PCMHA: Holiday Restrictions

PCMHA: Holiday Restriction Update from Hockey NS:

Good evening everyone,

Earlier today, the province announced updates to Public Health restrictions across Nova Scotia.

The current restrictions in areas of the Halifax Regional Municipality and Hants County, first put in place on Nov. 26, have been extended until 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 20.

As of 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 21 to 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 10, the following restriction will be put in place provincewide: sports practices, training and arts and culture rehearsals will be limited to 25 participants without physical distancing but games, tournaments and performances will not be permitted.

The good news is that all of our players will be allowed back on the ice.

While these restrictions are in effect, teams across Nova Scotia will be allowed to practice together.

These practices are limited to the coaches, team staff (trainer, team safety rep, manager, dressing room monitor, etc.) and the players on the official team roster registered with Hockey Nova Scotia. This group is limited to 25 people. It is up to each team to determine who will be in this group of 25. It is strongly recommended that this group remains consistent while these restrictions are in effect.

It is recommended that players and coaches who are registered on more than one team practice with only one team while these restrictions are in effect.

Groups that are larger than 25 (ex: a U7 team or two teams that share ice time) will need to adjust to meet these new restrictions.

Player are now permitted to cross health zones to practice with their teams. However, it is strongly recommended that stops along the way are limited. Players leaving their health zones to participate in a team practice should travel directly from their home to the facility and back.

We want to be clear: Teams are allowed to practice only.

This means that:

Teams are reminded that guidelines and rules may vary at each facility. As in the past, your team safety reps and league/association safety reps should confirm these guidelines (ex: hours of operation, when their team should enter the facility for practice, etc.) with the facilities that their teams will practice at.
 

We have been informed by the province that spectators are not permitted in the facility while these restrictions are in place.

While these restrictions are in effect, Hockey Nova Scotia-registered officials will not be assigned to any games or other on-ice activities.

Working together to finish the season strong

We are relieved by today’s announcement. We know that the last few weeks have been difficult, particularly for our members in the HRM and Hants County. We are pleased that all of our players across the province will be allowed to practice with their teammates during the holiday season. We know we are fortunate. Many of our friends across the country are not able to be on the ice at this time.

With that in mind, we ask you to please respect these restrictions. Do not look for loopholes. We need to do our part to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission by limiting our contacts. That is why it is important that we remain in team bubbles during the Christmas break.

We need to continue to follow the Rebound Plan and work together. By working together during these very important next few weeks, we can ensure that we finish the hockey season strong in the second half.

We all have a role to play. So for now, let’s practice.

Yours in hockey,

Arnie Farrell

President

Hockey Nova Scotia

Amy Walsh

Executive Director

Hockey Nova Scotia

Garreth MacDonald

Communications & Special Events Director

Hockey Nova Scotia

259 Commodore Drive

Dartmouth, NS, B3B 0M1

902.454.9400

hockeynovascotia.ca