Masks Mandatory
The SHA has implemented mandatory face coverings effective immediately.
The Saskatchewan Hockey Association’s face covering policy has been implemented for all members of minor hockey; including players, coaches, bench staff, on-ice officials, off-ice officials and parents / spectators. The policy will apply to all SHA membership until such a time that it has been deemed safe to remove this policy.
It is the intentions of SHA to have a consistent environment so when players, officials, coaches and spectators are headed to a rink, they will know what to expect.
Face Covering: Non-medical mask which covers the mouth and nose. The material can be cloth or other material). Please refer to the Government of Canada - How to safely use a non-medical mask or face covering for further instructions.
Players:
* Players must be properly wearing a face covering when entering the arenas and continue wearing their face covering until they reach the spot where they will finish getting their skates / equipment on (chair, bleacher, dressing room). Players must keep their face covering on until they put their helmet on to head to the ice surface;
* Players should promptly put their face covering back on once they get back to their spot and remove their helmet;
* Players should exercise physical distancing while entering and exiting arenas and while putting on their skates / equipment;
On-Ice Coaches:
* On-Ice Coaches must be properly wearing a face covering when entering the arenas and continue wearing their face covering until they reach the spot where they will put their skates on (chair, bleacher, dressing room). On-Ice Coaches must keep their face covering on until they put their helmet on to head to the ice surface;
* On-Ice Coaches are not required to wear a face covering while on the ice. They should have one on their person for any instances where they will need to be closer than six feet from a player or fellow coach (injury, equipment issue, etc.);
* On-Ice Coaches should promptly put their face covering back on once they get back to their spot and remove their helmet;
* On-Ice Coaches should exercise physical distancing while entering and exiting arenas and while putting on their skates;
Bench Coaches/Staff:
* Bench Coaches/Staff must be properly wearing a face covering when entering / exiting the arenas and continue properly wearing their face covering at all times - including while on the bench during games;
* Bench Coaches/Staff should exercise physical distancing while entering and exiting arenas; On-Ice Officials:
* On-Ice Officials must be properly wearing a face covering when entering the arenas and continue wearing their face covering until they reach the spot where they will put their skates on. On-Ice Officials must keep their face covering on until they put their helmet on before heading onto the ice surface;
* On-Ice Officials are not required to wear a face covering while on the ice;
* On-Ice Officials should promptly put their face covering back on once they get back to their spot
and remove their helmet;
* On-Ice Officials should exercise physical distancing while entering and exiting arenas and while putting on their skates;
Off-Ice Officials (timekeepers / scorekeepers):
* Off-Ice Officials must be properly wearing a face covering when entering / exiting the arenas and continue properly wearing their face covering at all times - including while working in the timekeeper's box / area;
* Off-Ice Officials physical distancing should be exercised in the timekeeper's box as much as possible;
* Off-Ice Officials should exercise physical distancing while entering and exiting arenas; Parents / Spectators:
* Parents / Spectators must be properly wearing a face covering when entering / exiting the arenas and continue properly wearing their face covering at all times;
* Parents / Spectators should exercise physical distancing while entering and exiting the arenas and while sitting or standing inside the arena;
All teams will be required to have a Covid-19 Communications Representative that will be responsible for keeping their teams informed of all applicable protocols and other pertinent information that comes out as the season progresses.
If SHA is made aware of any teams not complying with the face covering Policy, it will work with the local Minor Hockey Association of the team to ensure that all teams adhere. If a team refuses to comply, sanctions may include the removal of ice time / suspensions to team officials.
