I hope this note find you and your family safe and healthy. 

Registration for FCHA 2020-21 travel teams is now open.  Registration can be completed online by clicking here.  Registration costs $100 per player and this fee will be put towards 2020-21 dues.

We are moving forward with registrations to prepare for the 2020-21 season.  As of now we are planning to start the season on time based on current guidance from the state and our own local board of health.  As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves in Massachusetts and the rest of the world, there is a lot of uncertainty as to what activities may be permitted in the near future and long term. 

At the current time, the sport of ice hockey is not permitted to have games or scrimmages in the state of Massachusetts.  This is per the guidance set forth by the state as part of the Phase 3, Step 1 action on July 6.  There is no timetable in which games may be allowed in Massachusetts and we are moving forward with registration in the anticipation that games may resume by the time we take the ice in September.  If games are not permitted in Massachusetts the FCHA Board of Directors will take this into account and set up additional practices. 

As always our dues are calculated by the number of players we have in various age groups and teams.  Once registrations are submitted we can make a determination of dues and our Board of Directors will communicate what those will be when we are able to do so.  We are also striving to allow for credit card payments as an option during the 2020-21 season.  Using the online system to register will help us towards setting this option up for the upcoming season.  

2020-21 Evaluations:

Since FCHA was not able to host evaluations in March we will use the first 2 weeks of our ice time in September as a training camp.  The sessions will be conducted with all players in the same age group on the ice at the same time assuming this is permitted per state guidance.  The goal is to have 6-7 ice sessions prior to evaluations beginning. 

Following the conclusion of the training camp, evaluations will take place. The goal is to have 3 evaluation sessions per age group and conduct all of these over the course of 1 week.  We will likely have evaluation sessions on a weekend in addition to mid-week dates. 

The FCHA Board of Directors will meet following evaluations and determine how many players will be placed on each team.

Coaches should be getting their temporary card if needed

Any coach whose certification is going to expire on December 31, 2020 should be applying for a temporary card through USA Hockey by July 31.  The card will allow you to coach during the 2020-21 season and take the place of the coaching seminars as those are currently not being held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Coaches will still need to register at USA Hockey, complete a background check, complete Safe Sport and compete your online age module prior to taking the ice for the first time in September.  The temporary card does not replace these requirements. FCHA will continue to reimburse coaches for their coaching certification courses and registration. 

COVID-19 protocols at the rink

The upcoming season will most likely feel and look different than any other hockey season any of us have experienced.  Our Board of Directors will ensure that FCHA abides by all state guidance and any local guidance as required by our Board of Health.  In addition, FMC will likely have their own COVID-19 plan that all of us will need to adhere to. 

We will ensure that we meet or exceed any standards set by the state, USA Hockey, Mass Hockey or local officials to keep our members safe and healthy.  A formal plan will be distributed to families prior to the first ice session and will be based on guidelines at that time as they are subject to change compared to what they are today.

We look forward to seeing you at the rink in September and remember that you can register by clicking here.

Sincerely,

FCHA Board of Directors