GTHL releases Game Plan 2.0 outlining Return to Play framework including Vaccination Policy
The Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) today announced its Game Plan 2.0 framework outlining return to play protocols and procedures for the 2021-22 season.
Made in alignment with Hockey Canada’s Safety Guidelines and the Ontario government’s COVID-19 Return to Sport Guidelines, the Game Plan 2.0 framework was formulated with the expert advice of medical and public health professionals at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto as well as Toronto Public Health. The framework aims to get GTHL players back on the ice in a safe, fun, and secure environment while minimizing the risk of infection.
The GTHL’s Vaccination Policy is also included in the document. The policy requires that all GTHL Directors and Staff, GTHL Member Executive and Staff, team officials, timekeepers, on-ice officials, instructors, in-arena employees of the GTHL and players who were born in or before 2009 to be vaccinated unless the individual has a valid medical reason or has an approved exemption under the Ontario Human Rights Code. At the present time, players who were born in or after 2010 are not eligible to be vaccinated.
To view the complete Game Plan 2.0 document, click here.
“The Game Plan 2.0 and the Vaccine Policy puts the safety and well being of players as the top priority as we begin the much-anticipated return to programming.” said Scott Oakman, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the GTHL. “Players, their families, and minor hockey associations are excited to be able to return to play and we are working hard at creating the safest environment for them.”
The Game Plan 2.0 provides players, parents, coaches, and GTHL stakeholders with insight into what the 2021-22 season will look like and the steps taken to ensure the proper safety measures are in place.
Every team will be required to appoint a Team Safety Rep who will undergo training and oversee COVID-19 screening procedures for each team participant prior to partaking in team activity. Thorough guidelines and checklists for COVID-19 screening procedures are included in the Game Plan 2.0.
The 2019-20 GTHL season was cancelled on March 12, 2020 and the 2020-21 season did not take place due the COVID-19 pandemic.