OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION FROM THE PRESIDENT
Good Evening,
Sackville Minor Hockey Association (SMHA) would like to bring an important policy change to everyone’s attention that affects the approval requirements for obtaining a lottery licence for our monthly Flyers 50/50 draws. Service Nova Scotia Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel & Tobacco (AGFT) has issued an updated Sports Organizations: Eligibility and Use of Funds policy. The policy outlines more specific requirements for sports organizations applying for lottery licences and how lottery proceeds are permitted to be used.
The Biggest Change for Sackville Minor Hockey
Previously, proceeds from individual player 50/50 ticket sales could be allocated toward that player’s fundraising requirements. Unused amounts could then be carried forward to the following season and credited to the same player. Going forward, this approach will change. Under the updated policy, lottery proceeds must benefit the organization as a whole and/or support sport at the community level. Funds raised through our draws will support eligible team budgets and association-wide expenses, rather than remain as personal fundraising balances.
Immediate Direction:
Pause Ticket Sales All teams, players, parents and volunteers must refrain from selling Flyers 50/50 tickets until the approved lottery licence is posted on the SMHA website, www.FlyersHockey.ca. The posting will confirm that the association has received authorization to proceed. Please do not resume sales before that notice is published.
What Happens Next
Given the importance of our monthly 50/50 draws, we will review our fundraising structure, player account tracking, financial procedures and allocation of proceeds to ensure they align with the updated policy. It is important that Board Members, Team Managers, Treasurers and 50/50 Coordinators understand these changes so families receive consistent information.
SMHA is sharing this information now so we can work together on the necessary adjustments before our next lottery licence application. The full AGFT policy, Sports Organizations: Eligibility and Use of Funds, should be consulted for the governing requirements. We are currently awaiting a response from AGFT and will share further details with our membership as soon as possible.
We are also working diligently to communicate with government officials regarding these changes and their impact on our teams, players and families.
The Ask
For many families in Sackville Minor Hockey, funds raised through our 50/50 sales help make the cost of playing minor hockey more manageable and, in some cases, make participation possible.
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to play, learn, grow, and be part of a sport they love, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
With that in mind, we would like to ask you to also reach our to our local MLAs and government representatives. Share your experiences. Explain what minor hockey means to your family and how this change could impact your ability to participate.
Our voices matter. The more people who speak up, the better chance we have of helping decision-makers understand the real impact these changes could have on our hockey community and the families who show up at the rink every day.
Paulwozney@nsmla.ca
Brianwongmla@gmail.com
Mlabradjohns@gmail.com
We appreciate your patience while we seek clarification and work toward a clear path forward.
Thank you,
Robert (Rob) Nurnber
President, Sackville Minor Hockey Association
President@FlyersHockey.ca
www.FlyersHockey.ca
SMHA Official Statement PDF
GrayJay Sports