I’ve had quite a few inquiries about whether or not JRMCC Sports & Recreation was hosting a hockey tournament as previously posted. Although we love hosting big events, we won’t be any time soon as the event is now cancelled.
Previously, we were lead to believe we could host a tournament working within the mini-league Covid rules framework. After some clarification, we’ve been advised mini-leagues cannot be disguised as a tournament.
The fact is you may not see any recreation and senior hockey tournaments at all this winter based on the information released at the latest Sask Hockey Association (SHA) meetings. I hope I’m wrong though.
The “no tournament” rule may change in the new year but it depends on how we manage the pandemic situation. Basically we need to make pretty good progress minimizing transmission and flattening the curve of Covid-19.The current return-to-play guidelines only allow for mini-league play and subsequent regular league play, if all goes well and if we’re able to move to the next phase. Again, the rules are absolutely clear: no tournaments.
Philosophically, one might suggest SHA rules do not apply to unsanctioned hockey. But a stronger argument can also be made that the SHA return-to-play policy is the health guideline and therefore applies across the board.
Understandably, this isn’t the news passionate hockey fans and players want to hear. You see on any given weekend over the winter months, rinks mainly on-reserve or in northern communities hold unsanctioned tournaments and have done so year after year. For the small communities this might be one of the highlight events of the year. So there might be the odd chance someone will challenge this and go ahead with putting on an event.
At this time, it’s probably best you don’t. I’m not sure organizers want to risk bringing in asymptomatic people into their community, ones who may potentially and unknowingly spread the virus. I doubt anyone wants their name tied to a super spreader event either. You know you’re going to get bashed pretty good particularly on social media. If facility operators follow the public health guidelines, they likely won’t allow renters to host unsanctioned tournaments either. Keep in mind there’s potential for fines by the government to be handed out for not following public health orders and guidelines. As well, and as suggested, there may be possible sanctions from SHA such as suspensions. Clearly there’s no positive outcomes with these scenarios.
Bottom line is you can still play and watch hockey in the form of league games, just not in tournaments. We’ll cross our fingers the second wave is on the down turn in the new year!