Harry Howell Arena Protocols - 2020-21

As we get closer to puck drop, we want to make sure that the safety protocols for entry into City of Hamilton Arenas has shared.  Please review the below information and ensure that you and your player are adhering to these standards. 

Please remember that we are all working to familiarize ourselves with the new reality, and the volunteers helping to coach, train and organize are all faced with the same restrictions.   Let's all do our part to minimize disruption and conflict as we try to make sure the players get to play!  

Safety Ambassador

• Each team will be required to have a Safety Ambassador present and responsible for screening and enforcement of the City of Hamilton policies below. 
• The Safety Ambassador will be conducting player and team staff screening and contact tracing recording prior to entry into the facility.
• Any player or staff who has not completed the screening with the Safety Ambassador will not be permitted into the facility.

Face Masks

• Players must wear masks until the player on the ice
• Coaches, trainers and all team staff must wear masks when not on the ice
• All persons entering the building must adhere to the City of Hamilton's face covering By-Law (20-155)
• Masks must cover nose, mouth and chin without gapping. 

Screening

• Screening by the Safety Ambassador must be complete prior to entry for players and team staff.   
• Arena staff will provide screening for all others. 

Entry and Exit

• The main glass sliding doors will be inoperable. 

• Entry and exit will be controlled through one entry point at the southwest end of the building.  

• Meet at front door as a team 15 minutes before ice time (physically distancing of course)  and enter through that door.

• Upon entry, there will be two lanes to choose.  Once inside, veer toward the Rink your team is on (either A or B) and check in with safety ambassador

• Girls may come partially dressed and put the balance of their equipment and skates on inside the rubberized floor area at rinkside.  Hockey bags ARE allowed in the arena.  Skates can be worn in and out of arena with skate guards if you wish.

• You must leave building 10 minutes after your ice time is over.  You may get partially or fully undressed at rinkside as long as you are out of arena within the 10 minute time period.

• No food or drink (other than water) allowed.

• Dressing rooms are locked and off limits as are the players benches. 

• Penalty boxes are open and can be used if still physically distancing.

Spectators

• At this time the City is permitting only 1 guardian per participant under the age of 16 will be allowed to enter the facility, subject to screening by City staff upon entry.  This includes team staff and spectators.  
• A person must wear a face covering while in an establishment.
• Do not come to the rink if you answer yes to any of the following questions: 
  • Do you have a fever of 37.8C or higher or new onset or worsening of cough or difficulty breathing? 
  • Do you have any of the following unexplained minor symptoms: runny nose, sore throat, headache, muscle ache, nausea, ansomia (loss of smell), pink eye, nasal congestion, loss of taste, vomiting, chills, difficulty swallowing, unexplained fatique or diarrhea? 
  • In the past 14 days, have you returned from travel to any other locations outside of Canada? 
  • Has someone in your household, whom you have close contact with and not worn PPE, tested positive for COVID-19? 

• Please note: the second floor of the facility is off limits.  This includes the FGHA Office and the viewing area.  The upstairs will be gated, locked and strictly off limits.

Let's all do our part to make sure the players get to play.   We'll keep you updated as things evolve.