A COVID vaccine will be required for all players and team personnel this season. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

COVID vax required

SJHL implements mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy

Sep 1, 2021 | 3:16 PM

With training camps already well underway, and the start of the hockey season fast approaching, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) has announced a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for the 2021-22 season.

The mandatory vaccination policy will apply to all coaches, players, scouts, athletic therapists and trainers, equipment managers, on-ice and off-ice officials (penalty box attendants; timekeepers, and scorekeepers) and any other individuals who interact directly and on a regular basis with players.

All such personnel must have their first vaccine obtained by Sept. 10 and their second vaccine by Oct 15.

The league said in a statement, “these dates will allow ample time for teams to make sure they can help with arrangements, for any player or staff who haven’t yet received their COVID vaccine,” while also “allow[ing] time to come up with any modified work for staff or players should that be deemed necessary.”

All players, coaches and staff that are not fully vaccinated must wear a mask at all times when around other team members, or when involved in off-ice team activities.

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Due to the travel restrictions into Manitoba, where the league’s Flin Flon Bombers reside, coaches, players, and staff will not be able to travel into Manitoba until they are fully vaccinated.

The release went on to say “this measure is in order to consider the majority of the province of Saskatchewan, and in the interest of the communities of the SJHL, the players, coaches, staff, and volunteers of the teams, to keep them as safe as possible.”

The SJHL Board of Governors approved the mandatory vaccine policy and joins other leagues including the Western Hockey League (WHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), and British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) among those who have implemented a mandatory vaccine policy this season.

For the full SJHL release, click here.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1