Minnesota Hockey has guidelines for how families, teams and associations should operate during the COVID-19 pandemic.  WBLAHA has also created a COVID-19 preparedness plans which includes steps to take when a player tests positive.  Below are some key points:

Families/Players

• Inform your team and/or association COVID 19 coordinator of a player testing positive, someone in their household testing positive or if you have been exposed to someone confirmed to have COVID-19.
• Follow the Minnesota Department of Health decision tree (found below) if you are having symptoms.
• Players should arrive to the arena fully dressed with the exception of skates (coming into the arena with skate guards on is ideal) and helmets. Exceptions may be made for goalies, who may need to put on additional equipment at the rink.
• Players should be bringing their own rehydration liquids to the rink in clearly marked or labeled containers with the player’s identity. The container should be re-sealable. Players should NOT plan on refilling their containers at the rink.
• Players need to maintain as much separation as possible during practices.
• Check arena policies for rules around spectators, masks and social distancing.

Teams/Coaches/Managers

• Designate a coach, manager, or volunteer who will be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns and will help coordinate with local health authorities and the association coordinator regarding positive COVID-19 cases.
• Coordinate with the association COVID-19 coordinator to notify all team members if a positive test is confirmed, while maintaining the person’s confidentiality in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Notify any opponents or teams that practiced with the infected play over the previous 14 days.
• Notify any opponents or teams scheduled to practice with the player’s team over the upcoming 14 days.
• Avoid using player benches during practices.
• Coaches should be keeping players active and engaged at all times. Players should not leave the ice during a practice unless absolutely necessary.
• Coaches must be wearing masks at all times before, during and after practice. Players are not required to wear masks while on the ice for team activities.
• Reduce contact between players as much as possible.
• There should be no pregame or postgame huddles or post goal gatherings on the ice.
• There should be no pregame or postgame handshakes. Teams should honor each other after the game with a stick salute.
• Keep a list of who was in attendance of all practices and games and ensure players are being screened for potential COVID symptoms, this is important if we need to notify players who may have been exposed. 
• Keep a roster with you at the rink with parent contact information in case of an emergency or use the “Group Me” app to communicate with parents.
• Encourage the team and families to check out arena policies regarding spectators, masks and social distancing.

References 

As stated previously, this document is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Associations must adhere to guidelines set by the CDC and MDH. The knowledge and circumstances around COVID-19 are changing constantly and, as such, Minnesota Hockey encourages all programs engaging in activities to stay up-to-date on future developments. Below are some additional resources for programs to reference.