Return to Hockey Update – September 3, 2020

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta has updated its Return to Hockey Plan, with the following updates included in the SEPTEMBER 3 VERSION of the Return to Hockey Plan:

  1. The document has been restructured with the Return to Hockey Programming section moved to Section 2.
  2. In the Return to Hockey Programming section (Section 2):
    1. The Off-Season Skill Development component has been removed. All hockey activity should now operate under the rules and guidelines in the Development Season.
    2. Information on how to offer sessions via Physical Distancing can be found in the Development Season section.
    3. Guidelines regarding Sport Cohorts have been updated based on direction from the Government of Alberta.
    4. Registration protocol information has been updated.
    5. Clarification of activities allowed in each Return to Hockey component.
    6. Travel restrictions have been removed, based on Government of Alberta direction.
  3. In Protocols and Safety (Section 3):
    1. Requirements for Record Keeping and Contact Tracing have been updated.
    2. The process and procedure for dealing with a sick participant and/ or a participant who tests positive for COVID-19 has been updated.
    3. Game protocols for coaches, officials and players have been added.
  4. In Communications (Section 4):
    1. updated guidelines for identifying a Communications Lead within each organization.
    2. An updated Hockey Alberta FAQ document.
  5. In Facilities and Spectators (Section 5), updated guidelines for spectators.
  6. In Coaches and Team Officials (Section 6):
    1. updated information on coach clinics
    2. updated Hockey Alberta requirements with regard to masks, Cohorts and Physical Distancing.
  7. A new section, On-Ice Officials (Section 7), with updated information pertaining to Officials.
  8. Some appendices have been removed or renumbered.
  9. Additional links are included to link directly to the Government of Alberta website.

The updated Return to Hockey Plan, and its appendices, can be accessed here:

RETURN TO HOCKEY PLAN – UPDATED ->

The health and safety of all participants in the sport is of paramount importance in all activities outlined in the Return to Hockey Plan. The threats and challenges posed by COVID-19 require specific steps to be taken to allow hockey back on the ice, and this plan addresses those requirements.

The Return to Hockey Plan – including the timelines included within it – is subject to change, as new guidelines and requirements are put in place by the Government of Alberta.