A local clothing retailer says the Orillia Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) is “threatening” suspensions for coaches whose players do not follow the organization’s team apparel policy.
Rick Sinotte, owner of Sinergy Clothing in Orillia, and formerly the jersey and outerwear supplier for the OMHA for 13 years, says parents, coaches and players are “scared” of facing discipline from the OMHA for purchasing their team apparel from his store or other retailers. OMHA members are asked to instead purchase from the official Terriers-wear provider, Affiliated Sports Group/Campea, a Quebec-based company.
“It’s a nightmare out there,” Sinotte said, adding the OMHA sent a letter via email to coaches and other volunteers that warns coaches they could be suspended for four games if their players are not following the team apparel policy; they could face a two-year suspension for a second offence. “These are volunteer coaches.”
Steve Fagan, president of OMHA, would not confirm or deny to OrilliaMatters those who disobey the team apparel policy will be disciplined.
“We have lots of rules and regulations surrounding our members, like every organization,” he said.
He says all minor hockey organizations in Ontario have contracted apparel providers with organizational apparel policies — for good reason.
“Our currently contracted apparel provider, Affiliated Sports Group, returns 10 per cent of any merchandise, which we call Terrier-wear purchases, directly to Orillia Minor Hockey,” he said. “These funds are used by Orillia Minor Hockey to lower fees for all our members in rep and house league.”
No member of the OMHA is obligated to purchase Terriers wear to play in rep or house-league programs, Fagan notes.
“Minor hockey is expensive enough without organizations mandating our youth purchase expensive apparel just to play,” he said. “All Orillia Minor Hockey asks is that our players represent the City of Orillia and the organization with respect and dignity.”
Sinotte says he is hearing complaints from parents about wait times for receiving products from Affiliated Sports Group/Campea, which is why they are turning to local establishments that sell “unofficial” Terriers wear.
“I did more business in the last year than I have ever done,” he said. “This year, I’ve already done three teams because they can’t get the stuff anywhere else.”
Fagan says despite wait times, the OMHA has only one contracted apparel provider.
“They must purchase Terrier wear from the approved vendor,” he said.
Sinotte says disciplining coaches for violating the team apparel policy is akin to “bullying people around.”
“The parents can’t be punished for trying to outfit their kids before January or February of next year,” he said. “Hockey is three weeks into the season and this (company) can’t supply them with stuff.”
Fagan says the community should be focused on the loss of ice time at Rotary Place.
“We should be focused on repairing our ice and asking the council and new council members how we can improve the facilities in our community,” he said.
