Glengarry Girls Hockey Association Covid19 Action Plan
GGHA COVID-19 Protocols
 
Enforcement
The enforcement of the GGHA COVID-19 Protocols is the responsibility of the COVID-19 Oversight Group (COG), which consists of:

• GGHA Risk and Safety Coordinator
• GGHA President
• GGHA Vice-President
• All Team Managers

 
An individual becomes unwell with symptoms of COVID-19

• If an individual becomes unwell with symptoms of COVID-19, or someone is aware of an individual that becomes unwell with symptoms of COVID-19, that individual must immediately stop participation in hockey activities
• The individual should be isolated from all others in a well-ventilated area, or outside and provided with a non-medical face mask, team trainers are required to carry a clean ready to use mask,  The mask must be thoroughly cleaned with soap and hot water before being available for reuse
• The individual shall be sent home and instructed to follow public health guidelines regarding self-isolation and testing
• The facility should be informed in order to determine if any areas need to be closed off and/or require additional cleaning/disinfecting
• A member of the COG should be informed of the situation and should contract the individual or their parent/guardian to determine if next steps are being taken regarding testing
• The OWHA President and/or Director Operations should be informed of the situation as soon as possible

An individual is tested for COVID-19

• Any individual that is part of a hockey program that has been tested for COVID-19 must not participate in hockey activities while waiting for the results of the test and not until a negative test result is received
• The association/team will consult Google Document attendance form in order to inform other participants who might have been in contact with the individual, if it was a shared ice practice or game against a team within the extended bubble those teams must be notified so they can notify their participants
• Any association/team member who were in close contact with the individual should not participate in hockey activities and should follow public health guidelines until the diagnosis of COVID-19 is ruled out by health professionals

An individual tests positive for COVID-19

• If an individual tests positive for COVID-19, they should inform a member of the COG immediately
• The COG will work where requested with the facility and public health officials to assist in contact tracing.  Google Document attendance form may be used to assist public health officials in informing other members who may have been in close contact with the individual
• Any association/team members who were in close contact with the individual should not participate in hockey activities for 14 days and should follow public health guidelines regarding self-isolation and testing
• All GGHA members will be notified of a positive test within the association
• The COG will contact the facility to determine if any additional cleaning/disinfecting should be performed as per the facility’s guidelines
• The COG will inform the OWHA of the positive COVID-19 diagnosis be e-mailing [email protected]

Return to hockey activities following illness

• If no test was performed, or the COVID-19 test was negative, the individual may only return to hockey activities once they no longer have any symptoms of COVID-19

Return to hockey activities following COVID-19

• Following a positive COVID-19 test, an individual must follow all public health guidelines regarding return to activities

Modification/restriction/postponing or canceling of activities

• Based on the evolving COVID-19 pandemic the GGHA is prepared to follow public health, municipal/provincial government, and sport recommendations regarding modifying/restricting/postponing or canceling activities
• If cancellations/modifications are necessary, the COVID-19 Oversight Group will contact all GGHA members directly by emaill
• The COVID-19 Oversight Group will ensure modifications are in place until advised that it is safe to resume activities by public health, government, or sports officials.

Public Health Guidelines

• Any GGHA members who travelled outside of Canada, or has someone in their household who has travelled outside Canada must self-isolate and not participate in GGHA/team events for 14 days
• Any GGHA member who has been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19 should self-isolate
• Any GGHA member with symptoms of COVID-19 is not permitted to take part in hockey activities
• Any GGHA member who has someone in their household showing symptoms of COVID-19, should not participate in hockey activities

 
CRGHA COVID-19 Communication Plan

1. All GGHA members must have a complete profile including all contact information within Ramp Registration files.
2. All COVID-19 communications/updates will be sent through GGHA website email
3. Communications are the responsibility of the COG
4. Bi-weekly updates will be sent to the team contacts addressing any questions or concerns other members have put forward
5. Coaches meeting will be conducted prior to first ice times to overview the COVID-19 regulations.  Coaches are expected to communicate to their teams.
6. Complete GGHA COVID-19 protocols and action plans will be available on the GGHA website www.glengarrygirlshockeyassociation.ca 
7. The Risk and Safety Coordinator will follow up with any members missing activities due to COVID-19 symptoms
8. Google Document health checks will be stored for 90 days along with the attendance
9. Email will be sent by the Risk and Safety Coordinator and/or President to all GGHA members if there is a positive COVID-19 test within the association
10. Email will be sent by Risk and Safety Coordinator to possible members who may have come into contact with another member who has been tested for COVID-19
11. The Risk and Safety Coordinator and/or President will email the facility and the OWHA immediately if a GGHA member is diagnosed with COVID-19

GGHA - Protocol for players
 
Before 
 
1. Any participant displaying any COVID-19 symptoms (as outlined by public health at the time), or those who have returned from travel to another region (where the activity is not yet permitted)/province/country within the last 14 days, may not enter the Glengarry Sports Palace Arena.
 
Participants will be screened upon entry (self-assessment or by a facility staff member)
 
Participants who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 will require a doctor’s note prior to being permitted inside the Glengarry Sports Palace Arena.
 
Information regarding an individual’s health should never be disclosed beyond only those staff or volunteers who need to know.
 
The name(s) of any person(s) diagnosed with COVID-19 should NEVER be disclosed.
 
If a participant is experiencing symptoms or feeling unwell, they should not attend a scheduled activity. 
 
Participants with seasonal allergies or other underlying conditions (e.g. Asthma) which may cause some symptoms consistent with COVID-19 to be displayed (e.g. cough, runny nose, etc.) should notify coaching staff in advance and follow safety protocols (cough into arm, not hands). 
 
2. There will be a single dedicated entrance and separate exit for all participants (consult Facility protocol) 
 
3. Facility access will be restricted to 10-15 minutes prior to scheduled start time. Do not attempt to enter the facility early. Access will be denied. Late arrival may mean delays as facility staff ensure safe traffic flow during set times before and after each session. 
 
4. Everyone who enters the Glengarry Sports Palace  for any reason, must wear a mask.
 
Participants may remove their mask immediately prior to leaving their dressing room before starting their activity. 
 
5. Participants are asked to ensure they have used washrooms at home, as access to washrooms before, during, or after an activity will be highly restricted. 
 
6. Water bottles must be filled at home. Sinks and washrooms in dressing rooms may not be available. 
7. Every participant and parent is asked to sanitize their hands prior to entering the facility and are encouraged to carry their own hand sanitizer when inside the facility to reapply as needed. 
 
8. If a participant is accompanied by a parent/guardian, they must both enter together. 
 
9. Participants arrive fully dressed for their activity/ies, other than: a. Skates/Gloves/Helmet b. Indoor shoes c. A small duffle or hockey bag, only large enough to contain gear not yet worn 
 
10. There will be a sanitized area provided for the participant. One parent/guardian MAY accompany only those participants who REQUIRE assistance getting ready. In this case, parents must be confined to the same dedicated space as their participant. (this may or may not be inside a dressing room)  Players will be permitted to leave their outdoor footwear at their designated area provided during an activity. 
 
11. Participants must adhere to physical distancing requirements at all times (maintaining a 6 foot or 2-meter distance between themselves and another person). 
 
12. User group or coaching staff/volunteer will come and get players and any parents when they are permitted to leave their staging area to come onto the playing surface. 
 
13. Warm-ups will not be permitted inside the facility (stickhandling, running, jogging, or any physical exertion of any kind). Should participants require a warm-up before their activity, they must do so in advance of entering while adhering to physical distancing requirements. 
 
14. Players are not permitted to share gear with others unless they are from the same household (e.g. another player forgets a glove, jersey, etc.) 
 
15. Participants must adhere to any additional safety guidelines issued by the association, facility and any governing body, or club/association. 
 
16. Participants and for minors, the parent/guardian who will be attending with them, will be required to complete an acknowledgement of facility/program rules and a waiver in order to participate. 
 
17. Coaching staff or user group lead will retrieve participants and guide them into activity. 
 
During 
 
1. A maximum 30 participants (including coaches) will be enforced at all times. 
 
a. Ice : maximum number of 30 people are permitted on the playing surface at a time, which will allow for physical distancing (this number will be expanded per public health guidance when possible) 
 
2. Physical distancing must be adhered to at all times during activity. 
 
a. All activities must be designed to ensure physical distancing (maintaining a 6 foot or 2-meter distance between each participant).
 
b. For skill development sessions, participants must stage themselves before and between each repetition in the fashion indicated by coaching staff (ice-markings, cones, etc.) 
 
c. There is a zero tolerance policy for violation of physical distancing requirements. Any participant who fails to adhere to physical distancing requirements will be required to immediately leave their activity (no refunds for programs). 
 
3. Any player who becomes ill or exhibits possible COVID-19 symptoms during an activity, must immediately stop, leave the playing surface, and wear a mask until they are able to leave the facility (as soon as possible). 
 
Coaches/adult supervisors must report this as an incident to facility management and their club/association, along with any action taken. 
 
4. No spitting (including rinsing mouth with water) or blowing nose without a tissue or paper towel. Participants who violate this will be immediately required to leave their activity (no refunds for programs). A full sanitization of the area will occur if any of the above happens.
 
5. Participant water bottles must be clearly labelled with names and left in the spot indicated by program staff. 
 
6. Full equipment must be worn at all times (including player gloves).
 
7. Participants must not touch equipment other than that which is permitted by activity staff. 
 
Where required, pucks, cones, and other gear should be moved using sticks or a gloved hand. 
 
8. Equipment which is intentionally in contact with a participant during training (e.g. bat, bungee waist bands, etc), must be sanitized prior to being used by another participant. 
 
After 
 
1. Coaches will indicate session end times to all participants. At the end of each session: 
 
a. Participants must STOP and maintain their distance from all others 
 
b. Participants will be directed when and where to exit the playing surface and must return to collect outdoor footwear and change (e.g. remove skates and helmet, indoor shoes, etc.). 
 
c. Participants and parent/guardians must maintain physical distancing at all times (maintaining a 6 foot or 2-meter distance between themselves and another person) and immediately leave the facility through dedicated exit (within 5 minutes). 
 
Participants may not remain in facility as spectators or to converse with other facility patrons. 
 
d. A parent who has a child in a subsequent ice session, must exit and reenter to follow all pre-activity protocols for each. 
 
2. Water bottles must be washed/sanitized after every use. 
 
3. It is highly recommended that players will wash outer gear (jerseys, socks, gloves) using hot water and soap following each use. It is also highly recommended that sticks/bats, helmets, and any other personal items which have been used, be sanitized using a method appropriate for the items. 
 
4. Participants should put their mask back on, prior to exiting their dressing room, and subsequently, the building.




GGHA - Staff/Coach (on ice) Protocols 
 
Before 
 
1. Any coaching staff displaying any COVID-19 symptoms (as outlined by public health at the time), or those who have returned from travel to another region(where the activity is not permitted)/province/country within the last 14 days, may not enter the Glengarry Sports Palace Arena.
 
Coaching  staff will be screened upon entry (self-assessment or by another facility staff member)  
 
Any staff member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 will require a doctor’s note prior to being permitted inside the Glengarry Sports Palace Arena.
 
2. There will be a single dedicated entrance and separate exit for everyone (consult pre-activity information provided by your supervisor) 
 
3. Coaching staff must assist with the enforcement of all participant, spectator and facility protocols
 
4. Every Coaching staff is asked to sanitize their hands prior to entering the facility. 
 
5. Every Coaching staff must wear a mask upon entry to the Glengarry Sports Palace Arena, and continue to wear this mask until they are about to enter the playing surface. 
 
6. Coaching staff must arrive fully dressed for their activity/ies, other than: 
a. Skates/Gloves/Helmet as required 
 
7. Sanitized benches or a staff dressing room will be provided for Coaching staff to prepare for session  Coaching staff must sit at a designated spot (marked on the bench) to ensure physical distancing  Coaching staff can leave their bags & outdoor shoes under the bench / in the dressing room 
 
8. Coaching staff must adhere to physical distancing requirements at all times (maintaining a 6 foot or 2-meter distance between themselves and another person). 
 
9. At the beginning of each session time prior to participants being permitted on the playing surface coaching staff must mark required physical distancing (a minimum 6 foot or 2-meter distance between each mark).  Session Lead will advise staff in advance (placement of markings etc.) 
 
10. Staff are not permitted to share gear with others unless they are from the same household (e.g. another staff members forgets a glove, jersey, etc.) 
 
11. Staff must adhere to any additional safety guidelines issued by their association, facility and any governing body, or club/association. 
 
During
 
1. A maximum 30 participants (including coaches) will be enforced at all times. 
 
a. Ice : A maximum of 30 persons is permitted on the playing surface at any one time which will allow for physical distancing (this number will be expanded per public health guidance when possible) 
 
2. Physical distancing must be adhered to at all times during activity. 
 
a. All activities must be designed to ensure physical distancing (ensuring a 6 foot or 2-meter distance between each participant throughout). 
 
b. For all sessions, the coaching staff need to ensure and guide participants to stage themselves before and between each repetition (using icemarkings, cones, etc.) 
 
c. Coaching staff need to enforce the following: There is a zero tolerance policy for violation of physical distancing requirements. Any participant who fails to adhere to physical distancing requirements will be required to immediately leave their activity (no refunds for programs). 
 
3. Program staff / coaches / session leads may be required to wear masks during activity and MUST at all times when physical distancing is not possible.
 
4. Coaching staff will ensure that participant water bottles are clearly labelled with names and left in the spot indicated by program staff. 
 
5. On-ice staff will ensure that full equipment is worn at all times (including player gloves). 
 
6. Coaching staff need to ensure that participants are not touching equipment other than that which is permitted by activity staff.  Where required, pucks, cones, and other gear should be moved using sticks or a gloved hand.  On-ice staff need to move pucks, cones and gear with a sticks or a gloved hand 
 
7. Equipment which is intentionally in contact with a participant during training (e.g. bungee waist bands), must be sanitized prior to being used by another participant.
 
8. During all activities, coaching staff are to ensure physical distancing (maintaining a 6 foot or 2-meter distance between themselves and another person).  Staff members must stagger participant repetitions to further enhance physical distancing 
 
10. Staff members will send participants for their water breaks to ensure physical distancing. 
 
11. If a participant needs help with equipment or needs to leave the playing surface, coaching staff member or trainer is to guide them to exit the playing surface to see their parent/guardian. 
 
12. First aid: In case of a first aid situation, all staff members are to mask themselves and use gloves when they are within 6 feet of participants. Facility operations staff must be notified of any incident requiring first-aid. 
 
After 
1 Session Leads will indicate session end times to all participants. At the end of each session: 
 
a. Participants must STOP and maintain their distance from all others 
 
b. Coaching staff members will direct when and where participants are to exit the playing surface and must return to collect outdoor footwear and change (remove skates and helmet). 
 
2. Coaching staff members need to disinfect / wash their hands with soap between each ice session. 
 
3. At the end of their shift, coaching staff are to collect their belongings from the bench/dressing room and exit the building. They may not stay in the facility to observe additional activities or converse with other facility patrons or staff.  Coaching staff must sanitize their spot on the bench / in the dressing room prior to departure at the end of their shift 
 
4. It is highly recommended that staff will wash outer gear (tracksuit, gloves, etc) using hot water and soap following each use. It is also highly recommended that sticks, helmets, and any other personal items which have been used, be sanitized using a method appropriate for the items.
 
GGHA -Spectator Protocols
 
Before 
 
1. A maximum number of spectators per participant will be enforced.  The maximum number of spectators per participant is one. 
 
2. Any spectator displaying any COVID-19 symptoms (as outlined by public health at the time), or those who have returned from travel to another region (where the activity is not yet permitted)/province/country within the last 14 days, may not enter a Glengarry Sports Palace Arena.
 
Spectator will be screened upon entry (self-assessment or by a facility staff member) 
 
Spectators who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 will require a doctor’s note prior to being permitted inside the Glengarry Sports Palace Arena. 
 
3. There will be a single dedicated entrance and separate exit for all facility patrons (consult Facility protocols)
 
4. Facility access will be restricted to 10 minutes prior to scheduled start time. Do not attempt to enter the facility early. Access will be denied. Arrival should be between 10 and 15 minutes prior to start-time to ensure smooth access to approved areas. 
 
5. Spectators are asked to ensure they have used washrooms at home, as access to washrooms before, during, or after an activity will be highly restricted. 
 
6. Every spectator is asked to sanitize their hands & wear a mask prior to entering the facility (spectators must wear a mask for the entire time they are inside the Glengarry Sports Palace Arena) 
 
7. There will be a sanitized bench provided for each participant, which may or may not be inside a dressing room.  This area is off limits for spectators, with the exception of cases in which the participant absolutely requires assistance (ex. Tying skates for u9 & below). In this case, the person providing help must be from the same “bubble”. 
 
8. Spectators must adhere to physical distancing requirements at all times (maintaining a 6 foot or 2-meter distance between themselves and another person). 
 
9. Spectators must adhere to any additional safety guidelines issued by their association, facility and any governing body, or club/association.  
 
10. Spectators will be required to complete an acknowledgement of facility/program rules and a waiver in order to enter the facilities. 
 
During 
1. Spectators who are attending as a parent/guardian of a minor, must be available at all times during an activity.  Dedicated viewing areas will be assigned for spectators. These areas will ensure physical distancing.
 
For ice sports, these areas will be exclusively in the arenas, so spectators are encouraged to dress appropriately. 
 
After 
 
1. At the conclusion of the session, or when participants are otherwise directed to leave the playing surface, the spectators who are serving as the parent/guardian for a player who requires assistance, must immediately meet that player at their designated position in change area provided. This will be the same position where the player prepared before the activity. 
 
2. Spectators must maintain physical distancing at all times (maintaining a 6 foot or 2-meter distance between themselves and another person) and immediately leave the facility through dedicated exit (within 5 minutes). They may not remain in facility to observe additional activities or converse with other facility patrons. 
 
3. A parent who has a child in a subsequent ice session, must exit and re-enter to follow all pre-activity protocols for each. Exceptions may be made for small children who must be with their parent/guardian at all times.
 
GGHA- Staffing Protocols (Off-ice) 
 
Before 
1. Any off-ice staff member displaying any COVID-19 symptoms (as outlined by public health at the time), or those who have returned from travel to another region/province/country within the last 14 days, may not enter the Glengarry Sports Palace Arena
 
Off-ice staff will be screened upon entry (self-assessment or by another facility staff member)  
 
Any staff member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 will require a doctor’s note prior to being permitted inside a Sensplex facility. 
 
2. There will be a single dedicated entrance and separate exit for everyone (consult pre-activity information provided by your supervisor) 
 
3. Off-ice staff will be granted access to the building at their scheduled start time. 
 
4. Every off-ice staff is asked to sanitize their hands prior to entering the facility. It is also recommended that staff have their own hand sanitizer on them at all times to apply as necessary. 
 
5. Off-ice staff must wear a mask at all times in the Glengarry Sports Palace Arena. 
 
6. Off-ice staff must adhere to physical distancing requirements at all times (maintaining a 6 foot or 2-meter distance between themselves and another person). 
 
7. Off-ice staff are not permitted to share equipment or other items with others unless they are from the same household (e.g. pens, clipboards, sports equipment, etc.) 
 
8. Off-ice staff must adhere to any additional safety guidelines issued by their association, facility and any governing body, or club/association.  
 
9. Guidance will be given to off-ice staff on acceptable sign-in/sign-out methods 
 
During 
 
1. Off-ice staff must assist with the enforcement of all participant & spectator protocols. 
 
2. Off-ice staff must follow flow of traffic throughout building unless otherwise instructed by full-time staff. 
 
3. Off-ice staff must sanitize every 30-minutes or upon entering/exiting the ice surface/fieldhouse. 
 
4. Dedicated check-in stations may be assigned for each off-ice staff. These areas will ensure physical distancing.  Off-ice staff are encouraged to remain in these dedicated areas unless otherwise needed for programming requirements. 
 
5. In order to maintain physical distancing at all times, any material which is required to be given to a participant/parent or fellow staff member must be done by placing objects for pickup. 
 
6. Off-ice staff will assign participants to the designated dressing area prior to each session. 
 
7. First aid: In case of a first aid situation, all staff members are to mask themselves and use gloves when they are within 6 feet of participants. Facility operations staff must be notified of any incident requiring first-aid. 
 
After 
 
1. Off-ice staff must sanitize/clean any equipment used before returning it to its proper storage location or in before used by another individual/group. 
 
2. Off-ice staff must maintain physical distancing at all times (maintaining a 6 foot or 2-meter distance between themselves and another person) and immediately at the conclusion of their shift after checking out with their supervisor. They may not remain in the facility to observe additional activities or converse with other facility patrons/staff. 
 
3. It is highly recommended that all staff wash clothing using hot water and soap following each use, as well as any other personal items used. 
 
Additional Protocols
 
1. Any handouts must be pre-packaged by off-ice staff and delivered “curb side pickup” style when participants enter the building (I.e., use of additional table might be required to adhere to physical distancing requirements). 
 
2. Any forms collected must use a drop-box style collection method to adhere to physical distancing requirements. 
 
The Glengarry Sports Palace Arena -Facility protocol
 

• Anyone accessing the public areas in the facility will be required to wear a mask.
• Masks may be removed by the players only once they access the ice portion of the arena for their play time.
• 50 players on the ice (maximum allowed by OWHA is 30 participants)
• 50 spectators in the stands.
• Maximum 50 minor hockey players will arrive dressed except for skates which will be put on in the lobby.
• Strict entry and exit times have to be enforced in order to ensure that we can sanitize spaces for the next users (10 minutes prior to the game for access to the lobby and 10 minutes after in the stands to remove their skates and to exit through the middle south door after the game).
• No showers will be available at this time.
• The guidelines are as follows regarding the 50 player bubble (https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200364) and this information has been confirmed by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit:

5. Team sports may only be practised or played within the facility if they do not allow for physical contact between players or if they have been modified to avoid physical contact between the players.
6. Organized team sports that are practised or played by players in a league may only be practised or played within the facility if the league either,
i. contains no more than 50 players and does not permit its teams to play against teams outside of the league, or
ii. divides its teams into groups of 50 or fewer players and does not permit teams in different groups to play against one another or against teams outside of the league.