showers will remain closed and no access will be permitted. Dressing room washrooms and sinks will be permitted to use. Personal items are to bekept to a minimum. They can be left in the dressing room during your ice time.Immediately following the session, skaters re-enter their designated dressingroom to change within the 15-minute timeframe, gather their personal belongings and then exit the facility. See the updated NG COVID-19 Policy and Procedures v.4: LINK
Q5. Will we still use Storm/Royals jerseys this year? Will we get socks this year?
A5. No. KDMHA has decided to not hand out jerseys and socks this year. Reasons for this include:
● If we are instructed to suspend hockey due to COVID, the logistics to gather back jerseys during the suspension becomes difficult to organize and could expose families and volunteers to further risk.
● KDMHA wanted to reduce the cost to the association by not purchasing socks for this year and decided to delay the purchase until next year.
● U7 players will still receive Timbit Jersey and socks, this is part of the Timbit program and is provided to all U7 players by Tim Horton’s Timbit program.
● U11 players will still receive Atomic Jersey and socks; part of the McDonald’s Atomic program for U11 players.
Q6. What are participant bubbles?
A6. Bubbles consist of a group of players and volunteers that are considered one group for contact tracing purposes. A bubble at this time may not exceed 50 individuals (including both players and volunteers). All members of the bubble would not be on the ice at a given time, but there will be scrimmages permitted within the bubble.
Bubbles are closed groups – there is no movement into or out of a bubble once it is formed, the bubbles will not overlap. This means players must only take part in hockey activities within their assigned bubble, and volunteers will not be permitted to take part in hockey activities with any other bubbles (including in other associations).
Q7. Can you explain KDMHA bubbles and squads?
A7. Bubbles are groups of up to 50 people separated for limited contact with other KDMHA members. It includes players and bench staff and will remain as a unit throughout the Fall 2020 session.
Squads are small "mini-team" cohorts of up to 10 players, including a goalie (ideally Up to 4 squads can be in a larger bubble and may be on the ice in any combination of squads for development and scrimmages. For example, squads A, B, C, and D are created and a variety of ice time scenarios consist of: A+B running combined or separated development, B+C participating in a “throw-your-sticks-in” controlled scrimmage, or D alone for a full-ice session.
Q8. Aug25 What are OWHA “Extended Groups” and “Groups”?
A8. Aug25 OWHA extended groups = KDMHA bubbles; OWHA groups = KDMHA squads.
OWHA definitions: Extended Group – A collective of specific OWHA groups that train within the OWHA requirements and do not exceed the numbers permitted by the Ontario government and PHUs (Public Health Units) … Group – A collection of participants who have been registered on a team in the OWHA registration database and have been put together for development and training purposes. – see OWHA Stage 3 Modified Programming LINK
Q9. How will participants be assigned to KDMHA squads and bubbles?
A9. The KDMHA Executive will assign players and bench staff to bubbles and squads within each division. This process will consider where players played in last and previous seasons, ensuring there is at least one goalie for each squad, and that there are sufficient volunteers in each bubble.
Where it is possible to have more than one bubble in a division, the KDMHA executive will consider tiering the bubbles. Convenors, in conjunction with coaches, will have the opportunity once bubbles are created to move players within the squads to ensure that the players are evenly divided among the squads. Again, there is no movement permitted between bubbles once they are formed.
Q10.Will goalies be able to participate in goalie-specific training?
A10. Aug25 The KDMHA Goalie Mentor will be able to provide on-ice training as requested.
Q11.Can players attend other hockey training?
A11. Aug27 Yes. ROYALS – “Players may transition from their home League/cohort (bubble) to take part in private instruction or higher-level tryouts, and then return to their home League.” … No. STORM – “A player in an OWHA Group may not be a part of any other hockey participant group in Ontario.”
See HEO Return to Hockey Framework Stage 3 Sep19 update LINK and OWHA R2H Stage 3 Modified Programming LINK.
Q12.How will players develop this year?
A12. KDMHA Coach and Goalie Mentor will prepare skill plans for all levels of hockey to be able to bring value to each level for development. Pending information from governing bodies on skill development will determine the level of hands on training KDMHA will be able to provide.
Q13.What should I know about unsanctioned hockey programs and/or leagues?
A13. “Non-member programs or unsanctioned leagues are leagues that are not affiliated with Hockey Canada and operate outside of Hockey Canada’s existing minor hockey system. Unsanctioned leagues are wholly responsible for their own oversight. It is up to each individual unsanctioned league to determine how issues like injuries, harassment and rule infractions are handled.
In some cases, unsanctioned leagues operate without a constitution, without bylaws, without insurance and with their own customized rulebook for game play.
Hockey Canada has no regulatory authority over unsanctioned leagues, and cannot hear appeals, insure players, or ensure a consistently high standard of game play in unsanctioned leagues. It is for this reason that Hockey Canada does not condone, endorse, or create affiliations with unsanctioned leagues.
If you choose to register your child in a non-member league, your child will immediately lose all Hockey Canada membership privileges for the remainder of the hockey season.” — See Hockey Canada FAQ: LINK
Furthermore, participants may not be permitted to return to the KDMHA in subsequent years without first petitioning for reinstatement with Hockey Canada.
See also HEO Memo - Unsanctioned Regulations: LINK and OHF Unsanctioned League Policy: LINK
Q14.Are there any tournaments?
A14. No. There will be no tournaments sanctioned by governing bodies for Fall 2020.
Q15.Can we organize scrimmages with other associations?
A15. No. There will be no inter-association play permitted for the KDMHA’s Fall 2020 session.
Q16.How many times a week will the players be on the ice?
A16. KDMHA is planning to have all players on the ice 2 times a week. Ideally, this will be 1 skill session and 1 scrimmage within the return to play guidelines (against another squad within the designated bubble). How many players and squads are formed will determine if there will be opportunities to pick up additional ice.
The KDMHA’s Fall 2020 will consist of October to the Christmas break in December, and the format for KDMHA’s Winter 2021 will be determined before the end of the Fall 2020 session, based on information from the Province, local health authorities and governing bodies.
With the recent change from HEO allowing camps to start after September 15th, KDMHA is looking into the option of providing skill sessions (included in registration) prior to the season start of October 1st have bubbles organized and players a chance to get back on the ice.
Q17.What will a scrimmage be?
A17. Squads within their bubble will be permitted to play against each other in a controlled scrimmage.
Details could look like this:
● 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 (no 5-on-5 play is permitted).
● No referees.
● No scorekeeper/timekeeper – scoreboard could be used for purposes of buzzer for shift changes – a coach within the bubble could manage this.
● No deliberate or prolonged contact is allowed (at ANY level).
● U11 to U18 is permitted to use bench.
● U7 & U8 should use the neutral zone.
KDMHA will be looking at how to schedule squads this year. Some suggestions we are reviewing will be static ice, flexibility for development and/or scrimmages within individual bubbles/squads etc.
Aug25 See HEO Return to Hockey Framework Stage 3 Sep19 update LINK and OWHA R2H Stage 3 Modified Programming LINK.
Q18.How many coaches will be per group for U7 (IP)?
A18. The maximum number on the ice as permitted by the Municipality of North Grenville is 24. U7 squads will stay smaller with 16-18 players (vs 20 players) so that they will have 6 bench staff as in previous years. U7 will not form bubbles with other U7 squads but remain in their own bubble for the season.
● Royals U7 LINK1 and LINK2
● Royals U9 LINK1 and LINK2
● Royals U11 LINK1 and LINK2
● Aug25 OWHA Player Pathway and Season Structure: Storm U7 LINK1 and LINK2, U9 LINK1 and LINK2, and U11 LINK1 and LINK2.
Q20.Aug25 What insurance coverage does my player have with KDMHA and Hockey Canada?
A20. Aug25 “There will be no exclusion in the General Liability policy for damages caused by COVID-19-related illnesses. Liability claims against Hockey Canada always need to be proven by the party making the claim, so continuing to update and enforce your risk-management guidelines as new risks emerge, such as COVID-19, are imperative. Please understand that Hockey Canada and its Members are actively working on updating risk-management protocols related to return-to-play guidelines post-COVID-19.” — Safety Guidelines FAQ: LINK
If the player chooses to participate in unsanctioned activities or in an “outlaw” hockey league not part of KDMHA, however, they are not covered by Hockey Canada insurance and may have to request to be reinstated next year.
Q1. How will Coaches/Trainers/Managers be selected?
A1. Parents who indicated on their player registration their interest in volunteering will be contacted by the convenor once bubbles and squads are created.
Bubbles and squad sizes will determine the number of bench staff required per bubble.
Volunteers who wish to volunteer must submit their Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) online to the OPP along with the Association cover letter. See kemptvillehockey.com > Risk & Safety > Volunteer Screening: LINK
Aug25 For those who will require course certification, coaching courses will be delivered online this year.
Q2. Aug25 Are there any new courses required for bench staff this year?
A2. Aug25 Yes. A mandatory Health and Safety (COVID) online training course is required for all bench staff.
Aug27 See Hockey Canada Planning a Safe Return to Hockey LINK
Q3. Can I volunteer with more than one bubble?
A3. Sep27 Yes. As of September 24, 2020, District 1 has amended their policy for coaches crossing bubbles as per direction from HEO.
KDMHA will support the decision to permit Royals bench staff to cross training bubbles i>within Royals and Storm bench staff to cross bubbles within Storm, for the purposes of finalizing bench staff and to cover in the event of staff shortages.
KDMHA will NOT support Royals and Storm bench staff to cross to help keep the insurance cost down for each bench staff (vs. paying an insurance cost for both Royals and Storm as in previous years).
Bench staff (Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Trainers and Managers) MAY NOT participate in bubbles outside of KDMHA for any reason.
Q4. Does the 2-deep rule still apply?
A4. Yes. See Dressing Room Supervision Policies from governing bodies: HEO (Royals) LINK and OWHA (Storm) LINK
Q5. Do I need a police check?
A5. Yes. For 2020, a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) is required for all volunteers with KDMHA. See kemptvillehockey.com > Risk & Safety > Volunteer Screening: LINK
Q6. Do I need to have specific courses to be a volunteer?
A6. Yes. All volunteers require specific credentials depending on their roles.
We are clarifying with governing bodies what the minimum requirements will be for Coach/Assistant Coach as Rep/Comp level coaching/trainers may not be required for the KDMHA’s Fall 2020 session.
In the interim, for position specifics from last season, please refer to the appropriate Royals or Storm Bench Staff Guide. See kemptvillehockey.com > For Coaches: LINK
We will gather and post FAQs as needed.
