tothe

RETURNIN

G RINK

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May 2020 | revised October 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNITED STATES ICE RINK ASSOCIATION ...........................................................3Preparing Your Ice Rink To Re-Open ................................................................................3

1. ReviewYourStateandLocalGovernment’sCurrentBusinessRe-OpeningGuidelinesforIndoorRecreationFacilities...........................................3

2. AdheretoLocalDepartmentofHealthGuidelinesConcerningFoodService....33. Personnel...........................................................................................................................34. CleaningandDisinfection...............................................................................................45. Operations..........................................................................................................................56. Communication.................................................................................................................87. ProgramsandActivities....................................................................................................8

U.S. FIGURE SKATING ........................................................................................10Guidelines For Returning To On-Ice Activities ...............................................................10

AssessYourSituation.............................................................................................................10Organize.................................................................................................................................. 11Staff........................................................................................................................................... 11CommunicateEarlyandOften............................................................................................ 11SocialDistancing.................................................................................................................... 11ProvideaCleanEnvironment..............................................................................................12Equipment................................................................................................................................12PlanAhead...............................................................................................................................12

Learn To Skate USA Programs ......................................................................................... 13ManageParticipants..............................................................................................................13ToolsoftheTrade...................................................................................................................13Pre-Planning.............................................................................................................................13PrepareforArrival..................................................................................................................13DuringClass............................................................................................................................14AfterClass................................................................................................................................14PlanAhead...............................................................................................................................14

USA HOCKEY........................................................................................................15USA Hockey Programming Considerations ...................................................................15Remote Athlete Engagement and Development ............................................................15

GeneralConsiderations........................................................................................................16Parents/Spectators.................................................................................................................17On-IcePractices.....................................................................................................................17AfterPractice...........................................................................................................................17ImportantProgrammingChangestoConsider................................................................18

DISCLAIMER .........................................................................................................19About Us ...........................................................................................................................19

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UNITED STATES ICE RINK ASSOCIATION

PREPARING YOUR ICE RINK TO RE-OPENThepurposeofthisdocumentistoprovideindooricerinkownersandoperatorsgeneralrecommendationsastheydevelopplanstore-opentheirbusinesstothepublic.Therecommendationsfollowingarenotintendedorimpliedtobemandatesorindustrystandards.ManyoftheserecommendationsarebaseduponcurrentguidelinessetforthbytheCenterforDiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC)andotherFederalgovernmentagenciesforindoorrecreationalfacilitiesandactivities.CDCguidelinesforoutdoorrecreationaredifferentthanindoorrecreationandarenotaddressedinthisdocument.TheknowledgesurroundingCOVID-19isconstantlychangingandcircumstancesaredifferentbasedongeographicregion.Therefore,theUnitedStatesIceRinkAssociationstronglyencouragesindooricerinkownersandoperatorsadheretotheirstateandlocalguidelineswhendeterminingtheirownre-openingpoliciesandprocedures.

QuestionsorconcernspleasecontacttheUnitedStatesIceRinkAssociationat(719)538-1149orinfo@usicerinks.com.

1. Review Your State and Local Government’s Current Business Re-Opening Guidelines for Indoor Recreation Facilities• Capacity

o Percentagecapacityornumberofpeopleallowedinthefacilityatonetimeo Percentagecapacityornumberofpeopleallowedperroomatonetime

• Masks/FacialCoveringso Employeeso Customers

• Designateastaffmembertomonitorstateandlocalgovernmentwebsitesforupdatesorchangestoguidelines

2. Adhere to Local Department of Health Guidelines Concerning Food Service

3. Personnel • Puttogetherare-hiringplanifyoufurloughedorlaid-offemployeesduetothepandemic• Updateyourcurrentsicktime/paidtimeoff(PTO)policies

o Requireemployeesshowinganysymptomsorsignsofsickness,orwhohasbeenincontactwithknownpositivecasestostayhome

o Implementemployeesymptomscreeningquestionsandworkplacetemperaturemonitoringo Sendemployeeshomethatareshowinganysymptomsorsignsofsicknessatwork

• UpdatePersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE)policiesandprocedureso Requirethatemployeeswearmasksanddisposableglovesatwork

• Developphysicaldistancingpoliciesandproceduresforstaffinteractionso Limitareasthatemployeescancongregateo Spaceworkshiftsandbreakstocontrolnumberofemployeesinfacility

• Developandimplementanemployeere-trainingprogramforallnewpoliciesandprocedures

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Additional Resources:U.S. DOL — Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave RequirementsU.S. DOL — Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave RightsU.S. DOL — Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights - PosterCDC — Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to COVID-19OSHA — Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19CDC — Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19CDC — Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation

4. Cleaning and Disinfection• Identifyhightrafficareasofthefacilitythatneedtobefrequentlycleanedanddisinfected

o Facilityentrancesandexits

o Lobby/Foyer/Concourse

o Publicrestrooms

o Skaterentalcounter

o Pro-shop/Retailstore

o Snackbar/Restaurant

o Spectatorareas/Bleachers

• Identifyhightouchequipmentandfixturesthatneedtobefrequentlycleanedanddisinfected

o Doorhandles,knobs,pushbars

o Lightswitches

o Stairhandrails

o Counters

o Sink

o Tablesandchairs

o Dasherboardcaprails,shielding,gates

• Updatecurrentcleaningstandardoperatingprocedures(SOP)

o Recommendations

» Dressingroomscleanedanddisinfectedaftereachuse

» Restroomscleanedanddisinfectedeveryhour

• Updateandimplementemployee(SOP)trainingplan

• PurchaseanduseappropriatecleaningequipmentandEPAregistered(ListN)disinfectantchemicalsforCOVID-19.Followthechemicalmanufacturers’productusedirections

• PurchaseandprovidePersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE)foryouremployeestouseforcleaningtasks

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Additional Resources:CDC — Cleaning And Disinfecting Your FacilityCDC — Re-Opening Guidance for Cleaning and DisinfectingEPA — Frequent Questions about Disinfectants and Coronavirus (COVID-19)OSHA-NIOSH — Protecting Workers Who Use Cleaning ChemicalsOSHA — Protect Yourself: Cleaning Chemicals and Your HealthOSHA — Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

5. Operations• Minimizeinteractionsbetweenemployeesandcustomers

o Registrationandpaymentsforprogramsandactivities» Maximizeuseofonlineoptions» Minimizein-persontransactions» Installclearplasticshieldsbetweenemployeesandcustomerswherepossible

• Ensurethatshieldsdonotviolatefirecodes— LobbyFrontDesk— PointofSale(POS)locations— SkateRentalcounter

o Implementstateandlocalgovernmentphysicaldistancingguidelineswithinthefacility» FacilityEntrance/Exit

• Clearlyidentifyentryandexitdoorswithsignage• Usebarrierstoseparateentryandexitdoors• Marksidewalkforstandinginlineoutsidethefacility• Postphysicaldistancingsignage

» FrontDeskandPointofSale(POS)locations• Markfloorforstandinginline• Usestanchionsasneededtomanageline• Postphysicaldistancingsignage

» SkateRentalCounter• Markfloorforstandinginline• Usestanchionsasneededtomanageline• Postphysicaldistancingsignage

» Lobby/Concourse• Reducenumberoftablesandchairs• Spaceoutasneeded• Postphysicaldistancingsignage

» PublicRestrooms• Closeofftoiletpartitions,urinalsandsinksasneeded

• Posthandwashingsignage

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» ParticipantDressingAreas(e.g.lockerrooms)

• Usemultipleroomsforteamactivitieswherepossible

• Considersettingtimelimitsfordressingroomuse

• Markavailableseatingspaces

• Postphysicaldistancingsignage

» AlternativeParticipantDressingAreas(e.g.facilityopenspacesaround)

• Considerusingpipeanddrapetocreatespaces,soparticipantscannotbeseendressingandundressing

• Considersettingtimelimitsforareause

• Markavailableseatingspaces

• Postphysicaldistancingsignage

» SpectatorSeatingAreas(e.g.bleachers)

• Considerlimitingnumberofspectatorsperparticipant

• Markavailableseatingspaces

• Closeoffareasasneeded

• Postphysicaldistancingsignage

» ParticipantSeatingAreas(e.g.playersbench)

• Markavailableseatingspaces

• Closeoffareasasneeded

• Postphysicaldistancingsignage

» Off-IceWaitingAreas(e.g.gatestogetonice)

• Clearlyidentifywaitingareaswithsignage

• Markfloorforstandinginline

• Minimizetouchpointsthroughoutthefacility

o Ensurethatno-touchfixturesinrestroomsareworkingproperly.

» Examples:

• Faucets

• SoapDispensers

• HandDryers

• PaperTowelDispensers

• ToiletandUrinalFlushValves

• MotionControlledLightSwitches

o Propopendoorswhereappropriate

o Considershuttingoffwaterfountains,vendingmachines,ATMandvideogames

o Considereliminatingthefollowing:

» LostandFound

» Holdingcustomersshoesinexchangeforrentalskates

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o Minimizeemployee’ssharedequipment

» Examples:

• Computers

• POStouchscreens

• Phones

• 2-wayradios

• Copymachines

• Smallofficeequipment(e.g.stapler)

• Facilityventilationandairfiltration

o Increaseventilationthroughoutthefacilityincludingindividualrooms

o ReplaceairfiltersinHVACsystemswithhighMERVratedfiltersifpossible,checkequipmentspecifications

o ConsideraddingUltravioletC(UV-C)lampsinHVACsystemductwork

o ConsiderinstallingUV-Cupperairfixturesinindividualrooms

o ConsiderusingportableHEPAfiltrationaircleanersinindividualrooms

o ConsiderusingportableUV-Cunitsinindividualrooms

Additional Resources:EPA–VentilationandCoronavirus(COVID-19)

ASHRAE–BuildingReadiness

ASHRAE–AirFiltration&Disinfection

• EncourageHygieneBestPractices

o Recommendthatcustomersshowinganysymptomsorsignsofsickness,orwhohavebeenincontactwithknownpositivecasestostayhome

o Recommendthatcustomerswearamaskandglovesatfacility

o Providehandsanitizingstationsatentranceandthroughoutthefacility

o Ensurerestroomshaveanadequatesupplyofhandsoapanddisposabletowels

o Ensurethatthefollowingpublicuseitemsaredisinfectedbeforeandaftereachuse

» Rentalskates

» Rentalhelmets

» Skateaids/Walkers

o Signagepostedthroughoutthefacility

» Examples:

• Donotenterthefacilityifyouarefeelingsick

• Customersmustwearamaskwhileinthefacility

• Physicaldistancingpolicy

• Howtoprotectyourselfandothers

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• Whattodoifyouaresick

• Handwashinghow-to

• Covercoughsandsneezes

• Don’ttouchyourface–eyes,nose,mouth

Additional Resources:CDC — COVID-19 Print Resources

6. Communication• Messagetopublic

o Facilitycleaninganddisinfectingplan

» Whatyou’redoing

» Howyou’redoingit

» Whyyou’redoingit

o Newfacilitypolicies

» Physicaldistancing

» Masksandgloves

» Pleasestayathomeifyouaresick

• Deliveryofmessage

o Signageinsidefacility

o Website,socialmediaande-blasts

o Phonesystem/voicemailgreetings

o Registrationconfirmationemails

7. Programs and Activities• IceHockey–PracticesandGames

o SeeUSAHockey’sprogrammingrecommendations

• FigureSkating–ClubSessions,Freestyle&Competitions

o SeeU.S.FigureSkating’sprogrammingrecommendations

• LessonPrograms–LearntoSkateandLearntoPlayHockey

o SeeU.S.FigureSkatingandUSAHockey’sprogrammingrecommendations

• PublicSkating

o Considerthefollowing:

» Offermultiplesessionsadaywithshorterdurationstomaximizeparticipation(e.g.three1-hoursessionsinsteadofone3-hoursession)

» Implementonlinereservation,paymentandwaiversystemstominimizelinesatpointofsalelocationsandcontrolsessioncapacity

» Set‘DoorsOpen’timeforparticipantstoenterthefacilitypriortosession

• Takeintoaccountthetimeneededtorentandputskateson

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» Setcustomerdeparturetimeframeafterthesessionends

• Takeintoaccountthetimeneededtoremoveandreturnrentalskates

» Enforcestateandlocalgovernmentrequirementsformasks/facialcoveringsonice

» Closeoffplayersbenchesandpenaltyboxareas

» Considerlimitingthenumberofspectators/non-skatersallowedinthefacilitytomaximizeparticipation

» Whethersessionsarelimitedbytimeorcapacity,implementaprocessforcontinuouscleaninganddisinfectingofhightrafficareasandhightouchequipmentandfixtures

» Cleananddisinfectrentalequipmentaftereachusebyeachindividual(e.g.skates,skateaids)

• Stick&PuckandDrop-InHockey

o Considerthefollowing:

» Offermultiplesessionsadayifpossible,withshorterdurationstomaximizeparticipation

» Implementonlinereservation,paymentandwaiversystemstominimizelinesatpointofsalelocationsandcontrolsessioncapacity

» Set‘DoorsOpen’timeforparticipantstoenterthefacilitypriortosession

• Takeintoaccountthetimetoputskateson

» Setcustomerdeparturetimeframeafterthesessionends

• Takeintoaccountthetimeneededtoremoveskates

» Considerclosingdressingroomsandencouragingplayerstoarrivedressedintheirequipment

» Markseatinginplayersbenchesareas

» Considerlimitingthenumberofspectators/non-skatersallowedinthefacilitytomaximizeparticipation

» Buildtimeintoyourschedulebetweensessionstocleananddisinfecthightrafficareasofthefacility

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U.S. FIGURE SKATING

Firstandforemost,facilitymanagementmustmakethehealthandsafetyofitsstaff,participantsandthegreatercommunityitsNo.1priority.

Whileweallwantourlivestoreturnto“beforeCOVID,”don’texpectthingstobe“businessasusual”intheimmediatefuture.Atthistime,it’sespeciallyimportanttohaveaplanthatdeliversonyourprogramgoalswhileaddressingthenewchallengesofourdailylives.

Becauseeachicerinkandassociatedbusinessisunique,thereisnoone-size-fits-allguide.However,U.S.FigureSkatingoffersthefollowingrecommendationsbasedontheCenterforDiseaseControlandPrevention’s(CDC)socialdistancingandsanitationpracticestohelpslowthespreadofthecoronavirusandensureyourparticipantsfeelsafeandcomfortableinyourrink.

Forthosewhoselocalhealthofficialshavedeemeditsafetoreturntotheice,U.S.FigureSkatingrecommendsmembersbecomefamiliarwithandabidebyyourlocalicesportsfacility’srequirementsandprocedures.

Afterconsultingmedicalprofessionals,athletes,numerousskatingexpertsandfacilitymanagers,U.S.FigureSkating’srecommendationsandguidelinesforfigureskatingduringtheCOVID-19pandemicarebeingpresentedinthreedocuments.

1. ReturningtotheRinks(thisguide)2. StandardsforDisciplinesandPrograms3. ConsiderationsforCompetitionsandEvents

Thesedocumentsmaybeupdatedasthesituationevolves.

Ifyouhavequestions,commentsorconcerns,pleasedonothesitatetocontactus.We’reheretohelp!

U.S. Figure Skating Learn to Skate USA

MemberServices@USFigureSkating.org MemberServices@LearnToSkateUSA.com

(719)635-5200 (877)587-1400

GUIDELINES FOR RETURNING TO ON-ICE ACTIVITIESAssess Your SituationSkatingclubsandicerinksacrossthenationareuniqueentitiesthatoperateundervariouslocalcontexts.Beforewelcomingbackskaters,reviewyourlocalgovernmentandhealthagency’sCOVID-19responsetodevelopandimplementappropriatepoliciesandproceduresforyoursituation.

Itistheresponsibilityofeachskatingdirector,coachandfacilitystaffmembertoenforcepoliciesandproceduresintendedtokeepallparticipantssafe.Byfollowingtheseguidelinesaswellasthoseoflocalgovernmentandhealthagencies,skatersandtheirfamilieswillbeabletomakeinformeddecisionsastowhentheycanreturntotheice.

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Organize• Inaccordancewithyourcity,countyorstate’sgatheringrestrictions,limitthenumberofskaters

allowedontheiceatasingletime.

• Implementwaystominimizecontactbetweenparticipantsandstaff.

• Purchaseadequatedisinfectantcleaningmaterials.

• Shortenprogramsandstaggericetimestocreateabufferbetweensessions.

• Establishamountoftime(“15minutes”)skatershavetopackupandexitthefacility.

• Onlinebookingsandpre-registrationarerecommended.

• Recommendthatonlyoneparent/guardianaccompanyyoungerchildrenifneeded.

Staff• Conductformaltrainingforallstaff,coaches,instructorsandvolunteersonnewproceduresand

protocols.

o Postachecklistforthemtofollow.

• Monitorstaffhealth.Employersmayask:

o AreyouexperiencinganyofthesymptomsofCOVID-19?

o HaveyouknowinglybeenexposedtoanyonewithsymptomsofCOVID-19inthepast14days?

o Haveyoutakenyourtemperature?Ifyes,whatisit?

o DonotpermitanystafftobeinthefacilityiftheyareexhibitingCOVID-19symptomsorhavebeenincontactwithapersonwithCOVID-19inthepast14days.

• Keepmeticulouslogsofusersbydate/timeincaseofneedforcontacttracing.

• Planforincreasedlevelsofstaffandvolunteerabsences.

Communicate Early and Often• Emailskatersandtheirfamilieswithyourfacility/club’snewpoliciesandprocedures,makingclear

yourexpectations.

• Considermakingavideotoreviewproceduresandpolicies.

• Coachesshouldprovidepreferredmethodofcommunicatingwithparents(email,text,lessonplannotes,etc.).

• AppointaCOVID-19pointpersontocommunicatewithrinkmanagementandmonitorlocal,stateandnationaldevelopments.

Social Distancing• EnforceCDC’ssocialdistancingof6feetapartandtheuseoffacecoveringstoslowthespreadof

thevirus.

o Postsignagereinforcingsocialdistancingandillnesspreventionmeasures.(TheCDChasfreepostersandhandoutsavailableatcdc.gov).

• Usetapetomarkreadinessareas6feetapartwhereskaterscanputon/takeoffskates.

o Areasmaybeinhallways,spectatorareas,etc.

o Leaveallpersonalequipmentinskatingbagorcar.

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• Dividecoachesandskatersinto“traininggroups,”ificetimecanaccommodate.

o Numberandassigneachcoachadesignatedareaalongtheboardswheretheymuststandtoteachprivatelessons.

o Coachesmustremainintheareaandmaynotskatealongsideanystudent.

o Limitcoach/skatercontact;coachesshouldnothelpstudentsupunlessthestudentisunabletogetup.Coachesshoulduseverbalcueswheninstructingstudentsratherthanphysicalcontact.

• Allwarm-upsshouldbedoneoutsideofthebuilding,weatherpermitting.

• Lockerroomsshouldbeclosed;skatersandcoachesshouldcomepreparedtotaketheice.

• Skatersshouldenter/exiticeatstaggeredtimesandthroughseparateentrances.

o Clearlylabelentry/exitandflowthroughthebuilding.

• Lessonplansshouldensureskatersare6feetfromeachother.

o Utilizemarkersandnewactivitiestoensurethisspacingismaintained.

• Provide6-footmarkersinspectatorareas.

• Donotallowanygatheringsinthelobbyorbathrooms.

Provide a Clean Environment• FollowallCentersforDiseaseControlandPreventionrecommendationsforsanitization.• Schedulebetween-sessioncleanings.

o Wipedowndasherboards,doorhandles,andotherfrequentlytouchedsurfaces.• Requireskaters(orparentofayoungerchild)towipedowntheirreadinessareabefore/afteruse.• Limitpersonalitemsonthedasherboards.

o Spreadoutpersonalitemsacrossthebench.o Donotsharewaterbottles,tissueboxes.

• Ensureadequatetrashcansfortissues.

Equipment• Sanitizeallrentalequipmentbetweenusage.

o Personalitems,suchasshoes,shouldnolongerbeleftascollateralheldforrentalequipment.o Helmetrentalsshouldbeceasedunlesspropersanitationcanbeensured.

• Createpoliciesplayingmusicandusingthemusicequipment.Keepsanitizingwipesnexttothemusicplayerandaffiliatedequipment.

• Usesanitizingwipesbefore/afterusingjumporpoleharnesses.

Plan Ahead• Developflexiblerefundpoliciesshouldstay-at-homeordersberestoredorifrinkisforcedtoclose.• Createanemergencyplanwithrinkmanagementforapossibleoutbreak.

o Haveacommunicationstrategytoalertallwhomayhavebeenexposed.o Identifyacontactpersontoreceivereportsfromskaters/families/staffofnewillness.o Designateonepersontospeakpubliclyfortheclub/programstomembers,media,health

officials,etc.

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LEARN TO SKATE USA PROGRAMSBeginningskatersgenerallyneedmoreperson-to-personcontactwithinstructors,fromhelpingthemgetuptoretyingtheirlaces.Forthisreason,thoseinvolvedintheLearntoSkateUSAprogramwillneedtobeextravigilantinfollowingfacilityandlocalauthorityguidelines.Beforereturningtotheice,writedownyourplanandcommunicateit.HerearesomeguidelinestoconsiderasyoureopenLearntoSkateUSAprograms.

Manage Participants• Limitgroupsizestoalignwiththephysicaldistancingrestrictionsputinplacebyyourlocalhealth

officialsandlocalfacility.

o Thismayaffecthowmanypeopleareallowedinthefacilityorontheiceatonetime.

o Re-evaluateclasssizesandinstructortostudentratios.

• Haveatrafficflowplanthatdirectsparticipantsthroughthefacilitywhilelimitingpossibilitiestocongregate.

• Requireparticipantscomedressedandpreparedtoentertheiceafterputtingonskates.

Tools of the Trade• Strivetohaveasingleemployeehandleandsanitizeallrentalequipmentbetweenusage.

o Skaterswhorequireahelmetshouldbringtheirown.

o Personalitems,suchasshoes,shouldnolongerbeheldascollateralforrentalequipment.

• Disposeofallplushandstuffedanimal-typetoys;replacewithhardplastictoysandsanitizebetweenuses.Considerusingmoreon-icedrawingsandtoys/gamesthatdonotrequiredirectcontactbytheskaters(e.g.,bubbles).

Pre-Planning• Timeblockandmapouthypotheticalsituationstoensureyou’veadequatelyplannedfor

proceduresrelatedtoarrival,pre-lessonpreparations,on-icelessons,post-lessonwrap-upanddeparture.

o Avoidoverlapsingroups.

o Allowtimetosanitizelobbyareas,bathrooms,topsofdasherboardsandrentalequipmentbetweensessions.

• Utilizeonlinepayment/registrationsystems.Takepaymentsoverthephone,ifnecessary.

• Expandtheregistrationprocesstoincluderentalskateinformation.

o Ifskatersneedrentalskates,havethemsetasideandreadyuponarrival.

Prepare for Arrival• Staggerarrivaltimesoruseseparateentrancesforarrivalandexit;usepop-upsecondarylobby

areas,ifpossible,toavoidcongestion

o Iflimitingentrances,makesureyouarefollowinglocalfiredepartmentregulations.

o Ifusingseparateentrancesandpop-uplobbyareas,besuretocreateclearsignagedirectingskaterstotheseareas.

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o Ifstaggeringclasses,postthestaggeredclassscheduleinmultipleareasandstrictlyadheretoit.

• Ifseatingisgenerallyveryclosetogether,usetapetomarkreadinesszonesforskatersbeforeclass.

• Haveinstructorsassistwiththearrivalprocedures.

During Class• Haveskatersentertheiceatstaggeredtimesorseparateentrances.

• Haveinstructorsadjustlessonplanstokeepskaters6feetawayfromeachother.

o Utilizemarkersandnewactivitiestomaintainspacing.

• Provide6-footmarkersorindicatorsinspectatorareastoensureparents/spectatorsstay6sixfeetapartwhileobservingtheclass.

• Haveskatersexittheiceatstaggeredtimesoruseseparateentrances.

After Class• Establishtheamountoftime(“15minutes”)thatskatershavetopackupandexitthefacility.

o Communicateverballyandwithsignage.

o Consistentlyenforcetimelimit.

o Facilitiesshouldnotallowgroupsofskatersorfamilymemberstolingerinthelobby.

Plan Ahead• Developflexiblerefundpoliciesshouldstay-at-homeordersberestoredorifyourrinkmustclose.

• Withmanyschoolstransitioningtoremotelearning,therearemanyopportunitiesformoredaytimeprogramming.

• Createanemergencyplanforapossibleoutbreakwithrinkmanagement.

o Haveacommunicationstrategytoalertallwhomayhavebeenexposed.

o Designateonepersontospeakpubliclyfortheclub/programs(tomembers,media,healthofficials,etc.).

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USA HOCKEY

USA HOCKEY PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONSAswetogetherworkourwaythroughtheCOVID-19pandemic,USAHockeywillcontinuetoprovideupdatestoourassociationsandAffiliates.Theseconsiderationsfocusoninitiallyreturningtotherinkforpractices/tryoutsonly.Aphasedapproachtohockeyprogrammingwouldinitiallyfocusonpractices(whichlimitsthenumberofpeopleintherink).Local rinks and programs need to follow the guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well state and local government officials in determining when, and how, it is appropriate to return to the rinks, including requirements or guidelines for physical distancing, size of gatherings or number of people permitted in a facility, or wearing of masks, etc. The information in this document is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The knowledge and circumstances around COVID-19 are changing constantly and, as such, USA Hockey makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of this information.

Asyouplanforareturntotheice,belowaresomeideastoconsidertoassistwithdevelopingareturntotrainingprogramsincontextofCOVID-19.PleaseknowthesearenotrequirementsorrecommendationsfromUSAHockey,butratherideastoconsiderwhenevaluatingyourprogramming.Asconditionsandrequirementsvarythroughoutregionsacrossthecountry,ourbestadvice—asmentionedabove—istofollowstateandlocalgovernmentguidelinesandrecommendationsfromtheCDC.UntilCOVID-19iseithereradicated,avaccineisdeveloped,oracureisfound,thereisnowayofcompletelyeliminatingtheriskofinfection.

We’rethankfultoallinvolvedonthefrontlinesinhelpingusthroughthispandemic.RememberthatwecancontributetohelpingeliminateCOVID-19bydoingthesethreethings:

1. PhysicalDistance

2. WashHands

3. CleanSurfaces

PleasecontactUSAHockeyProgramServicesat(719)538-1119orprogram.services@usahockey.orgwithanyquestionsorconcerns.

REMOTE ATHLETE ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENTWhetheryou’vebeenbackattherinkforanextendedtime,orhittheiceafewweeksago,leveragingallopportunitiestoconnectwithplayersisimportant.Withtimetogetherbeinglimited,findwaystostillengagewithyourteamawayfromtherink.Besuretoofferdrylandtrainingandfurtherinstructiontohelpwithplayers’development.

PlatformslikeZoomorBlueJeansprovideaneffectivetooltomeetwithyourentireteamremotely.BelowaresomevaluableUSAHockeyresourcestoutilizewithyourathletes.

• USAHockeyDrylandTrainingPlans

• DrylandStickhandling

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General Considerations• Workwithyourrinktonotifyparticipants,priortoanyin-personprogramming,aboutthecleaning

processbeingimplementedattherinkandadditionallybycoachesandadministrators.

• Hostanonlinemeetingwiththefamiliestorunthroughplansandallowthemtoaskquestionsasitrelatesto:

o Whattheycanexpect.

o Planningforthefirstsession.

o Precautionsbeingtakentokeeptherinkcleanandsafe.

o Scheduleadditionalonlinemeetingsthroughouttheseasontokeepfamiliesup-to-dateonthelatestdevelopments.

• Sharewhatyourfacility’sprotocolforpacing/limitingtheamountofpatronsenteringatonetime.

• Communicateandfollowtheguidelinesfortheamountofpeoplethatareallowedtobeinthebuildingandontheice.

• Participantswithriskfactorsorillnessesshouldnotattendin-persontrainingandicesessions.

• Participantswithsymptomsorsignsofillnessarestrictlyadvisednottoenterthepremisesandtoseekmedicalassistance.

• Acoachshouldbepreparedtorequirethataplayerexhibitingsignsorsymptomsofillnesswillneedtoleavepractice(thisappliesinthesamewayasasuspectedconcussion).

• Programsorcoachescansendashortone-pageflyerbasedoffCDCmedicalrecommendationsaboutexpectations,self-monitoringforsymptomsofillness,theplayersshouldstayhomeiftheyhaveanysymptomsandthatcoacheswillremoveplayersiftheyexhibitanysymptoms.

• Playersneedtobringandlabeltheirownwaterbottles,nosharingofwater.

• Player’stowelsareforpersonaluseonly.

• Encourageorrequirepatronstoregisterandpayonlinepriortoarriving.

• Lookatmakingyourpayment/refundpoliciesmoreflexiblesothatfamiliesdonotfeelaspressuredtomakeanicesession.

• Promoteamoreflexiblepolicyaroundsupporting,andnotpunishing,aplayeriftheydecidenotattendtrainingsessions.

• Playerscancomedressedinfullequipment.

o Workwithyourrinktohaveacommonareawithmarkedphysicaldistancedseatingcommonareatoputonskatesorremoveskateguards.

o Limitlockerroomuseasmuchaspossible.

» Whenlocalhealthprotocolallowsuseoflockerrooms,worktohaveplayersappropriatelyphysicallydistanced(usingmultiplelockerroomscouldhelp).

» Foragegroupswhereparentsneedtoassistplayerswithequipment,limitthenumberofparentsinthelockerroomatanyonetime.

• Iftherearemultipleentrancestotheicesurface,splitthekidsupintogroupsandhavethemspaceappropriatelytomeetphysicaldistancingstandardsateachentrance.

o Workwithyourrinktoopenupmultipleentrancestotheicesurface.

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• Participantsneedtowashhandsfrequently,foratleast20secondswithsoapandwaterorusehandsanitizerwithatleast60%alcohol.

• Remindparticipantstonottouchtheirfaceandsneezeintoatissueorthebendoftheirelbow.

• Playersneedtobepreparedtodisinfectfitnessequipmentimmediatelyafteruse.

• Withalloftheseideas,makesureyoulayoutandcommunicateasetplanforbothfamilies/playersandcoaches.

• Promotethewearingofmaskswhereitisrequiredbystateorlocalgovernment.

Parents/Spectators• Familiesshouldbeaskedtominimizethenumberofparents/spectatorsthatcomewiththeplayerin

ordertolimitthenumberofpeopleinthefacility.Workwithyourrinkpartnertodeterminewhatisbestforyourfacility.

• Communicatewithfamiliestomakesurethey’reawareofthefacility’sspectatorrulesaroundphysicaldistancing.

On-Ice Practices• Notifyandreinforcethemessagethatplayersandcoachesneedtoobservephysicaldistancing

recommendationswhileontheice.

• Avoidutilizingbenchesordependingonlocalgovernmentregulations,workwithyourfacilitytodetermineappropriateprotocol.

• Avoiddrillsthatrequireplayerstostandinline.

• Whendesigningpractice,utilizestationbasedpracticesandhaveplayers/coachesspreadouttomaintainneededphysicaldistancing.

• Minimizechalktalksessionswhereplayerscouldcongregate.

• Utilizenon-contactdrills.

• Whenlettingplayersgetadrinkofwater,breaktheplayersupintosmallergroupsandstaggertheirwaterbreakstominimizegroupsize.

• Coachesneedtobecognizanttoavoidtalkingwithincloseproximityofplayers’faces.

• Coachesshouldconsiderutilizinganelectronicwhistle.

• Whenleavingtheice,coachescouldexcuseplayersone-by-onegivingappropriatetimeforeachplayertogetofftheice.Coachesneedtoplantoleaveanappropriateamountoftimeattheendoftheiricesessiontocompletethedismissalprocess.

After Practice• Encourageparticipantstominimizetheirtimeinoraroundthefacility.

• Havethemputontheirshoesorskateguardssothattheycanleavequicklyinthesamemarkedcommonspace.

• Remindplayersandparentsaretofollowphysicaldistancingguidelineswhenleavingthefacility.

• Playersshoulddisinfecthelmets,sticksandskatesaftereachtrainingsession.

• Washcloths(jerseys,pantshells,socksandgloves)withhightemperatureaftereachtrainingsession.

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Important Programming Changes to Consider• Fornow,eliminatehandshakesandhugsaftergoalcelebrations;insteadconsiderfistbumping.

o Afteragame,insteadofhandshakesorfistbumps,haveplayersdoasticksalutetoeachotheronoppositebluelines.

• Createanemergencyplanforapossibleoutbreak.

o Developanattendancelogforcontacttracing.

o Haveacommunicationstrategytoalertallwhomayhavebeenexposed.

o Communicatewithyourrinkpartnerontheir“deep-clean”sanitationstrategy.

o Designateonepersontospeakpubliclyfortheassociation(tomembers,media,healthofficials,etc.).

• Considerscreeningquestionsandtemperaturechecksformembersattendingon-icesessionsifyourfacilityisnotalreadydoingso.

o Withpermissionfromtherinkowner/operator,setupastationattherinkentrancetoaskquestionsbeloworhasatemperatureabove100.4Fahrenheit,theyshouldnotbeallowedtoparticipate.

» Haveyouoranyoneinyourhouseholdhadasorethroat,cough,chills,bodyaches,shortnessofbreath,lossofsmell,lossoftaste,feveratorgreaterthan100degreesFahrenheitinthelast21days?

» TothebestofyourknowledgehaveyoubeenincloseproximitytoanyindividualwhotestedpositiveforCOVID-19?

o Anyindividualanswering“yes”orhavingatemperatureabove100.4shouldfollowtheirphysician’srecommendationsforwhenitissafetoreturntoactivity.

• Mostimportantly,workwithyourrinkpartnertomakethisasafebutalsoafunenvironmentfortheparticipants,while still abiding by SafeSport guidelines.Thesearestressfultimesandwewanttomakesurethathockeyisapositiveplaceforbothphysicalandmentalhealth.

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DISCLAIMER

The following considerations are provided for general informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be relied upon as, specific medical or legal advice. You are strongly encouraged to consult with qualified medical personal/public health officials for medical considerations and to local, state and federal orders and or laws for legal considerations. If you use any considerations provided for herein, you do so at your own risk and you specifically release from any and all liability United States Ice Rink Association, U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and their directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents in connection with your use of the enclosed considerations.

ABOUT USThe United States Ice Rink Association isanon-profitnationalmembershipassociationforindividuals,facilitiesandvendorsintheicerinkandarenaindustry.Theorganizationwasformedin2000throughajointventurebetweenU.S.FigureSkatingandUSAHockeywiththeintentofservicingtheneedsofice-skatingfacilitiesandtheiremployeesintheUnitedStates.

U.S. Figure SkatingisthenationalgoverningbodyforthesportoffigureskatingintheUnitedStatesasrecognizedbytheUnitedStatesOlympicandParalympicCommitteeandtheInternationalSkatingUnion.U.S.FigureSkatingiscomprisedofmorethan830memberclubs,collegiateclubs,school-affiliatedclubsandmorethan1,000registeredLearntoSkateUSAprogramsrepresentingmorethan185,000members.U.S.FigureSkatingischargedwiththedevelopmentofthesportonalllevelswithintheUnitedStatesincludingathletes,officials,sanctioningofeventsandexhibitions,andestablishingtherulesandguidelinesbywhichthesportisgoverned.

Learn To Skate USA, poweredbyToyota,istheonlyskatingprogramintheworldendorsedbyU.S.FigureSkating,USAHockeyandUSSpeedskating,withsupportfromSpecialOlympics,theProfessionalSkatersAssociationandtheU.S.IceRinkAssociation.LearntoSkateUSA’smissionistoinstillalifelongloveofskatingwithapositiveandfunexperience.Classesaretaughtthroughanupdatedcurriculumbycertified,passionateinstructorswhobuildsolidskillprogressiontogrowself-esteeminbothkidsandadultswhileprovidingthemtheresourcestoreachtheirhopesanddreams.

USA Hockey, Inc.isrecognizedastheNationalGoverningBodyforthesportoficehockeyintheUnitedStates.Ourmissionistopromoteasafeandfunlearningexperiencesupportingthegrowthofthesportandallitsparticipantsandenthusiastsbyencouraging,educating,developing,andadministeringallaspectsofthesport.

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