Ingersoll & District Minor Hockey Association will be hosting a Special AGM
The Special AGM will be hosted on Thursday Feb 23rd from 7pm to 9pm upstairs at the Ingersoll Memorial Arena.
At this AGM a vote will be held to decide if the Rep program of Ingersoll Minor Hockey will combine with Tillsonburg Minor Hockey in an amalgamation.
Also notice of a question and answer period. Members of the Amalgamation Committee, who are working with Tillsonburg Minor Hockey on negotiating the agreement plan to be at the Ingersoll Arena Sunday Feb 5 from 9am to 12pm to answer questions.
If you have questions or you are confused on the amalgamation and how it may affect your child, please feel free to drop by and the committee will try it's best to answer all questions.
Questions can also be submitted in the online form.
https://ingersollminorhockey.ca/Forms/5593/
Below are some questions and answers that the committee came up with.
Frequently asked Questions.
What will the new association be called?
If the vote is yes, we will be called South Oxford Minor Hockey. Team name,
colours, logos are TBD at this time.
Is the amalgamation happening automatically?
No. The decision of amalgamation is the responsibility of each voting member of both
Tillsonburg and Ingersoll Minor Hockey.
How does amalgamation happen?
Once a general agreement (including by-laws, centre point and boundaries) in principle is reached then it must be taken back to each Board and approved, with or without amendments. Once approved, the general agreement must be presented to both Associations In a special AGM to get members approval. Both Ingersoll and Tillsonburg Minor Hockey Associations must approve by a 2/3rds vote from their respective members to proceed with the amalgamation.
If the vote is yes to amalgamate, when does it start?
We would officially amalgamate for the start of the 2023-2024 season, pending OMHA approval in March 2023.
Who can vote?
One vote per parent that is on the players registration and IDMHA board members.
Where will my players have practice or games?
Throughout a season Rep teams may have to rotate which arena they practice and have games at depending on the number of teams in an age division, each team might take turns playing in Tillsonburg or Ingersoll. This does not affect Ingersoll Minor Hockey Local League teams.
How will amalgamation affect Local League teams?
Each centre will maintain their current Local League teams. U5, U6, U7, U8, U9, U11LL, U13LL, U15LL, and U18LL will not be affected by this change. LL teams will continue to play in the Inter-town league and remain under the original centre’s names (Ingersoll Express and Tillsonburg Tornadoes).
Which arena will my Local League team use for practices and home games?
All Local League teams will use their own/current arenas for practices and games.
What if I am in a right of choice area according to the new centre point?
Right of choice will open up for any member within the designated area to re-sign or leave the new organization. Once a right of choice player signs onto the organization they are considered a lifetime member.
What will the centre point be for the new organization?
TBD
What league will we play in?
The OMHA has not confirmed this at this time.
Why amalgamate with our neighbouring centre?
As centre classes change in our area, we’re looking for ways to offer the best solutions that will allow hockey to continue to thrive in our community. Amalgamation would help each association offer a hockey program that maximizes player development and fun in part by fielding teams comprised of players of consistent age and ability at every level.
Will the new centre have its own Board of Directors?
Yes, the amalgamated centre will have a Board comprised of an equitable number of Directors from IDMHA and TMHI.
How will coaches be selected?
Coaches will be selected by a committee comprised of independent evaluators and an equal amount of board members from each centre.
How will teams be selected?
The teams will be selected by a committee comprised of the Coach, unbiased independent evaluators, and equal amount of board members from the original centres.
Will there be a fixed number of Players from each Association on each Rep team?
No, it is not realistic to set fixed player numbers from each Association. Player selection will be based on player ability/skill. This ensures consistency in talent/skill amongst selected player groups and provides for strong/competitive team structures that are fun and exciting to play within.
Will Local League players be eligible to be an Affiliated Player “AP” to the Amalgamated
Rep team?
Yes, players form Local League organizations will be eligible for AP opportunities.
What teams will be offered in the Rep program?
In a successful amalgamation with Tillsonburg, there will be ‘A’ rep teams in 2023/2024 in: U10 (2014), U11 (2013), U12 (2012), U13 (2011), U14 (2010), U15 (2009), U16 (2008), U18 (2006-2007), and U21 (2003-2005). We will also have second entry (AE) BB teams in U11, U13, U15 and U18. The A teams will mainly be comprised of single birth year cohorts, while the BB teams will be double birth year cohorts. Ingersoll going A on it's own will most like not have enough players for BB teams.
Will players from surrounding areas be eligible to try out for the Amalgamated Rep teams via the NRP?
Yes. As an “A” level centre the Amalgamated Rep teams would be allowed to roster players from outside its territory as “import players” at U12 and above. The OMHA restricts the number of NRP/Import players to 3 per team.
When will we find out if the Amalgamation is approved?
If the vote is approved by each association, the required documentation will be sent to the OMHA will anticipate approval by Mid-March 2023.
Additional Questions
Why is there no U8 and U9 Rep?
At this time OMHA has stated there will be no U9 or below Rep hockey. If there is a possibility of a U8 or U9 Rep or Tiering this will be provided. We do not know what this would look like until further guidance from the OMHA.
Can there be Minor aged BB teams in the new Amalgamation (example U16 BB)?
It is possible, all 2nd entry Rep teams would be decided by the amalgamated board and will be based on tryout numbers and talent level.