Posted August 23, 2007

QUESTIONS AND ANSWER
 

1. Question: Is this an amalgamation of the CEGHL, NMGHL and SWGHL?

               Answer: No. This is the formation of a new league.

2. Question: Do the CEGHL, NMGHL and SWGHL still operate?

   Answer: No. The teams will participate in the new league.

3. Question: What will happen to the cheques we submitted to the previous leagues?

   Answer: These will be returned to the teams.

4. Question: Since there are teams from New York and Pennsylvania in the league, will Ontario teams have to go there for league and playoff games?

   Answer: The opt-out is an option available, within League rules, to all associations to eliminate the need for Ontario teams, which have or expect to have US-based teams in their division, to travel to the US to play regular season and playoff games if they do not wish to.

   By opting-out of travel to the US the association agrees to host all League games (regular season and playoffs) involving US-based teams at that association's expense, which typically involves ice rental cost and the cost of on-ice officials. The rationale is that teams are trading the cost of transport, additional insurance and extra time involved in border crossing for the cost of the ice rental plus officials.

   The opt-out can be exercised for all teams within an association or for specified teams within the association.  This affords teams that want to experience play in the US the flexibility to do so. 

   The process requires the association's League Liaison to advise the League in writing (e-mail will suffice) that its entire association is opting-out or alternatively which teams are opting-out of travel to the US.  In doing so, the association is committing to provide enough ice at scheduling day to schedule all games involving US-based teams in that association's arena(s) and to pay for on-ice officials, and to provide same should they play a US-based team in the playoffs.  This advice must be provided by a League specified date, which for 2007-08 will be August 31, 2007 and must come from the League Liaison, not the individual team coach, manager, etc., the rationale being the need for association commitment of financial resources.

   The hosting center will be designated as the home team for scoring, game rules and game reporting procedures.

   In the event that a team which had opted-out of travel to the US plays a League regular season or playoff game in the US, it is considered to have surrendered its opt-out rights and must schedule and play any remaining US team home games in the US.

   In the event that a Championship weekend is held, any US-based teams qualifying will be expected to meet associated financial obligations as if they were an Ontario-based team.

   Regardless of where a game versus a US-based team is played (Ontario or the US) the Ontario association involved must apply for and receive sanction from the OWHA to play the game(s) on the specified dates(s).  Sanction application forms are available on the OWHA website.

   The opt-out provision has no applicability to tournament games.

   The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) website is available regarding border crossings.

5. Question: Does our Ontario team have insurance coverage when travelling to the U.S.?

   Answer: IMPORTANT: Everyone MUST have primary medical coverage when travelling outside Ontario. This is available through Blue Cross and other companies. If an Ontario team is properly registered and sanctioned by the OWHA, their Hockey Canada insurance coverage is in place as per the Safety Requires Teamwork booklet.

6. Question: When does an OWHA team require a sanction?

   Answer: OWHA teams do not require sanction approval when playing other OWHA members. An OWHA team is not permitted to play any female team in Ontario that is not registered with the OWHA. Any time an OWHA team wishes to play against a USA Hockey or IIHF member hockey team, regardless of where the game is held, they must first obtain a written sanction approval from the OWHA. It is the responsibility of the team/association to apply for these.

7. Question: Why are U.S.A. team participating in this league?

   Answer: U.S.A. teams have been part of the SWGHL and as such, they will be part of the league for the 2007-08 season.  It is both the desire and responsibility of female hockey teams throughout the world to help and support other female teams and players.

8. Question:  Will double headers be allowed?

   Answer: Double headers will be allowed and are encouraged. In addition, in categories where teams are required to travel a great distance, attempts will be made to schedule games in areas where teams go through. As an example, if a team were to travel from Toronto to Windsor, a game could be scheduled in London on the way. In these cases, consideration will be given to travel time, length of game, finances, etc. 

9. Question: When will groupings of teams be finalized?

   Answer: Divisions and groupings cannot be finalized until associations submit their ITRs (Intent to Registers) to the OWHA. This information is required to see the number of teams at the various divisions and categories that wish to play in the league. It is expected that there will be some additional changes in category especially in the month of September. League representatives will work closely with the teams to ensure they are in an appropriate grouping based on age, skill and geography.

10. Question: How many teams will be in each grouping?

    Answer: This would vary per division and category.  There are many factors to consider. Groupings of fewer teams may be good geographically but would leave teams playing the same teams on a regular basis. In these cases, the options of travel and cross-over options will be reviewed.

11. Question: How many league games will be scheduled for each team?

    Answer: It is expected that each team will play approximately 20 to 22 league games.  The schedule will be balanced.

12. Question: Will appeals of group placements be allowed?

    Answer: There is no appeal mechanism within the league to appeal a team’s group placement.  There will be an attempt to minimize travel as much as possible and we’ll do our best with respect to cross-over games.

13. Question: How can I submit ideas and questions?

    Answer: The email address is leagueinput@owha.on.ca

14. Question: Will the league have a logo?

    Answer: Yes. There will be an opportunity to submit logo ideas.  This is open to girls and parents.  Deadline for submissions is November 15, 2007.

15. Question: Should exhibition games be played before the season starts?

    Answer: Novice and Atom teams are required to a play two (2) mandatory exhibition games against two (2) different teams, in order to place their team in the correct category. (e.g. Atom A versus Atom B). All other divisions are highly recommended to also play two (2) exhibition games in order to best categorize their respective teams.

16. Question: Where will general meetings be held?

    Answer: Central location.

17. Question: What do we do if we have trouble securing OWHA registered referees?

    Answer: Contact the OWHA office.

18. Question: When do rosters have to be submitted?

    Answer: These must be received in the OWHA office prior to a team playing a game of any kind. In addition, change of participant forms must be received in the OWHA office prior to a player or staff member participating in a game.

19. Question: Will there be a Teddy Bear division?

    Answer: This is a league for competitive teams and we anticipate icing Novice teams at all levels.

20. Question: Can girls play on both a girls’ team and a boys’ team?

    Answer: FDP (Female Development Player)

21. Question: What are the age divisions for the league?

    Answer: The age divisions are as per the OWHA rules and regulations. There are no other league requirements. Teams and association may make decisions as per their rules and regulations as long as they comply with those of the OWHA.

OWHA VALUES
Fair Play, Fun, Excellence, Good Citizenship,
Integrity & honesty, Equity.

OWHA MISSION
Through a provincially unified, collective voice, the OWHA promotes, provides and develops opportunities for girls and women to play female hockey in Ontario.