Clearview Minor Hockey (CMH)
Safety Plan 2021/2022
On behalf of the Clearview Minor Hockey (CMH) Executive, we would like to officially welcome you back for the 2021/2022 Hockey Season! Once again, we thank you for your patience as we continue to navigate through the guidance documents set out by the Ontario Federation of Hockey (OHF), the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA), the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDH), and Clearview Township towards the creation of our 2021/2022 Clearview Minor Hockey - Safety Plan (CMH-SP).
The health and safety of our Canucks players, coaching staff, volunteers, families and fans are the utmost importance to us, and were the top priority during the development of this plan. Our goal is for a safe and fun hockey season for all!
Over the past 2020/2021 Season we quickly learned the value of keeping our players on the ice, and playing the game they love! We also learned how too quickly to pivot through this unpredictable pandemic and tried our best to keep our volunteers, players and families safe. We commit to continue to keep safety as the utmost priority as we continue to move forward through our 2021/2022 Season.
The CMH - SP was reviewed and approved by the Executive on September 20, 2021.
Below outlines the protocols that have been put in place to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID19 among our players, coaching staff, volunteers, officials, families and fans. We will continue to review and update this safety plan throughout the 2021/2022 season, as we continue to monitor guidance documents from OHF, OMHA, SMDHU and Clearview Township, for changes during this continuously evolving pandemic. Head Coaches and Trainers will also receive a copy of this Safety Plan to review at their respective season start meetings; any updates/changes will be communicated to them via email to share with their teams throughout the season. The most current copy of this CMH – SP will also be posted on our CMH website.
Please familiarize yourself with these protocols before arriving at either the Stayner or Creemore Arenas. It is essential that our players, coaching staff, volunteers, officials, families and fans take these safety precautions seriously to ensure a safe and healthy experience for all. We expect everyone to adhere to this Safety Plan while representing Clearview Minor Hockey. The Head Coach of each Team is responsible for the adherence to this Safety Plan at all times. Non compliance by any player, coaching staff, volunteer, official and family or fan may result in a suspension from further CMH activities.
NOTE: From here in, reference to Coaching Staff refers to Head Coach and/or Team Trainer and/or Team Manager and/or Assistant Coach, unless otherwise stated.
The use of Session will refer to Clearview Minor Hockey practices, games or any other events in which a team or division comes together.
As per Ontario Regulation 364/20: Rules for Arenas in Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Step all sports may be practiced or fully played within an indoor facility as long as the following are in place and adhered to;
General Safety Protocols
· Face Coverings/Masks - are required to be worn by everyone BEFORE entering into the Arena, and must remain on while indoors.
o Face coverings/Masks must securely cover the nose, mouth and chin.
o Participants taking part in on-ice sessions are not required to wear masks while on the ice
· Physical Distancing of 2 metres (6 feet) is strongly encouraged for ALL users throughout the Arena.
o Families/fans in the stands – distancing is required, unless you live in the same household.
· Hand Hygiene
o Hand sanitizer must be used upon entry and when exiting, the Arena.
o Good hand hygiene is important - wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
o Coughing or Sneezing Etiquette – cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw used tissues in the trash and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow (not your hands) and use hand sanitizer to help stop the spread of germs.
· Health Screening is required by all players, coaching staff, officials and volunteers attending any CMH session(s). Digital health screening will be available to be completed via the SportsHeadz website/application up to 24-hours before any CMH session (as done for 2020/2021 season). SportsHeadz digital health screen automatically locks five minutes post the session start time and no changes can be made after this time.
o Any player, coaching staff, official or volunteer who FAILS a health screen CANNOT enter into the Arena.
o Coaching staff for each CMH team will be required to ensure all players, coaching staff, officials, and volunteers (including third-party instructors and/or CMH Executive) have completed and passed their health screening before entering into the Arena.
o Anyone attending a CMH session and not able to complete a digital health screen (Officials, Third-party Instructors, CMH Executive), will be required to complete a paper health screen form AND/OR complete a verbal health screen by the Coaching staff responsible for the session – this must be documented on the team’s attendance record. If a paper copy is completed, please submit with attendance form. All paper health screen forms completed will be filed with the attendance record by the CMH Secretary.
· Families and fans will be required to passively screen themselves for COVID19 symptoms via signage displayed by Clearview Township, before entering into the building. If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, DO NOT enter into the arena.
o Required to sign-in at the Clearview Township table. You are required to self-screen based on signage posted and provide your name/contact information BEFORE continuing into the Arena.
(*SportsHeadz program will be used for player/coaching staff health screening for all CMH authorized sessions, including away games. This system will be accessible to all rostered players and coaching staff from the Clearview Minor Hockey website and/or application for your mobile device. CMH Sectretary will work with the Registrar to upload approved rosters through SportsHeadz control panel to filter out teams to the correct coaching staff. To our knowledge this system will log screens by all participants on the SportsHeadz control panel, should health screens be requested by the SMDHU for COVID19 investigation requirements)
· Attendance Record
o A record of every participant – players and coaching staff, including; officials, third-party instructors and CMH Executive; attending any CMH ice session and/or in-person event is required.
§ Attendance record must include: session date/time and Arena location, along with participant name, a phone number and/or email, and indicate if a health screen was passed or failed.
§ Attendance records will be maintained by the team Trainer and submitted weekly into the “Completed Attendance Forms” slot located in the CMH closet at the Stayner Arena.
§ The CMH Secretary will be responsible for the collection and storage of these attendance records for the 2021/2022 season. On a weekly basis, the CMH Secretary, will collect the weekly attendance records and keep in a binder located in the CMH closet at the Stayner Arena. Upon request, this information may be shared with the Township of Clearview and/or SMDHU, in the event there is a need for contact tracing due to a COVID-19 exposure.
(*SportsHeadz program will be used for player/coaching staff health screening for all CMH authorized sessions, including away games. This system will be accessible to all rostered players and coaching staff from the Clearview Minor Hockey website and/or application for your mobile device. CMH Sectretary will work with the Registrar to upload approved rosters through SportsHeadz control panel to filter out teams to the correct coaching staff. To our knowledge this system will log screens by all participants on the SportsHeadz control panel, should health screens be requested by the SMDHU for COVID19 investigation requirements)
· Water bottle filling station will be available, however we strongly recommended that players/coaching staff bring their own water/drinks.
o NO sharing of Water Bottles or other types of Equipment that is physically touched by any player.
· Surfaces and high touch points will be cleaned and disinfected by staff as frequently as is necessary to maintain sanitary conditions.
o Clearview Township staff has had appropriate training for disinfection and personal protective equipment to help keep our CMH members safe!
· Directional markings may be used throughout both Stayner and Creemore Arenas for the flow of spectators and participants – please follow these to ensure safety of everyone within these facilities.
Change Rooms
· Will be available for CMH teams during practices, as well for teams and visitors during game play.
o Entrance into change rooms will be limited to 15 minutes before scheduled ice session/game
· Teams will have 15 minutes post- practice/game to exit change rooms and follow directional markers out of the Arena. Please leave the Arena without gathering or stopping to interact with the incoming players/coaching staff.
· Physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet) must be respected while in the change room.
· Players are expected to arrive FULLY DRESSED and ready to put on skates, gloves, helmet, mouth guards in change rooms. Please arrive wearing as much equipment as possible (use of skate guards is strongly encouraged).
o Goalies are expected to arrive with as much gear on as possible. Skates, pads, uppers helmet, and glove/blocker can all be safely put on at the arena.
o Designated chairs (safely distanced) will be available in the main lobby for players who need assistance with finishing dressing and/or tying skates due to limited capacities within the change rooms we ask that Parents/Guardians DO NOT ENTER.
· Set capacity limits will be posted on every change room door.
o CMH Executive expects all players and coaching staff to respect these limits. Failure to do so may result in suspension from further CMH activities.
o Coaching staff is reminded of OMHA’s two-deep rule which needs to be taken into account for each change room’s capacity limit.
o If a change room does not have a posted capacity limit, follow up with Clearview Township Staff to ensure room is able to be used and what the limit requirements are for that room.
· Physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet) must be respected while in the change room.
· Washrooms and showers will be available, if needed. Please encourage your player(s) to go before attending the arena.
Practices
· Each team will be provided with the appropriate number of change rooms to adhere to capacity limits
o Entrance to change room will be limited to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled ice session
§ Players are required to arrive dressed (skates/helmets/gloves can be put on in the dressing room); Goalies are expected to arrive ready to put on skates, pads, uppers, helmet and glove/blocker.
o Exiting change rooms will be required 15 minutes post-practice
§ Leave as you arrived – dressed in your gear.
§ Follow the set directional markers out of the Arena
§ Please leave the Arena without gathering or stopping to interact with the incoming players/coaching staff.
· Pre- / Post- practice gathering is strongly discouraged for players/coaching staff
· Benches will be OPEN during practices but minimum use is encouraged. Trainer and/or Manager must wear masks during practice sessions if in the arena but not actively participating with on-ice activities.
· Any CMH equipment used by players/coaching staff during the Session must be disinfected in between Sessions (i.e. pucks, mini-boards, etc.)
**Goalie equipment for U11 and below; organization to consider purchasing goalie equipment for these divisions/leagues (1 set each). If used by more than one player, equipment must be cleaned with Lysol Max spray before returning to storage post play if equipment is shared. Risk of contamination is low – players using this equipment are to wear long sleeves and pants under equipment and hand sanitize before putting on equipment. If assistance is required with putting on gear, person will hand sanitize before helping player. Player to hand sanitize after removing all equipment.
Game Day
· Each team will be provided with the appropriate number of change rooms to adhere to capacity limits
o Entrance to change room will be limited to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled ice session
§ Players are required to arrive dressed (skates/helmets/gloves can be put on in the dressing room); Goalies are expected to arrive ready to put on skates, pads, uppers, helmet and glove/blocker.
o Exiting change rooms will be required 15 minutes post-game
§ Leave as you arrived – dressed in your gear.
§ Follow the set directional markers out of the Arena
§ Please leave the Arena without gathering or stopping to interact with the incoming players/coaching staff.
· Dry land warm-ups are NOT permitted inside the facility
o If players/coaching staff are wanting to warm-up, this will need to be done safely outside the building. Remember to allow time for players to dress prior to entering into the Arena.
· Pre- / Post- game gathering is strongly discouraged for players/coaching staff; change room capacities MUST be adhered
· Any equipment used by players/coaching staff during the Session must be disinfected in between Sessions (i.e. pylons, pucks, mini-boards, foam boards).
· Traditional pre-game and/or post-game handshakes will be eliminated for the 2020/2021 hockey season.
· Coaching staff participating on the bench during game play are strongly encouraged to wear medical masks during game play. ALL trainers are required to wear a medical mask during game play given the possibility for on-going direct one-to-one care.
· Coaching staff will be required to share the CMH Safety Plan with visiting teams to ensure our protocols are respected within both the Stayner and Creemore Arenas.
o Should there be any concerns with adhering to our CMH Safety plan by another organization the appropriate Representative (Rob King) or Local League Convenor (Pete Polasek) should be notified
o Away games - visiting teams are to share their organizational plans with CMH Coaching Staff and team as away games develop throughout the 2021/2022 Season
o Expectation for CMH players/coaches to respect other Minor Hockey Organization’s safety plan while representing CMH in other facilities
Scoring and Timekeeper
- Game play requires the use of the time clock for timing the game, as well use of the buzzer for U9 and below (2 minute warnings).
- Although physical distancing is unable to be maintained while in the time box; if comfortable up to two individuals (team Manager and team volunteer) will be permitted in the time box during game play only. A face covering/mask is mandatory while in the time box and/or arena.
- iPads will be preloaded with the GameSheet Inc. application and will be for official score keeping. All games will be uploaded and accessible when needed. No paper game sheets will be used for the 2021/2022 season.
- To ensure safety; hand sanitizer and disinfection wipes will be made available to wipe down the time box upon entry and exit. iPads must be wiped with disinfection wipes after every use and placed in the storage area within both the Stayner and Creemore arenas.
- The time box should not be used outside of game play.
Officials
- Will be required to abide by the same process as players/coaching staff;
o Entry will be granted a minimum of 15 minutes prior to game time
§ Arrive pre-dressed with ability to put on skates/helmet in designated official room
§ Hand Sanitizing is mandatory upon arrival and exit of the building
· it is suggested that officials carry a small bottle of sanitizer with them on the ice (or have in the penalty box) to sanitize hands while on the ice
o Face covering/Mask must be worn upon entry/exit into the facility, and must remain on while in the facility except when on the ice.
§ It is at the discretion of the referee if they want to wear a mask while on the ice.
o If requiring water during a game, bring your own pre-filled bottle. This can be placed in the penalty box for access during the game
o Post-game you will have 15 minutes to exit the room, we recommend you leave as you arrived
§ Washrooms and showers will be open as needed.
- Physical distancing is strongly encourage to the to the best of their ability
o Referees can verbally greet coaches as they generally do, but will not be shaking hands during this season.
o When reporting penalties, Referees will not provide communication through the plexi-glass but from a distance. Laminated referee signal guide will be placed in the time box for the scorekeeper to reference.
- Equipment, such as jersey and pants should be washed after each day of assignments – it is important that referees ensure their equipment be kept clean! Do not share any equipment.
- If a Referee develops COVID-19 symptoms, or is feeling ill, they are directed to stay home and advise CMH Referee-in-chief (Gavin Stewart).
Spectators / Canucks Fans!
· Concessions may be open and operating as per Ministry of Health guidelines. Food and/or drinks will be permitted in designated areas. When NOT eating or drinking a face covering/mask must be worn.
· Public washrooms will be available but limited to a capacity of 2 patrons at any given time
· Spectators will be asked to view the rink from the designated areas
· Spectators are requested to not gather or interfere with the traffic flow of participants entering/exiting the Arena.
o Pre/post game gathering is discouraged within the Arena, as well as in the parking lot
· Capacity limits have been set for the stands and lobby at both Stayner and Creemore Arenas.
o These limits will be monitored by Clearview Township staff – if violations of these limits begin to happen, Clearview Township has advised CMH they will invoke a 1 spectator per participant rule – so please be aware of the capacity limits set out in both Arenas for the lobby and stands.
Parking Lot
· We strongly encourage our families and fans to maintain distancing outside our facilities and not gather in large groups both pre- and post- practices and games.
· Carpooling to/from ice sessions should be minimized, however if required for player participation then it is recommended that masks be worn in the vehicle.
Wellness and COVID19 Section
CMH Trainers
· Trainers will be provided First Aid Kits with basic supplies from the CMH Head Trainer (Amber Fisher).
· Hand sanitizer, disinfection wipes, medical masks and gloves should be added to all first aid kits, along with extras for away games. It will be the responsibility of the trainer to obtain extra supplies as needed from the CMH Head Trainer as needed.
· First Aid Kits should be wiped down with a disinfection wipe after every practice/game, regardless if opened/used.
COVID19 Vaccinations
· As per the OMHA – Vaccination Policy for the 2021/2022 Season (2021-09-09) it is MANDATORY that ALL eligible players, coaching staff, officials and volunteers (including CMH Executive and third-party instructors) be fully vaccinated for COVID19 for the 2021/2022 hockey season by October 31, 2021 or earlier
· Fully vaccinated means fourteen (14) days after an individual has received a completed series of an accepted COVID-19 Vaccine.
· Eligible player refers to any player born in 2009 or earlier; coaching staff (head coach, assistant coach, trainer, and manager), officials and all volunteers (team volunteers, time keepers, score keepers, CMH Executive, development and/or third party instructors).
o This policy does not apply to hockey players born in 2010 or later and/or spectators.
o **Eligible Spectators may be required to show proof of COVID19 vaccination prior to entry into the Arena to the Clearview Township Staff as per local regulations.
· Eligible players will be required to provide proof they have received the completed series of the COVID19 vaccination BEFORE October 31, 2021
o Acceptable documents serving as evidence of COVID19 vaccination as per OMHA include (proof of vaccination):
§ Digital or physical dose administration receipt
§ Medical records signed by a licensed health care provider indicating vaccine name and date(s) of administration
§ Government verification (i.e. government issued vaccine passport or card)
Proof of vaccination (as per above) must be provided as outlined below, BEFORE October 31/2021:
o Players/coaching staff/team volunteers can show provide proof of vaccination to Team Trainers
o Game Officials can show proof of vaccination to the CMH Referee in Chief
o Third Party Instructors can show proof of vaccination to the CMH Player Development Coordinator
o CMH Executive members can show proof of vaccination to the CMH Secretary
NOTE: .**NO PAPER COPIES of anyone’s vaccination ARE REQUIRED to be submitted.
Proof of vaccination only needs to be shown to the designated CMH Staff/Executive listed above and they will record confirmation of this action on an CMH Proof of Vaccination form indicating the eligible player group (i.e. team, officials, third-party instructors, etc.) the participant full and last name, contact number OR email and indicate yes if the designated CMH Staff/Executive was shown proof of the individuals vaccination, initial beside this section.
Once completed, the above designated CMH Staff/Executive will sign their sheet and place the recorded proof of vaccination record for their area in the “CMH Secretary” slot located in the CMH closet at the Stayner Arena. The CMH Secretary will be responsible for the collection and storage of these proofs of vaccination records for the 2021/2022 season. Records will be housed in a designated binder within the CMH closet at the Stayner Arena until the end of the 2021/2022 season, at which time they will be destroyed. Upon request, these proofs of vaccination may be shared with the Township of Clearview and/or SMDHU, in the event there is a need for contact tracing due to a COVID-19 exposure and/or situation.
Vaccination Accommodation
- Refer to Section 7 of the OMHA Vaccination Policy for process if you are unable or unwilling to be vaccinated for the COVID19 vaccine.
Unvaccinated Persons
- On November 1, 2021 any eligible player within CMH not fully vaccinated or has not been granted an accommodation in accordance to Section, will no longer be eligible to participate in any CMH activities, until such time as they have presented satisfactory evidence that they have been fully vaccinated or have been granted an accommodation through OMHA.
NOTE: Provincial government and local health unit regulations supersede the OMHA’s guidelines for vaccination deadlines, should they be different.
Feeling Unwell or Symptoms of COVID19
ANY participant who is not feeling well, exhibiting symptoms of COVID 19 (SMDHU health screen poster for a list of symptoms) or has been exposed and/or potentially exposed to COVID 19 will NOT be allowed to participate in any CMH activity. In such instances, the player and/or guardian must communicate this information to their team coaching staff.
If a player or coaching staff becomes ill while participating in a CMH ice session or event, they will:
- Be immediately separated from others, in a separate room if possible, until they can go home
o Team coaching staff will contact the parent/legal guardian to arrange for transportation home (no public transportation will be used and/or carpooling)
- Be provided a medical mask to place over their nose/mouth
- Continue to be supervised according to the local hockey associations usual policy
- Be required to maintain physical distancing
- Recommend follow up with a healthcare provider
- Testing for Covid19 may be recommended
The team trainer will need to complete a Hockey Canada Injury Report and record their Injury Log if a player/coaching staff are being sent home from a CMH activity. See OMHA Return to Play Guidelines for next steps.
The following processes have been identified for incident reporting in the case that a participant has tested positive for COVID-19.
· All provincial testing results are automatically reported to the local Public Health Unit and positive cases are followed up by the local health unit to facilitate contact tracing. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit will follow their contact tracing process to inform teammates and coaches of any potential risk. CMH will assist, if requested, to provide copies of attendance records in order to complete the contact tracing requirements. OMHA recommend that the participant or the participant’s guardian informs their coaches and teammates; however, they are not required to do so.
· Participant Tests Positive and is Willing to Disclose Information:
o If the participant chooses to advise their coach, the coach should ask the participant to contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and provide SMDHU permission to discuss the matter with the coach. If the participant agrees to do that, the coach can then seek guidance directly from SMDHU on next steps.
· Participant Tests Positive and is Unwilling to Disclose Information:
o If the coach becomes aware of a positive test among their players, but does not know the identity of the player, or if the player does not give the coach permission to discuss the matter with SMDHU, the coach can still contact SMDHU to try to obtain general advice. The coach should also discuss the matter with their team Trainer or CMH Head Trainer (not revealing the participant’s name if they are aware of who has tested positive) to decide on a course of action with regard to future team activities.
Miscellaneous
This Safety Plan may be suspended at any time based on direction from governing bodies or the CMH Executive due to concerns over transmission exposure to COVID 19. Any suggestions, concerns or questions regarding the implementation of the Safety Plan can be directed to the CMH President and/or any CMH Executive Member.
The CMH Secretary will be responsible for the development, implementation and storage of all record keeping and reporting requirements regarding health screens and session attendance logs. They will work directly with the Head Coach and Head Trainer to ensure compliance of the requirements is maintained by the Coaching staff throughout the 2020/2021 season.
Disclaimer: The information in this document is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Clearview Minor Hockey and its Members make no representation and assume no responsibility in respect of their information concerning COVID-19 as the circumstances are constantly changing, and any information on COVID-19 should be obtained from your local Public Health Unit and/or Healthcare Practitioner.
RESOURCES
Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA):
Return to Hockey Framework (2021-08-27)
OMHA – An Introduction to the 2021/2022 Season Structure (2021-08-11)
Hockey Canada:
Safety Guidelines Version 2 (2021-08-01)
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU):
Letter of instructions to persons responsible for a business or organziation in the municipalities of Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka (2021-09-01)
Covid19 Public Health Guidance: Document for Indoor and Outdoor Recreational Amenities – Step 3 (2021-09-01)
Covid19 Public Health Guidance: Workplace Safety Plan and Screening (2021-09-01)
