TUCKER HOCKEY

BACK TO THE RINK

GUIDELINES & PROTOCOLS

A PROFESSIONAL & HEALTH SAFETY MINDED APPROACH

“PLEASE READ – IT’S IMPORTANT”

Updated: Friday October 2nd, 2020

“It means we need to minimize the risk of contracting the virus and the risk of spreading to others” – Dr: Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health for the Province of Alberta

General Comments:

We are all keen to get back again on the ice this Fall. But the safety of each player, each parent, each on ice instructor and each off ice support staff is of paramount importance; as we return to the new hockey development world which we have now inherited. 

Based on the Alberta Government requirements, City of Calgary arena guidelines, Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada’s Return to Hockey Safety Guidelines, Tucker Hockey wishes to introduce you to our “Back to the Rink” Fall Program Set Up.

Please read, educate yourself as a parent or adult participant, as well as your child(ren). This will ensure that we offer the best on ice development experience possible considering the current health care restrictions in a respectful, positive and fun learning environment.

This will be a new experience for everyone so it’s critical that we are all on the same team. Being respectful, cooperating, working together, and full filling our individual responsibilities to help ensure continued success this Fall and beyond.

Here are the roles and responsibilities for the Tucker Hockey Team members.

Tucker Hockey On Ice Instructors:

  • We will separate the players based on their skill into sub group development stations for most of the on ice curriculums. Each station will consist of 4 to 8 players with 1 on ice instructor per station. We will attempt to maintain these small subgroups for the duration of the Fall programs.
  • Being audible – projecting voices to the group or sub group.
  • For group chat setup – conscious of any distancing issues & listening issues.
    • Alert and respectful at all times of participants – head on a swivel.
    • Attempt to maintain as best we can – a physical distance between instructors, players and other players on the ice – 6 feet or 1 stick length. However, this may not always be possible especially with younger age players.
    • Avoid liquid droplets / spray when shouting instructions /encouragement.
  • Instructors must reinforce messages about physical distancing and limiting physical contact; no close contact huddles, no handshakes or high fives.
  • Maintaining a distance of 6 feet or 1 stick length may adversely affect some of our on ice curriculums and hockey development drills. We will be figuring this out as we move forward within each Fall program. Assessing and adapting as we go!
  • Selection of drills to develop skills will evolve based on physical distancing issues.
    • Possible elimination of scrimmages – except closely monitored 3 on 3 and Battle / Compete drills.
    • Avoid players bunching up at the start of a drill, during and ending of drills.
    • Limit standing in line drills.
    • Minimize chalk board talks.
    • Possible markers on the ice to separate players.
    • Ensure players will orderly enter and exit the ice surface – 6 feet apart.
    • Assist players to enter and leave the ice one by one. Not bunched together.
    • Disinfect – helmet and gloves before and after each ice session.
    • Handling of pucks, pylons, danglers and parachutes – wear gloves.

Tucker Hockey Off Ice Support Staff:

  • Ensure parents / adult participants have signed off on the mandatory Covid – 19 liability waiver on registering for each program Note: This was done when each parent /adult participant completed the online registration for their preferred program(s).
  • Registration procedures – administrators wear a facial mask in the facility and face shield when appropriate.
  • Hand out – jerseys and name tags within physical distancing protocols. Provide directions and answer any questions, reduce / eliminate any concerns.
  • Educate parents / players when required.
  • Stagger arrival times of parents / participants.
  • Ensure 25 minute time limits when entering the facility before the start of a session & 5 minutes when exiting the facility after the end of a session. No exceptions.
  • Candace will be at the rink for each registration session to assist players or parents with any questions or concerns regarding entering the arena, dressing rooms and exiting of the arena.

Players / Participants:

  • Understand & be respectful of the new hockey environment.
  • Arrive no more than 25 minutes before the on ice session.
  • All players are required to wear a facial mask / covering when entering and exiting the facility as well as in the dressing rooms. Players will remove their mask prior to entering the ice. Recommend placing the facial mask in a Ziploc brand bag in the dressing room or hand off to their parent.
  • MUST pay attention – watch and listen to Tucker Hockey on ice and off ice personnel.
  • ZERO TOLERANCE from Tucker Hockey staff if participants show disrespectful behaviour.
  • Any players being disrespectful of the new environment will be sent home immediately.
  • A player self assessment form is mandatory prior to entering the building – on the first evening. Copies are required so we can monitor participant’s health in regards to Covid-19 symptoms and maintain an accurate participant list for contact tracing purposes. Players will NOT BE ALLOWED in the building on the first day without handing in their self-assessment to Candace. If there are any changes to the status of the answers submitted on the first day it is the responsibility of the participant to email programs@tuckerhockey.com ASAP to inform us of these changes. We will place a credit on file for any missed sessions due to COVID-19 related symptoms.
  • Stay home – if having a cough, fever, sneezing – any symptoms of not feeling well.
  • Stay home – if you have traveled outside Canada in the past 14 days.
  • Stay home – If you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive or are waiting for test results for COVID-19.
  • Credits will be offered to parent if their child misses a session or program or and adult participant due to illness.
  • Education and preparation from younger kids especially U7 – U9 is critical.
  • Have only 1 parent for U7 / U9 age players – who are under 10 years of age – to assist with any equipment needs.
  • Players must be fully dressed when coming to the arena and only have to put on their skates. Dressing room access provides limited use.
  • Use of dressing rooms – max of 7 – 8 players per room – 6 feet apart if available.
  • Dressing room size will vary depending on the arena, some players may have to lace up their skates in the hall way/bleachers.
  • Shower facilities will not be available, it is recommended players come dressed to play and go home to change afterward if possible.
  • Recommend anti fog solution / cleaning issues / stoppages to clean shields.
  • No Spitting at the rink facility.
  • Masks are required prior to the on ice skate but not needed during the session.
  • Bring and clean your own equipment. Avoid sharing equipment unless you are in the same household or cohort. Do NOT share water bottles and towels.
  • Separate water bottles – spaced 6 feet apart.
  • Use of any player benches – players spaced 6 feet apart.
  • Disinfect – helmet and gloves before and after each ice session
  • All discardable items – used tape, recycle water bottles in garbage bins.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before, during and after your activity.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth and face.

Parents / Guardians:

  • Education and respectful of the new hockey environment.
  • Limit the number of Cohort groups that your child participates in or adult participant participates in this Fall.
  • Sign a mandatory Covid – 19 liability waiver on registering for each on ice program. (Note: this was done when you completed the online registration for you program.)
  • Each participant will be required to fill out a mandatory Covid -19 self declaration form on the first evening for facility / on ice program access. Without a declaration – access is not allowed. These forms will be collected by Candace of Tucker Hockey at the rink before the first session. If there are any changes to the status of the answers submitted on the first day it is the responsibility of the participant to email programs@tuckerhockey.com ASAP to inform us of these changes. We will place a credit on file for any missed sessions due to COVID-19 related symptoms.
  • We may need to use a portion of the viewing area/lobby for participants. In this case, parents will not be allowed in any areas designated for players other then to assist their own child.
  • In the case that we are required to assist the City of Calgary with contact tracing we will require anyone that has been in the facility to provide us the dates/times that they were present. Please be mindful of recording this information so you are ready to provide.
  • NO EXCEPTIONS– All individuals are required to wear a facial mask / covering when in the facility.
  • We encourage all player, and any parents to come with their own hand sanitizers.
  • Please move through the facilities as quickly as directed by Tucker Hockey staff to allow every group the opportunity for physical distancing. Do not arrive earlier then 25 minutes prior to the program start time and must exit the building 5 minutes after the program end time.
  • Don’t gather or loiter in dressing rooms, parking areas or public areas before, during or after your activity.
  • Practice physical distancing in spectator areas; spectator stands will not be disinfected and cleaned in between bookings.
  • Parents should stay away from dressing rooms and bench areas unless absolutely necessary to support players; physical distancing guidelines should still be followed.
  • Washroom facilities will be available. At minimum, please wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting the building.
  • Leave the rink as soon as your activities end to reduce overlap of bookings. Please wear a facial mask.
  • If a participant or a parent/guardian is diagnosed with Covid – 19 and was attending one of our programs at the time, it is imperative that Tucker Hockey be notified ASAP of this occurrence. We will contact the health authorities and they will determine communication protocols and tracing of all contacts.
  • Any issues or concerns call or email Tucker Hockey regarding your child(s) program.
    • Phone/Text: 403 – 998 – 5035

Additional Arena Specific Measures:

  • Water fountains and vending machines are not available.
  • Faucets in change rooms should only be used for washing hands.
  • Spectator stands will not be disinfected and cleaned in between bookings.
  • Dressing rooms are open with physical distancing measures in place; players should come dressed in their gear except for their skates.
  • Shower facilities will not be available, it is recommended players come dressed to play and go home to change afterward it possible.
  • User groups are expected to maintain social distancing guidelines in the facility, especially in the dressing rooms. The only time there may be an exception to this is if a player is within their small sub group.

Safety First Issues:

  • Any concerns or questions about the on ice setup or any Covid – 19 positive testing please reach out to us ASAP.
  • We are all navigating our way around this new rink environment and trying to figure things out in an uncertain and unpredicted time.
  • We will be doing our best to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience so we just ask that everyone else do their best as well!

FINAL COMMENT – EXTREMELY IMPORTANT:

  • Please note that failure to adhere to the COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines could result in the future loss of TUCKER HOCKEY’s ice permits or bookings. Therefore, safety and operational compliance issues are of paramount importance to us. Please don’t be responsible for this happening!
  • NOTE: If you wish to acquire more detailed information on the safety and return to hockey guidelines and restrictions, listed below are website links for your reading convenience as well as additional education.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES / INFO: LINKS TO:

Alberta Heath Care:

https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-relaunch-sports-physical-activity-and-recreation.pdf

City of Calgary:

https://staging.tuckerhockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/City-of-Calgary-ARENA-Terms-and-Conditions.pdf

Hockey Alberta:

https://www.hockeyalberta.ca/members/return-hockey/

Hockey Canada:

https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/exclusive/return-to-hockey

Note: Future amendments to our Back to the Rink Fall Program Set Up may be required over the Fall if and when the Alberta Health Care & City of Calgary guidelines and protocols standards are changed / updated.