Masking Mandate for Remainder of 2021-22 Season
The Ontario Hockey Federation Board of Directors have made the decision
to continue to maintain masking requirements, as outlined in the OHF
Return to Hockey Framework, for the remainder of the 2021-22 Minor
Hockey Season. The OHF Return to Hockey Framework requires that players
and coaches must be wearing a mask while in the dressing room and for
Coaches to wear a mask while on the bench.
An exemption from these requirements have been made for all Junior and Senior hockey, although the OHF strongly recommends they continue to mask by the same requirements outlined in the OHF Return to Hockey Framework.
The OHF would like to emphasize that all programs, regardless of level, are ultimately required to adhere to all public health, municipal and facility policies, and directives, if more restrictive than the current provincial guideline or OHF exemptions exist. As well, patrons and participants are fully expected to adhere to facility health requirements and expectations. It is the responsibility of all individuals, teams, and patrons to familiarize themselves with the current requirements of a facility. Requirements from facilities may include masking expectations, dressing room use, warm-up/cool-down, arrival times, etc.
Finally, it should also be noted that the OHF has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment or bullying as it relates to masking decisions.
The OHF mask mandate is set to expire at the conclusion of OHF Championships; April 24, 2022. Meaning, the OHF will not require masks with the commencement of spring evaluations on April 25, however, we note that an OHF Member does have the authority to set such requirements.