Season Update
The Ayr Rockets Board of Directors has been working diligently through the summer to prepare for the upcoming season. Given the very different climate this season, we would like to provide the following updates regarding our plans for the season:
REGISTRATION:
Registration for the season is currently open. We are using the new RAMP system - a new user profile must be set up before proceeding with the registration. Please visit our website for registration links and details.
SEASON FORMAT:
As per guidance from the OWHA, we must set up cohorts of players within our organization. To begin the season, we will be running 2 weeks of skills sessions for each of our age groups. It is our understanding that we will be able to move to small league play (maximum 50 players per league, restricted to the same Public Health Unit (PHU)). The games will likely be in a 3 on 3 or 4 on 4 format. We are working with our neighbouring hockey centres to establish leagues at appropriate levels of play for our members. Currently, we are looking at tiering age cohorts, dependent upon registration numbers at each age group. Our final plans must be submitted to the OWHA for approval, before on ice sessions can begin.
ICE AVAILABILITY:
The North Dumfries Community Complex (NDCC) will not have ice available for use until September 21, 2020. As you may have seen in the Ayr News, the Township is not putting ice into the Ayr Community Centre (ACC) until January 1st at the earliest. With only 1 ice pad available to all Ayr user groups, we are uncertain of our ice allotment for the coming season. Once we have more details on the ice allotment, we will be able to finalize our plans for the season format.
PLAYER ELIGIBILITY:
Players who were registered in our centre last year are able to return to play with the Rockets, regardless of which public health unit they reside in. As well, players who played in other centres last year are permitted to return to the Rockets (their 'home' organization) for this season, based on the direction from the OWHA.FEE SCHEDULE: As we are still working to finalize our programming, and have not yet learned of our ice allotment, we have not yet set fees for the 2020-2021 season.
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS:
The Ayr Rockets will be establishing protocols surrounding contact tracing for arena attendees. At this time, the Township is advising that we will be permitted to have limited numbers of spectators at the arena for our programming.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
We are still accepting applications for Local League Coaches. As cohorts are established, bench staff will be needed. If you are interested in committing to supporting a team this season, the Respect In Sport for Activity Leaders and Trainers programs are available online for certification. Once you are registered to a team, the expense of these programs can be submitted to the association for reimbursement.