2020/2021 Return to Play Program

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Message from Corner Brook Minor Hockey

Since the introduction of COVID-19 into our daily lives there have been many changes in the way we conduct our day to day activities. This is no different in the sporting community, and in particular the hockey community.

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Letter from Technical Director

To the players, parents and volunteers of Corner Brook Minor Hockey, First and foremost, I would like to thank you for selecting me for the role of Technical Director at Corner Brook Minor Hockey. I look forward to working closely with coaches and athletes to help improve skill development and the overall satisfaction of athletes and families with regards to our minor hockey program.

There are primarily four reasons or requirements that rank in different values, but they are all paramount when we speak of all kids having fun playing hockey:

a) Sensation – 30-40% of kids play for the love of the game, not the outcome! b) Affiliation – 25-35% of kids play because their peers do - social networks! c) Excellence – 15-20% of kids play to get to the next level, AAA, Junior, Pro d) Success – 10% Winning is everything, hate to loose, love awards/rewards! Each child has a streak of all these qualities, but for some friendship is more important than success and for many they would be happy with just a puck. In order to keep those who aspire to success and excellence its imperative that these athletes are offered excellent organized practices, opportunities to travel, compete and win awards. Coaches have the ability to stimulate skill development, so whatever the primary reason your child plays, its important that our program and its coaches, strive in all areas of development to meet the needs of kids in minor hockey.

While the Covid situation presents a step back in terms of games or tournaments at the onset, it also provides a sliver lining with a chance for increased skill

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develop skills, along with improved teamwork in anticipation of being prepared for the next opportunity to play competitively or be prepared for tryouts.

Whatever their motivation, I look forward to sharing my experience with coaches, players and the volunteer board of directors for the benefit of kids in minor

hockey.

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Summary

- CBMHA will take its direction from Hockey NL as well as local health officials in establishing a program to keep everyone healthy and safe. - CBMHA has assigned Catherine Moores to be our COVID-19

communications officer. She will be aided by other members of the executive committee in getting our message out.

- Although there are many similarities with the plans from other associations this plan is specific to the needs of the CBMHA and may differ from other associations.

- Before the commencement of the 2020-2021 hockey season all parents and volunteers will be required to complete training associated with COVID-19 practices and procedures that will be required to run a successful hockey season.

- The City of Corner Brook / Civic Centre along with the help of CBMHA are responsible for putting in place measures to ensure all health and safety practices are adhered to.

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Communication Officer

As an association, it is very important that communication be a top priority. With the ever changing COVID-19 world, everyone involved will have to be prepared and informed. During the summer of 2020, CBMHA formed a committee and identified a Communication Officer, with a goal to start the season with all Covid-19 practices and procedures in place, as well as to facilitate the flow of Covid-Covid-19 related updates. The spokesperson for this committee, as well as CBMHA, is Catherine Moores. She will be aided by committee members in her absence. The communication officer will be responsible for relaying any information related to COVID-19.

Some responsibilities will include:

- Monitoring all updates from Chief Medical Officer and Hockey NL

- Liaison person for any concerns that need to be passed on to Hockey NL - Contact for facilities management when it comes to facility processes and

procedures

- Ensuring there is a process in place to hold all participants accountable to guidelines established

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Facilities

CBMHA, City of Corner Brook, Arena staff and others will all be involved in providing a safe environment for our players to thrive in. Constant

communication and feedback will be important to make the process user friendly for everyone.

The Civic Centre will have processes in place for all users. They will include:

- Only Kinsmen entrance and exit will be available. Doors will be properly labelled in order to facilitate people coming in and out of the building - All common areas will be marked with directions and physical distancing

guidelines.

- Facility staff, along with CBMHA staff, and volunteers will work together to provide additional cleaning of all areas.

- Hand sanitizer and hand-washing areas will be accessible to all visitors. - All individuals from the prior session will be required to exit the premises

before the next group is allowed entry.

- Physical distancing must always be followed. Congregating and loitering will be discouraged.

- Current Civic Center Policy states that parents are not allowed in the facility while on ice hockey is ongoing.

- For age groups where parents/guardians need to assist players, or those with special needs will be allowed to have a limited number of people allowed in.

- Players will be expected to arrive and depart fully dressed in hockey gear. - Physical distancing markers will be situated on the bench and in areas

where players put on skates

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Season Structure

As part of the Hockey Canada mandate this year will see changes to the division name associated with minor hockey. Please review below the new division names.

Minor Hockey

- Under 18 division (formerly Midget) - Under 15 division (formerly Bantam) - Under 13 division (formerly Peewee) - Under 11 division (formerly Atom) - Under 9 division (formerly Novice) - Under 7 division (formerly Initiation)

Female Hockey

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Return to Hockey Phase Plan

To minimize risk to all involved in CBMHA during the 2020-21 season, a phased approach to Return to Play will be followed, as outlined below. Note that as we move through the different phases, there could potentially be additional changes.

Phase 1

- Review of requirements established by the CMO, Hockey Canada, Hockey NL, facility management and local government

- Completion and approval of a season plan that addresses how compliance with all COVID-19 related protocols shall be achieved;

- Training of all coaches and volunteers in COVID-19 related protocols; and - Orientation of all players, coaches and parents/guardians in the facility

specific requirements and protocols that must be followed.

Phase 2

- Skills and drills only

- On ice sessions limited to 25 people including skaters, goaltenders, coaches, and technical directors

- Groups remain intact for all sessions - Proper hygiene is in place

- All sessions limited to local minor hockey association only, no inter-association mixing

Phase 3

- Continuation of skills and drills;

- On ice sessions limited to 25 people, including skaters, goaltenders, coaches and technical directors;

- Introduction of modified games, 3-on-3 or 4-on-4, ensuring physical distancing is accomplished on ice and on the player’s bench;

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- All sessions limited to the local minor hockey association only, no inter-association mixing;

Phase 4

- Introduction of modified 5-on-5 games, ensuring physical distancing is accomplished on ice and on the player’s bench;

- 2 game officials may officiate games with the assistance of a timekeeper and/or scorekeeper;

- No penalties to be served, rather penalty shots will be used for minor infractions;

- Groups remain intact for all sessions; - Proper hygiene is in place; and

- All sessions limited to the local minor hockey association only, no inter-association mixing;

Phase 5

- Return to regular games, 5-on-5;

- 3 game officials will officiate games with the assistance of a timekeeper and/or scorekeeper;

- Penalties to be served in the penalty box; - Proper hygiene is in place; and

- Limited inter-association play, minimizing the amount of mixing in each 2-week period

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Hygiene Protocols

Prior to Activity

- All players will be required to complete a COVID-19 screening form - If participant is feeling unwell, he/she will not be able to participate in

activities and must inform proper person of his/her absence

- Hand sanitizer will be available through the facility and players will be encouraged to use it regularly.

- Players and coaches will not be permitted in the arena until 10 minutes before their expected ice time and must arrive fully dressed with the exception of skates.

- Players will need to leave hockey bags in the vehicle

- Members will not be able to enter facility until previous participants have exited

- Reminder to all players that physical distancing is required while on the ice

At Facility & During Activity

- If during participation a player begins to show signs or symptoms related to COVID-19 he/she will be immediately asked to put on a mask and exit the facility

- When practical, use elbows to open and close doors, and minimize going in and out of access points

- Sharing food and beverages is prohibited

- Spitting or blowing nose while playing will be forbidden

- Water bottles will be filled at home prior to attending event and be labelled with players first and last name

- Handshakes will not be permitted

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Corner Brook Minor Hockey Refund Policy

Due to the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming 2020-2021 season, CBMHA has set guidelines regarding refunds in the event the season is modified, reduced or cancelled. This policy is in place to ease any concerns of loss of registration fees due to an interrupted season caused by COVID-19.

Season Cancellation

- Refund will be paid in full, less possible admin fees that cannot be returned (eg. Online registration fees, payment processing fees)

- Upon season cancellation refund will be made within 14 days of cancellation notice.

Season Reduced or Modified

- Refund will be processed based on percentage of weeks missed or cancelled. Less possible admin fees that cannot be returned.

- Upon announcement of modified season refunds will be processed within 14 days or notification**

All refunds will be processed by the Treasurer and refunded through the payment method used. In the event that is not possible to refund via payment method a cheque will be issued and mailed.

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Key Details for Return to Play

- CBMHA will have fluid communication on all COVID-19 relates issues throughout the entire season

- It is very important that everyone complies with established guidelines in order to successfully move our season forward.

- CBMHA will monitor compliance with the guidelines and look to Hockey NL for direction in the event they are not being followed.

- Ice time sessions will be staggered in order to allow proper cleaning of the arena in between sessions.

- Groups will be developed within each division and participants will be required to stay in that group for the duration of the season.

- High fives, handshakes, and post goal group celebrations will not be permitted.

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Registration Details

To be better prepared to start the 2020-21 season, CBMHA will host an early registration. All players are required to register online by September 1st_{. Online} payments? will be available and encouraged this season, however in person payment sessions will be available following the end of online registration. There will be multiple payment sessions in order to accommodate physical distancing. Everyone is encouraged to register as soon as possible.

The following timeline will apply… Online Registration

August 15th_{– September 1}st

In Person Payment Sessions at Civic Centre

September 8th_{– All Female Players}

September 9th_{– Under 18 and Under 15 Divisions}

September 10th_{– Under 13 Division}

Season Start Date

September 21st

**All payments must be received by September 17th_**

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Important Reminders

- All participating players will need to be registered online before September 1st

- Laptops will not be available during payment sessions for online registration

- Payment will be available online through credit card or any PayPal account. - If paying online through debit or credit card a small processing fee will

apply

- While registering online you will have the option to pay later during one of the registration payment sessions

- Payment can be made only by cheque during in person payment sessions, cash will not be accepted.

- If an application for funding has been submitted to any organization proof will have to be supplied during appropriate payment session (eg. Printed email, copy of application, letter from organization)

- If paying by cheque the players name is required in the "RE" line on the bottom left corner of the cheque

- Post-dated cheque option will still be available. First payment in the amount of $300 will be due the night of in person payment session.