ENSMHA Safety Plan (Erie North Shore Minor Hockey)

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COVID-19 Safety Plan

This Covid-19 Safety Plan will be considered an addendum to the existing safety plan in place for both the Harrow Arena (Town of Essex) and Kingsville Arena (Town of Kingsville).  All members of Erie North Shore Minor Hockey Association are expected to familiarize themselves with the information contained in all aforementioned documents.  This document will be reviewed as necessary as changes in protocols, policies and procedures may occur.

Disclaimer:


The Erie North Shore Minor Hockey Association (ENSMHA) has made all reasonable efforts to verify the information in this guide.  The ENSMHA is not responsible for any errors, omissions, misinterpretation or misuse of this guide.  The content and information provided in this guide was current at the time of publication.  Governing organizations (which include, but are not limited to Public Health, Ministry of Health, Town of Essex, Town of Kingsville, Ontario Minor Hockey Association, Hockey Canada) may have their own policies and guidelines in a pandemic outbreak which may supersede the information shared herein – please familiarize yourself with local plans and policies given by these governmental bodies as a final guideline for protocols and mandates.

The COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving situation – this plan will be reviewed regularly and changes made as required. Refer to the Ontario government’s COVID-19 website for up-to-date information.

 How will you ensure all members know how and are able to keep themselves safe from exposure to COVID-19?

Actions:

Share information as it is received from the towns regarding mandates in place at the arenas via email and posted on social media and website.

Circulate the latest updates on any new or changes to existing policies and procedures from OMHA/Hockey Canada.
Rely on leadership from the towns to provide signage within the facilities regarding social distancing, proper masking, proper hand hygiene; notify the towns if these things are missing.

Rely on guidance from the towns as to latest protocols and monitor any notices received from OMHA; communicate changes as they are received.

Require all coaching staff to complete the Covid training as mandated by OMHA.

Encourage coaching staff to conduct team meetings virtually.

Daily Covid screening required via the app posted on our website for all players/coaching staff.  Each team will assign a Covid Ambassador to check each player/staff prior to any team gathering to ensure compliance.

How will you screen for COVID-19?

Actions:

To monitor the health of our players, coaching staff, board members, and spectators, we will require completion of a question based screening via our online tool which is posted on our Website and Social Media accounts.

Up to date screening questions will be taken from the Ministry of Health website.

Each team will be assigned a Covid Ambassador who will be tasked with checking each player and member of the coaching staff for completion of the screening every time they enter the arena. 

 

*Please note that as of September 22, the arena/towns have mandated vaccines for entry – at this time we do not have the methods and will communicate to the membership as information is received.

*Please note that as of October 31st the verification of vaccination for those eligible participants who wish to participate in ENSMHA activities is required from OMHA.   As OMHA is our governing body we are bound to this stipulation.  As more information is received it will be released to our members.

 How will you control the risk of transmission?

Actions:

Adherence to arena protocols set by the respective towns regarding entry and exit points, amount of time allowed in the facility, and screening protocols.

Bench staff required to wear a mask at all times.

Masks in the change rooms are required – players may only remove their mask to put on their helmet and proceed to On-ice activities.

Players are encouraged to social distance.

Reliance on respective towns to maintain the cleanliness of the arenas.

Policy created to outline protocol for reporting risk of transmission and/or exposure; to be posted to our main website.

Coaches are required to complete a Covid safety training as part of completing their credentials.


What will you do if there is a potential case, or suspected exposure to, COVID-19 within your association?

Actions:

  • While at the arena:

Isolate suspected case within the change room; all other players are to exit the room.

Facemasks to be worn at all times.

Parent/Guardian to be contacted to immediately remove their child/ward from the arena.

Coach to report the incident to the DRMC using the Covid Exposure Form (found on the website under the Covid tab).

DRMC to notify the appropriate department head (i.e. VP Local League or VP Travel) and obtain list of possible participants exposed via the screening app.

Advise the parent/guardian of the player to have their player tested.

Take any further advice/action form the Public Health Unit if contacted/

  •  Receive notification of a positive test:

Follow direction as outlined in the Return to Hockey Framework.

How will you manage any new risks caused by changes to the way you operate?

Actions:

Establish check ins with coaches to ensure they are aware of the protocols – to be done at the coaches meeting held at the beginning of the season.

Review the Risk Management plan bi-monthly; update as necessary as changes occur.

New risk controls include the Covid screening provided by ENSMHA as well as upcoming screening for vaccines to be implemented by the towns with regards to use of the facilities.

Maintain clear and present communication with the membership regarding updates.


How will you make sure your plan is working?

Actions:

Maintain clear lines of communication with the towns.

Address any change quickly and post any changes to protocols or procedures as they arise.

Plan to be maintained by the Vice President Administration with oversight by the Association President. 

All reported incidents to be filed and maintained by the DRMC with oversight by the Vice President Administration and Association President.

Standing monthly agenda item.