Time for Teams to Mask Up!

Hockey Edmonton and our member associations welcome Edmonton City Council’s motion to introduce masking at public facilities as of Friday, September 3, 2021. The Hockey Edmonton Executive was passing a similar motion, at almost the same time, which aligns with Council’s move but also clarifies some hockey-specific areas such as masking for coaches and travel and play outside Edmonton.

Hockey Edmonton is now requiring players, coaches, officials and volunteers who participate in Hockey Edmonton programs to wear masks in arenas inside and outside of Edmonton also as of this Friday. Masks also need to be worn during all group activities where social distancing cannot be maintained, including onboard a bus, if one is being used for out of town travel.    

As we have previously communicated, we also strongly encourage all those eligible to be double vaccinated, if they haven’t already done so. We are also encouraging social distancing wherever possible, as well as proper hygiene practices, such as washing hands before and after activities. It is critical you stay away from team activities if you are not feeling well.   

We thank you in advance for your support and are hopeful these requirements and recommendations will enable us to keep the kids on the ice for a safe and uninterrupted 2021/22 season.

Details

The following requirements are for Hockey Edmonton players, coaches, officials and volunteers in any arena/recreational facility inside or outside Edmonton: 

• PLAYERS - Players are required to wear masks upon entering any facility and in the dressing room area. Players should remove their masks only immediately prior to putting on their helmets and entering onto the ice surface.
• COACHES & BENCH STAFF - Coaches and team staff are required to wear masks entering those facilities and in the dressing room areas and on the players’ benches. Coaches are permitted on the ice without a mask when distancing from players but must wear a mask on the ice when in close contact (inside 2 metres) of a player, coach and/or official.
• VOLUNTEERS - Volunteers and minor officials are required to wear masks when entering the facility and around the playing area, such as the timekeeper/penalty box area, and when in close contact with any player, coach or official.
• OFFICIALS - Officials are required to wear masks upon entering the arenas and in the dressing room areas. Officials should remove their masks only immediately prior to putting on their helmet and entering onto the ice surface.
• PARENTS/FANS - Masks are required in the dressing room areas, players’ benches, penalty boxes and timekeeper’s box. In other areas of the facility, spectators must follow the protocols laid out in the facility.
• OUT OF TOWN TRAVEL - If bus travel is required to a game outside of Edmonton, masking will be maintained at all times. It is recommended food not be distributed for consumption during transit given the spacial constraints. 

Since these measures were introduced, Hockey Alberta came out with a bulleting which aligns with these steps. In some instances, Hockey Edmonton measures go a step further and those are the steps that must be followed by our members. All these requirements and recommendations are in effect regardless of vaccination status.

Hockey Edmonton, like all the other organizations, want to ensure we put the safety of people at the forefront. Again, we thank everyone for their commitment following these measures and helping ensure the health and well-being of each other.  

Hockey Alberta Bulletin: https://bit.ly/3DVjLki 

City of Edmonton Bylaw Information: https://bit.ly/2WAVsY3