Return to Hockey - February 2021

February 13, 2021

We are sending this to all parents as and update to advise the protocols that Strathcona County has put in place as we return to the rinks next week. We will also be requiring all parents who choose to opt-out, to complete an on-line form so that we can track your intentions for accounting and refund purposes.

THE RETURN TO PLAY UPDATE

The other day we provided link to the Hockey Alberta Path Forward. None of this has changed. The document can be found by clicking on this link. HA path forward

Strathcona County have provided a re-entry guidance document for our return to the rinks next week. The document can be found by clicking on this link: Strathcona County Covid 19 Arena Re-Entry Guidance Febraury 2021.

The following is a brief summary of rules and guidelines will be in place for Step 1 in return to play:

Games/Scrimmages are not allowed;

The Ice Surface will be limited to 20 participants (if the ice is divided into 2 halves) or 10 per team (full ice practices), including coaches;

3 meter (10 feet) physical distancing must be maintained between players at all times. There are no longer any cohorts, all skating must be physically distanced;

Coaches may enter a physical distancing space for a brief interaction with players;

Coaches must wear a face covering at all times, including while on the ice;

Players must wear a face covering at all time, expect on ice;

Change room access will be limited to 10 minutes before and after the ice time.

No spectators are permitted in the facilities at this time as per Strathcona County, during practice.

Update from Strathcona County (Feb 13^th)-Parent/guardian to provide support and assist the athlete into the facility does exist should an athlete require this level of support. Where facilities can accommodate, spaces may be set aside for skaters to put on skates and for parents to assist in skate tying. We ask that parents/guardians leave the facility once skates are tied and the athlete has been connected with their coach or Covid coordinator and return to the facility at the conclusion of the session. If it is safe for an athlete to enter the facility independently, we encourage that this option is considered. Dressing rooms continue to be limited to coaches and participants.

Each team must appoint 1 coordinator (COVID ambassador), the coordinator must be present at all ice sessions and will be responsible to ensure all athletes follow protocols as well as control all contract tracing records. This coordinator must present at every team event.

Each team must have one bench mom at all ice times to assist the on-ice coaches when needed. For things such as injuries or bathroom breaks.

The Government of Alberta may move to step 2 as early as March 1, pending a hospitalization number of less than 450, and step 3 as early as March 22, pending a hospitalization number of less than 300. If current development season restrictions are eased during either phase, the current return to play plan will be re-evaluated. Regardless of phase, SPS Fuzion has committed to extend the season as late as April 11. After that date, ice-availability becomes difficult as spring programs in other sports and activities begin.

OPT-OUT CONFIRMATION

Over the past week we had asked the managers to get the intent of whether your player was opting-in or opting-out to the development season. This would include any further activities that may occur past AHS Step 1. We needed this information earlier in the week to provide the County with our ice needs. After reading this up-date, we are asking parents to please confirm that they have chosen to opt-out for the balance of the season. Your opt-out form must have been completed by February 14th, 2021. This form will act as official confirmation for tracking and refund purposes. Please note that those who paid the $99 first time player registration fees (U9 and U11) will not be eligible for a refund.

For those who do not complete this online form we will consider as opting-in for the balance of the season and refunds will be based on opting in. If opting out the below form must be completed by 9PM on February 14, 2021.

For a refund to be issued, all players must return all SPS Fuzion equipment, jerseys, etc. must be returned.

OPT-IN INFORMATION

For those have opted-in to the development season, an adjusted refund will be calculated once development season has concluded. We expect, but cannot guarantee, that the only fees to be incurred through step 1 of development season will be ice-time, as fixed costs for the year have been paid and referees, extra-development, etc. are not anticipated. If the Government of Alberta moves the province into step 2 or 3, restrictions may be eased and the activities taking place during development season will be re-evaluated.

Thank you for your continued patience and support through these difficult and unknown challenges.