RAHA - COVID 19 COMMUNICATION
We are acutely aware of the potential for Covid-19 to return and cause a halt to our future programming. RAHA will strictly follow the guidelines set forth by USA Hockey, Connecticut Hockey Conference, The Winter Garden Ice Pavilion, State and Federal government. We understand the investment that families are being asked to take in committing to 2021/22 programming. Please see below how we plan to address any future cancellations.
If any of our 2021/22 seasons are postponed/cancelled due to Covid-19, we plan to temporarily pause our programming. Corresponding to this, any tuition payments not already made will be paused as well until ice time resumes. Expenses not incurred during the pause will be credited back at the resumption of programming (either as a reduction in remaining future payments owed or a credit towards future programming).
We will provide a Virtual Learning Program available on a self-directed basis (without coach support).
PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES
With regards to our regular practice times there are very specific rules we must follow to comply with the rink’s requirements, our own program requirements and USA Hockey requirements. These rules are ever changing and we will continue to adjust our programming accordingly.
In consultation with the state department of health, the CHC, in conjunction with the Connecticut Rink Owner’s Association (C.R.O.A.), requires that all individuals / participants must wear a mask or face covering at all times when inside a facility hosting CHC / USA Hockey sanctioned Events (practices, scrimmages, games, etc.) in the state of Connecticut, and inside facilities hosting CHC member programs.
The definition of participants is all players, coaches, on-ice officials, off-ice officials (scorekeepers & timekeepers), and spectators. The following penalties will be enforced by CHC for the 2021-2022 season:
First offense: $500
Second offense: $1,000
Third offense: $1,000 + disqualification from all CHC tournaments
CONTACT TRACING & QUARANTINE PERIOD
A person is considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna or 2 weeks after their single dose of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
CDC’s general guidance for identification of close contacts defines a contact as within 6 ft of an infected individual for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. However, this definition is intended for individuals interacting at a relative resting state (e.g., engaged in conversation, seated near each other, etc.). In cases where significant respiratory droplet generation and spread could reasonably be expected (e.g., with a cough or sneeze, aerobic activity, forced exhalation upon exertion, etc.), then 15 minutes of exposure is not needed to be considered a contact. In the case of ice hockey, given the highly aerobic nature of the activity, caution would dictate that anyone who may have come within “spitting distance” of a case during a practice or game should be considered a contact. Masks do not factor into CDC’s definition because it is not possible to verify consistent and correct use of masks during activities.
Individuals who are not fully vaccinated who are identified as a close contact of a known COVID-19 case quarantine away from sports for a full 14 days from the date of their last exposure to the case, or for 10 days with a negative test at day 8 or later. Even if players are allowed to return to school or other activities earlier than the timelines listed above, they should not return to hockey until 14 days or 10 days with a test.
Fully vaccinated individuals do not have to quarantine away from sports at all, as long as they do not have any symptoms. It is recommended that fully vaccinated individuals get tested between day 3-5 after their last exposure to a case and wear a mask when around others at all times until they receive a negative test result or for a full 14 days.
When someone becomes infected, that person must go into “isolation” (vs. contacts who go into quarantine). Isolation lasts for a full 10 days from the time symptoms started or the positive test was administered if the individual did not experience symptoms prior to the positive result.
RETURN TO PLAY
American Academy of Pediatrics 6 day Return to Play Information: After an infected player’s isolation period ends, they should confirm with their medical provider that they are cleared to return to athletic activities. Those players, in consultation with their medical provider or the team trainer/physician, should follow the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Return to Sports and Physical Activity guidance and procedures, including the multi-day progression of physical activity as indicated. A written note from the player's pediatrician is required to be presented to Return to Play.
There is no need for testing to be released from isolation (in fact, the person may continue to test positive for up to 90 days after they are infected, so testing is not recommended for people who have recently recovered from COVID-19).
CONCLUSION
We ask that you continue to follow the familiar steps below that are effective in preventing any further spread of this virus:
If you feel ill or have a fever, please stay home and do not attend practice or games.
Practice good hygiene by regularly washing your hands and using hand sanitizer.
Additionally, if you do test positive or feel you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, please stay home and contact Devon Myers (dmyers@ridgefieldhockey.org) so we can notify team members of the potential exposure to the virus.
We will closely monitor everything throughout the season and keep you all informed as information is available. Our goal is to continue to provide a safe hockey environment that our players can call home. As a club we will continue to focus on the growth and development of our players through these uncertain times. We look forward to continuing this journey with you all.
