House League Hockey - it's almost time!

House League Hockey starts this weekend!

As we begin the process of building teams for the 2021-22 House League season, we are coming up on the first big milestone, the evaluation skates. The evaluation skates will help to determine each player's ability in an attempt to build equal and balanced teams. Friend requests are always considered as we form teams, but it's important to note that as we work to build balanced teams, the FGHA cannot guarantee all requests can be met.

House League Coaches Needed

We are still in need of coaches at several levels! If you can offer your time to help, we need you! There is training and mentorship available to help make sure you are successful. Please, if you are able and willing to volunteer, please reach out to Brad Rickard, our House League Director ASAP.

House League Evaluation Skate Schedule

Sunday September 26th marks the start of Evaluation Day for the FGHA. This day is important because it begins the process of setting up the teams for the season. Evaluation skates for the U18 division will take place on Monday September 27th.

**Please ensure that you review the City of Hamilton Arena Access Requirements below.** Reminder: All participants under the age of 12 must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times while in the arena. The FGHA and it's volunteers cannot be expected to perform this double duty.

We encourage any returning players (U9 to U15) to wear a jersey with their name on the back to help with identification.

Please note the times below for the evaluation sessions, and you'll want to ensure that your daughter(s) are at the rink and ready to go on the ice at the appointed time for their division. Please make every effort to have your daughter attend, as we strive to form equal and balanced teams for the House League season.

WHEN

• U9 - Sunday, September 26th - 9am @ Harry Howell
• U11 - Sunday, September 26th - 10am @ Harry Howell
• U13 - Sunday, September 26th - 11am @ Harry Howell
• U15 - Sunday, September 26th - Noon @ Harry Howell
• U18 - Monday, September 27th - 9pm @ Westoby/Olympic

 Once the evaluations are complete, the coaches will work with the evaluation staff and the House League Director to create balanced teams. Practices will begin Saturday October 2nd - more details to follow next week.

City of Hamilton Arena Access Requirements:

The information below is specific to what will be required to enter City of Hamilton facilities. We appreciate your support in keeping us all safe.

As per the Provincial announcement on September 1, 2021, vaccine verification will be required to access indoor sports and recreation facilities as of September 22, 2021. On September 14, 2021 further guidance was released and as such, as of September 22, 2021 you will see the following changes to accessing indoor recreation facilities:

• Access will only be available through the facility main access. City of Hamilton staff will be responsible for verifying vaccine requirements upon entry.
• Any players, coaches, or officials aged 18+ will be required to show proof of vaccination + ID or exemption
• Any spectators/parents/siblings aged 12+ will be required to show proof of vaccination + ID or exemption
• Permit holders will still be responsible for contact tracing and health screening
• Businesses and organizations are not permitted to retain vaccine records or status, and as such patrons will be required to show their proof of vaccination each time they enter the facility 

Vaccine verification and ID will be checked in accordance with the direction provided by the Provincial Ministry of Health. For more information:

• Vaccine requirements, visit www.hamilton.ca/ProofOfVaccination
• FAQs for recreation facility users, visit www.hamilton.ca/recreation

Based on current information, the following will be required:

• Proof of being full vaccinated (full series of vaccine at least 14 days before facility visit)
• ID which shows the same name and birthdate of the individual
• Both can be shown digitally (ie picture/PDF of documents or ID on phone)

We ask all members of the public to be patient if wait times are experienced and to adjust their arrival at the facility or number who are attending.

We appreciate your cooperation and continued support.