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May 4, 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTSUNITED STATES ICE RINK ASSOCIATION ...........................................................3

Preparing Your Ice Rink To Re-Open ................................................................................31. ReviewYourStateandLocalGovernment’sCurrentBusiness

Re-OpeningGuidelines...................................................................................................32. AdheretoLocalDepartmentofHealthGuidelinesConcerningFoodService....33. Personnel...........................................................................................................................34. Cleaning.............................................................................................................................45. Operations..........................................................................................................................46. Communication.................................................................................................................7

U.S. FIGURE SKATING ..........................................................................................8Guidelines For Returning To On-Ice Activities .................................................................8

AssessYourSituation...............................................................................................................8Organize....................................................................................................................................8Staff.............................................................................................................................................9CommunicateEarlyandOften..............................................................................................9SocialDistancing......................................................................................................................9ProvideaCleanEnvironment..............................................................................................10Equipment................................................................................................................................10PlanAhead...............................................................................................................................10

Learn To Skate USA Programs .........................................................................................10ManageParticipants.............................................................................................................. 11ToolsoftheTrade................................................................................................................... 11Pre-Planning............................................................................................................................. 11PrepareforArrival.................................................................................................................. 11DuringClass............................................................................................................................12AfterClass................................................................................................................................12PlanAhead...............................................................................................................................12

USA HOCKEY........................................................................................................13USA Hockey Programming Considerations ................................................................... 13Remote Athlete Engagement and Development ............................................................ 13

GeneralConsiderations........................................................................................................14Parents/Spectators.................................................................................................................15On-IcePractices.....................................................................................................................15AfterPractice...........................................................................................................................15ImportantProgrammingChangestoConsider................................................................15

DISCLAIMER ........................................................................................................17About Us ........................................................................................................................... 17

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UNITED STATES ICE RINK ASSOCIATION

PREPARING YOUR ICE RINK TO RE-OPENThepurposeofthisdocumentistoprovideicerinkownersandoperatorsgeneralguidanceandrecommendationsastheydevelopplanstore-opentheirbusinesstothepublic.Therecommendationsfollowingarenotintendedorimpliedtobemandatesorindustrystandards.ManyoftheserecommendationsarebaseduponcurrentguidelinessetforthbytheCenterforDiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC)andotherFederalgovernmentagencies.TheknowledgesurroundingCOVID-19isconstantlychangingandcircumstancesaredifferentbasedongeographicregion.Therefore,theUnitedStatesIceRinkAssociationstronglyencouragesicerinkownersandoperatorstoadheretotheirstateandlocalguidelineswhendeterminingtheirownre-openingpoliciesandprocedures.

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

1. Review Your State and Local Government’s Current Business Re-Opening Guidelines• Followguidelinesonnumberofpeopleallowedinthefacilityatonetimeandphysical

distancing

• 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 Implementemployeesymptomscreeningquestionsandworkplacetemperaturemonitoring

o Sendemployeeshomethatareshowinganysymptomsorsignsofsicknessatwork

• UpdatePersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE)policiesandprocedures

o Requirethatemployeeswearmasksanddisposableglovesatwork

• Developphysicaldistancingpoliciesandproceduresforstaffinteractions

o Limitareasthatemployeescancongregate

o Spaceworkshiftsandbreakstocontrolnumberofemployeesinfacility

• Developandimplementanemployeere-trainingprogramforallnewpoliciesandprocedures

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 - Poster

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CDC — 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• Identifyhightrafficareasofthefacilitythatneedtobefrequentlydisinfected

o Publicaccess

o Employeeonlyaccess

• Identifyhightouchequipmentandfixturesthatneedtobefrequentlydisinfected

• Updatecurrentcleaningstandardoperatingprocedures(SOP)

o Recommendations

» Dressingroomscleanedanddisinfectedaftereachuse

» Restroomscleanedanddisinfectedeveryhour

• Updateandimplementemployee(SOP)trainingplan

• PurchaseappropriatecleaningequipmentandEPARegistereddisinfectantchemicals

• PurchasePersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE)foryouremployeestouseforcleaningtasks

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

» Installsneezeshieldsbetweenemployeesandcustomerswherepossible

• Ensurethatshieldsdonotviolatefirecodes

— LobbyFrontDesk

— PointofSale(POS)locations

— SkateRentalcounter

o Implementstateandlocalgovernmentphysicaldistancingguidelineswithinthefacility

» FacilityEntrance/Exit

• Clearlyidentifyentryandexitdoorswithsignage

• Usestanchionstoseparate

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• Postphysicaldistancingsignageatentrance

» FrontDeskandPOSlocations

• Markfloorforstandinginline

» SkateRentalCounter

• Markfloorforstandinginline

» Lobby/Concourse

• Reducenumberoftablesandchairs

• Spaceoutasneeded

• Postphysicaldistancingsignage

» PublicRestrooms

• Closeofftoiletpartitions,urinalsandsinksasneeded

» ParticipantDressingAreas(e.g.lockerrooms)

• Usemultipleroomsforteamactivitieswherepossible

• Considersettingtimelimitsfordressingroomuse

• Markavailableseatingspaces

» SpectatorSeatingAreas(e.g.bleachers)

• Markavailableseatingspaces

• Closeoffareasasneeded

• Postphysicaldistancingsignage

» ParticipantSeatingAreas(e.g.playersbench)

• Markavailableseatingspaces

• Closeoffareasasneeded

• Postphysicaldistancingsignage

» Off-IceWaitingAreas(e.g.gatestogetonice)

• Clearlyidentifywaitingareaswithsignage

• Markfloorforstandinginline

» On-Ice

• Ensurethatprogrammingconformstostateandlocalgovernmentphysicaldistancingguidelines

• SeeU.S.FigureSkatingandUSAHockeyProgrammingRecommendations

• Minimizetouchpointsthroughoutthefacility

o Ensurethatno-touchfixturesinrestroomsareworkingproperly.Considerinstallingthesetypeoffixturesifnotalreadythere

» Examples:

• Faucets

• SoapDispensers

• HandDryers

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• PaperTowelDispensers

• Toiletandurinalflushvalves

• MotionControlledLightSwitches

o Propopendoorswherepossible

o Considershuttingoffwaterfountains,vendingmachines,ATM’sandvideogames

o Considereliminatingthefollowing:

» LostandFound

» Holdingcustomersshoesinexchangeforrentalskates

o Minimizeemployeessharedequipment

» Examples:

• Computers

• POStouchscreens

• Phones

• 2-wayradios

• Copymachines

• Smallofficeequipment(e.g.stapler)

• EncourageHygieneBestPractices

o Recommendthatcustomersshowinganysymptomsorsignsofsickness,orwhohavebeenincontactwithknownpositivecasestostayhome

o Recommendthatcustomerswearamaskandglovesatfacility

o Providehandsanitizingstationsatentranceandthroughoutthefacility

o Ensurerestroomshaveanadequatesupplyofhandsoapanddisposabletowels

o Ensurethatthefollowingpublicuseitemsaredisinfectedbeforeandaftereachuse

» Rentalskates

» Rentalhelmets

» Skateaids/walkers

o Signagepostedthroughoutthefacility

» Examples:

• Physicaldistancingpolicy

• Howtoprotectyourselfandothers

• Whattodoifyouaresick

• Handwashinghow-to

• Covercoughsandsneezes

• Don’ttouchyourface–eyes,nose,mouth

Additional Resources:CDC — COVID-19 Print Resources

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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

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U.S. FIGURE SKATING

Asthenationbeginstoreopenbusinessesafterweeksofstay-at-homeordersduetotheCOVID-19pandemic,it’simportantforyourskatingprogramstohaveaplanasyouwelcomebackeagercustomers.

Firstandforemost,facilitymanagementmustmakethehealthandsafetyofitsstaff,participantsandthegreatercommunityitsNo.1priority.

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

Becauseeachicerinkandassociatedbusinessisunique,thereisno“one-size-fits-all”guide.However,U.S.FigureSkatingoffersthefollowingrecommendationsbasedontheCenterforDiseaseControlandPrevention’s(CDC)socialdistancingandsanitationpracticestohelpslowthespreadofthecoronavirusandensureyourparticipantsfeelsafeandcomfortableinyourrink.

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.

Organize• Inaccordancewithyourcity,countyorstate’sgatheringrestrictions,limitthenumberofskaters

allowedontheiceatasingletime.

• Implementwaystominimizecontactbetweenparticipantsandstaff.

• Purchaseadequatedisinfectantcleaningmaterials.

• Shortenprogramsandstaggericetimestocreateabufferbetweensessions.

• Establishamountoftime(“15minutes”)skatershavetopackupandexitthefacility.

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• Onlinebookingsandpaymentarerecommended.

• Recommendthatonlyoneparent/guardianaccompanyyoungerchildrenifneeded.

Staff• Conductformaltrainingforallstaff,coaches,instructorsandvolunteersonnewproceduresand

protocols.

o Postachecklistforthemtofollow.

• Monitorstaffhealth.Employersmayask:

o AreyouexperiencinganyofthesymptomsofCOVID-19?

o HaveyouknowinglybeenexposedtoanyonewithsymptomsofCOVID-19inthepast14days?

o Haveyoutakenyourtemperature?Ifyes,whatisit?

o Donotpermitanystafftoworkwithanysymptomsorcontactwithcovid-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’ssocialdistancingof6feetapartandadvisingtheuseofsimpleclothfacecoverings

toslowthespreadofthevirusandhelppeoplewhomayhavethevirusanddonotknowitfromtransmittingittoothers.

• Postsignagereinforcingsocialdistancingandillnesspreventionmeasures.(TheCDChasfreepostersandhandoutsavailableontheirwebsite).

• Usetapetomarkreadinessareas6feetapartwhereskaterscanputon/takeoffskates.

o Areasmaybeinhallways,spectatorareas,etc.

o Leaveallpersonalequipmentinskatingbagorcar.• Dividecoachesandskatersinto“traininggroups,”ificetimecanaccommodate.

o Numberandassigneachcoachadesignatedareaalongtheboardswheretheymuststandtoteachprivatelessons.

o Coachesmustremainintheareaandmaynotskatealongsideanystudent.o Limitcoach/skatercontact;coachesshouldnothelpstudentsupunlessthestudentisunableto

getup.Coachesshoulduseverbalcueswheninstructingstudentsratherthanphysicalcontact.• Allwarm-upsshouldbedoneoutsideofthebuilding.Weatherpermitting.

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• Lockerroomsshouldbeclosed;skatersandcoachesshouldcomepreparedtotaketheice.• Skatersshouldenter/exiticeatstaggeredtimesandseparateentrances.• Clearlylabelentry/exitandflowthroughthebuilding.• Lessonplansshouldensureskatersare6feetfromeachother.• Utilizemarkersandnewactivitiestoensurethisspacingismaintained.• Provide6-footmarkersinspectatorareas.• Donotallowanygatheringsinthelobbyorbathrooms.

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

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

o Spreadoutpersonalitemsacrossthebench.o Donotsharewaterbottles,tissueboxes.

• Ensureadequatetrashcansfortissues.

Equipment• Sanitizeallrentalequipmentbetweenusage.

o Personalitems,suchasshoes,shouldnolongerbeleftascollateralheldforrentalequipment.o Helmetrentalsshouldbeceasedunlesspropersanitationcanbeensured.

• Createpoliciesplayingmusicandusingthemusicequipment.Keepsanitizingwipesnexttothemusicplayerandaffiliatedequipment.

• Usesanitizingwipesbefore/afterusingpoleharnesses.

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

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

officials,etc.

LEARN TO SKATE USA PROGRAMSBeginningskatersgenerallyneedmoreperson-to-personcontactwithinstructors,fromhelpingthemgetuptoretyingtheirlaces.Forthisreason,thoseinvolvedintheLearntoSkateUSAprogramwillneedtobeextravigilantinfollowingfacilityandlocalauthorityguidelines.Beforereturningtotheice,writedownyourplanandclearlycommunicateit.CreateandprintachecklistofdutiesrelatedtoCOVID-19

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forstafftoeasilyreference.HerearesomeguidelinestoconsiderasyoureopenLearntoSkateUSAprograms.

Manage Participants• Limitgroupsizestoalignwiththephysicaldistancingrestrictionsputinplacebyyourlocalhealth

officialsandlocalfacility.

o Thismayaffecthowmanypeopleareallowedinthefacilityorontheiceatonetime.

• Haveatrafficflowplanthatdirectsparticipantsthroughthefacilitywhilelimitingpossibilitiestocongregate.

• Requireparticipantscomedressedandpreparedtoentertheiceafterputtingonskates.

• Stronglyconsidernotofferinganybeginnerclasses(SnowplowSam1,Basic1,Adult1)untilphysicaldistancingrestrictionshavebeeneased.

Tools of the Trade• Strivetohaveasingleemployeehandleandsanitizeallrentalequipmentbetweenusage.

o Skaterswhorequireahelmetshouldbringtheirown.Allhelmetrentalsshouldbeceasedunlesspropersanitationstepscanbefollowed.

o Personalitems,suchasshoes,shouldnolongerbeleftascollateralheldforrentalequipment.

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

Pre-Planning• Timeblockandmapouthypotheticalsituationstoensureyou’veadequatelyplannedfor

proceduresrelatedtoarrival,pre-lessonpreparations,on-icelesson,post-lessonwrap-up,anddeparture.

o Avoidoverlapsinaudiences.

o Allowtimetosanitizelobbyareas,bathrooms,topsofdasherboardsandrentalequipmentbetweensessions.

• Utilizeonlinepayment/registrationsystems.Takepaymentsoverthephoneifnecessary.

• Expandregistrationprocesstoincluderentalskateinformation.

o Ifskatersneedrentalskates,havethemsetasideandreadyuponarrival.

• Ifsessionsaregenerallyverycrowded,considerremovingfree-skate/practicetimeattheendofclassesoradjustingsessiontimestoensurethatstudentsandinstructorscanmaintaina6-footdistanceatalltimes.

Prepare for Arrival• Staggerarrivaltimesoruseseparateentrancesforarrivalandexit;usepop-upsecondarylobby

areas,ifpossible,toavoidcongestion.

o Iflimitingentrances,makesureyouarefollowinglocalfiredepartmentregulations.

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o Ifusingseparateentrancesandpop-uplobbyareas,besuretocreateclearsignagedirectingskaterstotheseareas.

o Ifstaggeringclasses,besuretopostthestaggeredclassscheduleinmultipleareasandstrictlyadheretoyourschedule.

• Ifseatingisgenerallyveryclosetogether,usetapetomarkreadinesszonesforskaterstotakeskatesonandoffandprepareforclass.

• Haveinstructorsassignedtoeachlevel/classassistwiththearrivalprocedures.

During Class• Haveskatersentertheiceatstaggeredtimesorseparateentrances.

• Haveinstructorsadjustlessonplanstokeepskaters6feetawayfromeachother.

o Utilizemarkersandnewactivitiestoensurethisspacingismaintained.

• Provide6-footmarkersorindicatorsinthespectatorareastoensureparents/spectatorsstay6feetapartwhenobservingclass.

• Haveskatersexittheiceatstaggeredtimesoruseseparateentrances.

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

o Communicateverballyandwithsignage.

o Consistentlyenforcetimelimit.

o Lobbiesshouldnotallowgroupsofskatersorfamilymemberstolinger.

Plan Ahead• Developflexiblerefundpoliciesshouldstay-at-homeordersberestoredorifyourrinkisforcedto

close.

• 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(whichlimitsthenumberpersonsintherink).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 persons permitted in a facility, or wearing of masks, etc.Theinformationinthisdocumentisnotintendedorimpliedtobeasubstituteforprofessionalmedicaladvice,diagnosis,ortreatment.TheknowledgeandcircumstancesaroundCOVID-19arechangingconstantlyand,assuch,USAHockeymakesnorepresentationandassumesnoresponsibilityfortheaccuracyorcompletenessofthisinformation.

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 DEVELOPMENTBeforewefullyreturntorinks,weencourageyoutousethistimeasanopportunitytostayconnectedwithplayersfromyourteamlastseason.Iflocalcoachesandleadersengagewithkids/families,therewillbeabetterchanceofthemreturningtohockeyinthenearfuture.

PlatformslikeZoomorBlueJeansprovideaneffectivetooltomeetwithyourentireteamremotely.BelowaresomevaluableUSAHockeyresourcestoutilizewithyourathletes.

• USAHockeyDrylandTrainingPlans

• DrylandStickhandling

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General Considerations• Workwithyourrinktonotifyparticipants,priortoanyin-personprogramming,aboutthecleaning

processbeingimplementedattherinkandadditionallybycoachesandadministrators.

• Hostanonlinemeetingwiththefamiliestorunthroughplansandallowthemtoaskquestionsasitrelatesto:

o Whattheycanexpect.

o Planningforthefirstsession.

o Precautionsbeingtakentokeeptherinkcleanandsafe.

• Sharewhatyourfacility’sprotocolforpacing/limitingtheamountofpatronsenteringatonetime.

• Communicateandfollowtheguidelinesfortheamountofpeoplethatareallowedtobeinthebuildingandontheice.

• Participantswithriskfactorsorillnessesshouldnotattendin-persontrainingandicesessions.

• Participantswithsymptomsorsignsofillnessarestrictlyadvisednottoenterthepremisesandtoseekmedicalassistance.

• Acoachshouldbepreparedtorequirethataplayerexhibitingsignsorsymptomsofillnesswillneedtoleavepractice(thisappliesinthesamewayasasuspectedconcussion).

• Programsorcoachescansendashortone-pageflyerbasedoffCDCmedicalrecommendationsaboutexpectations,self-monitoringforsymptomsofillness,theplayersshouldstayhomeiftheyhaveanysymptomsandthatcoacheswillremoveplayersiftheyexhibitanysymptoms.

• Theinitialfocusshouldbeonpracticeandskillssessions.

• Playersneedtobringandlabeltheirownwaterbottles,nosharingofwater.

• Player’stowelsareforpersonaluseonly.

• Encourageorrequirepatronstoregisterandpayonlinepriortoarriving.

• Lookatmakingyourpayment/refundpoliciesmoreflexiblesothatfamiliesdonotfeelaspressuredtomakeanicesession.

• Promoteamoreflexiblepolicyaroundsupporting,andnotpunishing,aplayeriftheydecidenotattendtrainingsessions.

• Playerscancomedressedinfullequipment.

o Workwithyourrinktohaveacommonareawithmarkedphysicaldistancedseatingcommonareatoputonskatesorremoveskateguards.

o Limitlockerroomuseasmuchaspossible.

» Whenlocalhealthprotocolallowsuseoflockerrooms,worktohaveplayersappropriatelyphysicallydistanced(usingmultiplelockerroomscouldhelp).

» Foragegroupswhereparentsneedtoassistplayerswithequipment,limitthenumberofparentsinthelockerroomatanyonetime.

• Iftherearemultipleentrancestotheicesurface,splitthekidsupintogroupsandhavethemspaceappropriatelytomeetphysicaldistancingstandardsateachentrance.

o Workwithyourrinktoopenupmultipleentrancestotheicesurface.

• Promotestricthandhygiene(handwashingandsanitizerdispensers)beforeandaftertraining.

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• Playersneedtobepreparedtodisinfectfitnessequipmentimmediatelyafteruse.

• Withalloftheseideas,makesureyoulayoutandcommunicateasetplanforbothfamilies/playersandcoaches.

Parents/Spectators• Familiesshouldbeaskedtominimizethenumberofparents/spectatorsthatcomewiththeplayerin

ordertolimitthenumberofpeopleinthefacility.Workwithyourrinkpartnertodeterminewhatisbestforyourfacility.

• Communicatewithfamiliestomakesurethey’reawareofthefacility’sspectatorrulesaroundphysicaldistancing.

On-Ice Practices• Notifyandreinforcethemessagethatplayersandcoachesneedtoobservephysicaldistancing

recommendationswhileontheice.

• Avoidutilizingbenchesordependingonlocalgovernmentregulations,workwithyourfacilitytodetermineappropriateprotocol.

• Avoiddrillsthatrequireplayerstostandinline.

• Whendesigningpractice,utilizestationbasedpracticesandhaveplayers/coachesspreadouttomaintainneededphysicaldistancing.

• Minimizechalktalksessionswhereplayerscouldcongregate.

• Utilizenon-contactdrills.

• Coachesneedtobecognizanttoavoidtalkingwithincloseproximityofplayers’faces.

• Whenleavingtheice,coachescouldexcuseplayersone-by-onegivingappropriatetimeforeachplayertogetofftheice.Coachesneedtoplantoleaveanappropriateamountoftimeattheendoftheiricesessiontocompletethedismissalprocess.

After Practice• Encourageparticipantstominimizetheirtimeinoraroundthefacility.

• Havethemputontheirshoesorskateguardssothattheycanleavequicklyinthesamemarkedcommonspace.

• Remindplayersandparentsaretofollowphysicaldistancingguidelineswhenleavingthefacility.

• Playersshoulddisinfecthelmets,sticksandskatesaftereachtrainingsession.

• Washcloths(jerseys,pantshells,socksandgloves)withhightemperatureaftereachtrainingsession.

Important Programming Changes to Consider• Limitexposurebystayingfocusedonpractices.

• Limittravelingtorinksoutsideofyourhomefacility,especiallytoareaswhereCOVID-19casesarestillprevalent.

• Fornow,eliminatehandshakesandhugsaftergoalcelebrations;insteadconsiderfistbumping.

• Createanemergencyplanforapossibleoutbreak.

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o Haveacommunicationstrategytoalertallwhomayhavebeenexposed.

o Communicatewithyourrinkpartnerontheir“deep-clean”sanitationstrategy.

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

• 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.Ourmissionistoadvancetheicerinkindustrythroughmembership,world-classeducation,training,resourcesandevents.

U.S. Figure SkatingisthenationalgoverningbodyforthesportoffigureskatingintheUnitedStatesasrecognizedbytheUnitedStatesOlympicandParalympicCommitteeandtheInternationalSkatingUnion.U.S.FigureSkatingiscomprisedofmorethan765memberclubs,collegiateclubs,school-affiliatedclubsandmorethan1,000registeredLearntoSkateUSAprogramsrepresentingmorethan203,000members.U.S.FigureSkatingischargedwiththedevelopmentofthesportonalllevelswithintheUnitedStatesincludingathletes,officials,sanctioningofeventsandexhibitions,andestablishingtherulesandguidelinesbywhichthesportisgoverned.

LearnToSkateUSA,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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