Welcome everyone to 2022!

 

Along with the new year comes a lot of questions due to rising Covid cases. While BC schools are delaying the restart of school, we know that Dr Henry kept sports going in the past when schools transitioned to online learning. BMHA therefore continues to look to the Provincial Health Authorities to determine the balance of physical and mental health benefits of youth sports. In addition, there is no further direction from VisSport, BC or Pacific Coast Hockey beyond that of the PHOs at this time. Where some Associations have high concerns or numbers of Covid cases, and or teams have been shut down by Health Authorities, those Associations may pause games for a period of time. Please continue to be in touch with other Associations to verify if games are proceeding or not. BMHA will continue with games until further notice.

 

BMHA is not adding any new protocols at the moment.  (Please refer to https://www.burnabyminor.com/bmha-protocols-updated-oct-29-21/ for the current protocols.)

 

However, there are additional recommendations that we ask teams and families to consider:

 

  • Additional vigilance from families to stay home even with seemingly minor symptoms
  • Reduce pre-game/practice arrival times
  • Mask up for the maximum possible time in dressing rooms.
  • Minimize the amount of time together in confined spaces (dressing rooms)
  • Conduct pre-game coach talks, with players on the ice and coaches speaking from the bench.
  • Coaches and team officials to give players and families latitude if unable to attend due to illness or concern of potential illness
  • Where possible players enter rink already dressed and/or tie up skates in the lobby, when possible, to enable further distancing
  • Minimize spectators to one person per player
  • For our youngest players who just became eligible for vaccination this fall and may only have one dose so far, please consider all of the above
  • If your player tests positive, your family’s privacy will be maintained. We ask that you advise BMHA privately and confidentially by emailing covidcomm@burnabyminor.com. The information will be used to identify where there is an increased risk of exposure for a particular team with multiple reported cases. You may also choose to share your positive test result with the team if you wish.

 

For any questions, please consult with team officials first. If they do not have access to an answer, they can then escalate questions through higher levels of the Association. Please allow time for responses as BMHA is a volunteer run association.

 

Thank you.

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