This MEMBERS ONLY program is aligned and approved by Vancouver Coastal Health following Health Authority, and viaSport/BC Hockey guidelines to ensure that our members’ heath and safety is a priority as we slowly work at bringing the game back through a unique experience.
Playing rules will be adjusted to create a continuous play game which means more space on the ice, increased puck play, and additional measures to reduce intentional contact so we can provide a fun and safe place to play hockey.
- Controls will be in place to provide players with a specified path to the rink they’re playing on, the facilities will have clearly marked physical distancing parameters.
- Directional signage will be located around the facility and will indicate where to go next.
- Players will be required to observe physical distancing markers on the benches and in the dressing rooms, at all times.
- Players are permitted to have a maximum of one (1) parent/guardian accompany them to the rink. Siblings should not accompany this parent unless absolutely necessary.
- There will be limited viewing space (both indoors and rink side), where they will be able to remain physically distanced from other spectators while watching their child’s game.
- Players 16 and under need to arrive to the rink fully dressed. Dressing rooms will be available provided that participants abide by the markers within each room that specify physical distancing between participants. A maximum of nine (9) participants will be allowed into each dressing room. All participants are required to be able to tie their own skates and get themselves dressed if they choose to use the dressing room. Benches beside the rink or Family dressing rooms (max 1-2 players per bench) will be available for younger players and their parent.
1: What do I do if my child tests positive for COVID-19?
Keep your child home and out of the hockey and club environment. It is also important to communicate with your physician and public health authority, ensuring you follow the steps identified. Inform the NSWC immediately.
2: What if a parent/family member tests positive for COVID-19? What protocols do we follow?
If a parent or family member tests positive for COVID–19, the player and their family will need to stay out of the hockey and club environment. They should contact their physician and public health authority for instructions. The player will need a note from their physician or public health authority to return to play.
3: If someone on my child’s team tests positive for COVID-19, will the team be allowed to continue to play hockey?
If someone on your child’s team tests positive, public health authority guidelines will determine contact tracing and isolation requirements. It is possible, therefore, that one diagnosis on a team could lead to that team being required to pause hockey activities until the public health authority determines it is safe to return.
4: What if my child is sick but does not have COVID-19?
The player should follow up with their physician and the public health line. They will require a note from their physician to return to play.
5: What should I do if my child is exhibiting signs of COVID-19 but has not been tested?
The player should remain out of the hockey and club environment and contact their physician or public health authority for required steps to be taken. Inform the NSWC immediately. The player will require a note from their physician or public health authority to return to play.
6: Should players/parents/coaches wear masks entering the facility and dressing room?
It is recommended anyone entering the facility should wear a cloth mask when physical distancing cannot be followed. Continue to monitor public health authority guidelines specific to wearing masks.
Wearing a mask alone will not prevent the spread of COVID-19. You must consistently and strictly adhere to good hygiene and public health measures, including frequent hand washing and physical distancing.
7: When will full (5on5) games be permitted?
The type of hockey activities that may occur when hockey returns will be determined by the regional governing member of Hockey Canada, in consultation with the appropriate government and public health authorities. In some cases, this may be limited initially to include skill based activities that respect social distancing protocols, while in others, modified or traditional game play may be possible. It is difficult at this stage to predict when regular games will return with any degree of certainty.
8: Will coaches be permitted to be within two metres to help and support the player?
It is recommended that public health authority guidelines are adhered to and that instruction be given practicing physical distancing. Review your public health authority recommendations and requirements on the wearing of masks. It is important to note that the safety person or coach may need to be within two metres of a player if the player suffers an injury, but the safety person or coach should wear a mask and, as recommended in the Hockey Canada Safety Program, non-latex gloves if treating a player for an injury.
9: Will teams be permitted to attend tournaments outside our province or territory?
The ability for any team to travel outside its geographic region to play hockey will depend on several factors, including public health authority guidelines, instructions and travel restrictions in your province/territory and the province/territory you will be visiting, and will require the approval of the governing hockey bodies in your region and the region you wish to travel to. Note that provincial/territorial guidelines and travel restrictions may also limit the ability to host local tournaments and your ability to accept tournament entries from teams outside your region.
10: Will parents be allowed in the stands to watch games?
Families should be prepared to minimize the number of parents/guardians/spectators that attend in order to limit the number of people in the facility. At this time, one (1) parent or guardian may accompany a player; no siblings.
11: Should I disinfect my child’s hockey gear after each practice/game?
Some equipment should be washed (e.g. jerseys, pant shells, socks) after each practice/game, following manufacturer guidelines. It is important that players ensure all equipment is kept clean at all times.
12: Should I sanitize water bottles after each practice/game?
Bottles should be labeled and washed after each practice or game.
13: My son/daughter currently sits in a car seat, and it recommends that hockey equipment not be worn. How can we come to the facility fully dressed for hockey?
It is important to follow guidelines specific to car seats and seat belts, and it would be recommended to wear only equipment that can be worn safely under current laws or guidelines. Hockey Canada recommends that players enter the facility in as much hockey equipment as possible, rather than changing together in dressing rooms where social distancing may be difficult to maintain. When player safety might be compromised by riding in a car seat fully dressed in hockey equipment, the child should leave home partially dressed in their equipment, and should put on the remainder of the equipment after arriving at, but before entering, the facility.
