Important Information Regarding Return to Hockey

Hello everyone,
 
It goes without saying that the 2020-2021 hockey season will look different from any other season we have seen.  The RMMHA executive along with many others, have been working hard to ensure that we are able to get our players back on the ice.  In order to make this happen, there will be a number of changes this season beyond those already communicated to you.  I will be using this message to communicate some of these changes to you but as we also know, the situation is extremely fluid and there will likely be changes and additions as we move through the season.  Other information will be forthcoming from your coaches and team officials. 
 
Please keep in mind that failure to follow the rules outlined could result in the loss of ice time as well as the possibly forcing players and families into isolation for extended periods of time. 
 
One of the major changes is that each team will be required to have a “safety officer.”  The key responsibilities of the safety officer will include:
·         Taking accurate attendance at every ice time;
·         Meet players and spectators at the entry door;
·         Ensuring that wellness checks (screenings) are completed for every individual entering the facility and;
·         Liaise with the arena staff upon entry.
The team safety officer should not be coach or trainer as their attention should be focused on the players.
 
For everyone involved, the following will apply:
·         If any participant, coach, or spectator  fails the wellness check they will not be permitted to enter;
·         Two metre distancing should be provided throughout the facility including on the ice surface.
·         Follow directional flow arrows, decals, and visual markers to maintain distancing.
·         Masks and face coverings are required whenever participants are not actively engaged in physical activity.
For example, masks must be worn
•        In change rooms
•        In the lobby
•        If you are coaching (on bench)
•        If you are a spectator
•        At all times unless actively engaged in a physical activity
·         Hand Sanitizer will be available at the entrance/exit.
·         Doors are managed by designated volunteer/coach (Safety Officer) selected by user group.  An employee (Greeter) will offer assistance with facility specific information, policies and procedures.
·         Participants will be assigned a change room by the safety officer/coach.
·         Participants are given access to the building twenty minutes prior to the stated start time.
·         Each participant will be allowed one spectator per ice session.
·         Spectators are asked to enter at the beginning of the of their ice time unless accompanying a child who requires assistance.
·         Spectators must exit the arena once the flood begins to assist with the transition to the next rental.  Participants should meet players at their vehicles after the session.
·         Spectators are not permitted in the change room unless there to assist with the tying of skates etc.  Only a very small number of spectators will be permitted to fill this role.
·         Participants are encouraged to arrive dressed in their equipment with the exception of skates, helmets, and gloves.  Please keep in mind the need for children to travel safely in vehicles/car seats and the fact that hockey equipment may impact this item.  Goaltenders will be permitted to bring more equipment into the change rooms although they should dress as much as possible prior to entry.
·         You must have a trainer at each session.  Trainers need to watch players for symptoms such as excessive coughing and severe congestion.
·         Any player who expresses that they are not feeling well during an ice session should be removed immediately and the arena staff must be notified.
·         When uncertain about how to proceed consult Ottawa Public Health.
 
 
Again, as mentioned above, following these guidelines is essential to ensuring the continued success of the development stage of this very different hockey season.
 
Thank you in advance for your assistance with these items. 
 
Have a great hockey season,
 
John Sunstrum
President, RMMHA