Re-opening rinks with social distancing

[overedge]

Is there something you can cite that shows that rinks are not allowed to be open or is that just an interpretation? I think a lot of things regarding closure of certain types of facilities are vague and could be interpreted different ways.

I know of several indoor sports complexes in my area that were legally able to open for planned and controlled events like sports camps, but not to the public. Is there A reason why a team practice at a rink would be different assuming the rink is not open to the public and is following the same guidelines as an indoor sports camp?

Earlier in the thread there were several examples of rinks in the US and Canada that are not allowed to be open, either because of restrictions on the number of people that can gather at once, regional health directives around sport facilities, or because the rink is part of a civic/municipal facility that the city/municipality has decided not to open.

 

[Kiki80]

Earlier in the thread there were several examples of rinks in the US and Canada that are not allowed to be open, either because of restrictions on the number of people that can gather at once, regional health directives around sport facilities, or because the rink is part of a civic/municipal facility that the city/municipality has decided not to open.

I was more thinking about an actual law or a part of an emergency declaration that specifically says rinks can't be open right now. I think the post I commented on specifically referenced Pennsylvania. That post implies that people were breaking the law and I was wondering how they arrived at that conclusion.

I do agree that the limited # of people allowed to be together (In Pennsylvania it's 25) would be prohibitive for team practices over that number of people. But Pennsylvania is allowing sports camps both indoor and outdoor sports that are under 25 people so long as they follow certain procedures. That's now effective state wide.

Maybe I'm missing it but I'm struggling with how an open rink conducting a hockey camp within the guidelines is breaking the law. But I find these things fascinating because in reality there is no right or wrong answer unless a written law actually says, in plain language that rinks are not legally allowed to be open. That's the thing about laws and emergency orders, even the most detailed document will have areas that are left up to interpretation.

 

[Debbie S]

I was more thinking about an actual law or a part of an emergency declaration that specifically says rinks can't be open right now.

In Maryland, the governor's order specifically listed ice (and roller) rinks under the category of facilities that were not allowed to open. I assume most other states with SAH orders spelled out similar directives.

Our gov announced today that "indoor fitness facilities", which include ice rinks, can open on June 19 at 50% capacity. Area rinks have since posted that they will not be opening exactly on that date - they need to make the ice (had melted down during closure) and prepare/train for the regulations. I imagine skaters will have to make advance reservations and pay ahead of time. Someone on FB asked if that rink would require masks and the response was that they haven't determined that yet.

I suspect the counties bordering DC, which have been the hardest-hit, will likely not move to the next step just yet. They just started phase 1.

 

[overedge]

When legislators are putting together policy or guidelines about what can or can't be open, they are probably focusing on places that attract a lot of customers or foot traffic, like malls, schools, etc. If they think about recreational facilities, they're probably mostly thinking about gyms/fitness centres and pools. Ice rinks probably get fewer people coming in throughout the day than either of those, and if you don't skate or play hockey yourself, or know someone who does, you probably wouldn't think of ice rinks as a place where people train or compete.

I also wouldn't be surprised if ice rinks get overlooked because legislators or public health officials don't know they're open right now. When I tell people that I skate in the spring and summer, a lot of people are surprised because they don't realize that rinks are open when it isn't wintertime.

 

[MacMadame]

In CA, all of the regulations are being written with input from the industries involved so no one is being forgotten. Anyone from any industry can add their input, in fact. You don't have to officially be on a committee.

 

[overedge]

In CA, all of the regulations are being written with input from the industries involved so no one is being forgotten. Anyone from any industry can add their input, in fact. You don't have to officially be on a committee.

Good for California, but that may not be happening everywhere.

And there's no guarantee that the input is going to be followed. I'm sure that private businesses like gyms and fitness centres would love to be open at full capacity, but even if their owners ask for that to happen, the public health officials may decide it's not safe.

 

[Rollersk8Icesk8]

If you are not comfortable dropping your child off at the rink due to said virus, other illnesses, adolescence responsibility, or risk of abuse and/or SafeSport violation, no one is making you - - by all means, keep your child home. I never understand why people feel the need to control others, especially when the control is out of your hands. Take control of what you can control - - if you are not comfortable with rink owner’s decisions to operate, then don’t participate and don’t give them your money. IMO

 

[spinZZ]

In Maryland, the governor's order specifically listed ice (and roller) rinks under the category of facilities that were not allowed to open. I assume most other states with SAH orders spelled out similar directives.

The NJ list doesn't specifically address ice rinks (https://*********.nj.gov/faqs/nj-in...esses-are-closed-what-is-considered-essential). The list explicitly states which businesses are allowed to open (ice rinks not included in Stage 1 and Stage 2 so far). The list also explicitly states which businesses are required to close. I'm assuming that ice rinks fall into the broad category of recreational and entertainment businesses:


"Apart from the exceptions described above, other recreational and entertainment businesses must close, including:

• Casino gaming floors, including retail sports wagering lounges, and casino concert and entertainment venues;
• Gyms and fitness centers and classes;
• Entertainment centers, including but not limited to, movie theaters, performing arts centers, other concert venues, and nightclubs;
• All indoor portions of retail shopping malls. Restaurants and other stores located within shopping malls that have their own external entrances open to the public may continue offering only food delivery and/or take-out services.
• All indoor places of public amusement, including but not limited to, locations with amusement parks, water parks, aquariums, zoos, arcades, fairs, children's play centers, funplexes, theme parks, bowling alleys, family and children's attractions. Outdoor amusement parks, water parks, and arcades remain closed as well."

Odd that bowling alleys are specifically called out. As more businesses are allowed to open, it may then make a difference whether ice rinks are considered "fitness centers" or "indoor places of public amusement" or a subcategory unto themselves. That said, a coach I spoke to a couple of days ago told me one rink in my area has re-opened on the QT. But I'm not that anxious to return to the ice; who knows what other rules they're breaking? (Besides, it's not a rink I've ever gone to.)

 

[Kiki80]

If you are not comfortable dropping your child off at the rink due to said *****, other illnesses, adolescence responsibility, or risk of abuse and/or SafeSport violation, no one is making you - - by all means, keep your child home. I never understand why people feel the need to control others, especially when the control is out of your hands. Take control of what you can control - - if you are not comfortable with rink owner’s decisions to operate, then don’t participate and don’t give them your money. IMO

If someone wants to use "it wasn't clear" as a defense, that's up to them. Attorneys make a ton of money all day long trying to defend people who thought they were following the law -- or outright knew they weren't and are trying to game some system -- and a lot of those people end up paying big fines or worse anyway.

Doing our due diligence when confronted with "vague" outlines of the order, our skating club called both the PA Department of Health and the Department of Community and Economic Development and both told us that no, absolutely under no circumstances were ice skating rinks allowed to be open in yellow phase and that rinks or clubs who were mislabeling activities such as freestyle ice or hockey practices as "camps" were not following the governor's orders; that summer camps are camps for children primarily serving as childcare for parents so parents could return to work, would have been advertised as such over time and not just a slapped on label to find some loophole in the rules. The PA Department of Health then put all that in writing for us. Should we have to have done that? Maybe not. But I'm proud of our club leadership for getting it right for our skaters.

If I were a club with insured coaches, coaches who are part of organizations that trusts its adult members to act ethically and with children's best interest as a focus (as per Safe Sport) or a rink owner who could be held legally liable, I wouldn't dare to interpret the order myself. I'd call a lawyer and pay them. I would never "beg forgiveness instead of ask for permission" as I know a few youth sports clubs are hoping to do if they get caught. As a parent, I'd pull my kid from such a club immediately. If a club's leadership is being "sneaky" about this, I don't trust them to be diligent and ethical when following other such youth sports guidelines such as Safe Sport or concussion protocols.

Some sports facilities may have received waivers. I don't know. If you're asking me my personal thoughts on why summer camps can legally run but not team practices, first I'd point to the original intention of the summer camp order: to provide childcare for parents who need to go back to work. Second, most municipal summer camps have way more regulatory oversight than a youth sports club (as has been proven by the fact that many youth sports clubs are "sneaking" around). Third, a summer camp is for a limited number of children and offers ease of contact tracing as opposed to a rink where umpteen teams and athletes from who knows where are traipsing in and out all day long.

It was just a question. Sorry for asking. Wasn't making any suggestion either way as to the correct answer but clearly I've hit a nerve.

 

[ZilphaK]

It was just a question. Sorry for asking. Wasn't making any suggestion either way as to the correct answer but clearly I've hit a nerve.

Yup. It's a nerve more people should have. Especially people involved in youth sports.

And to respond to the "If you're not comfortable dropping your child off at the rink...." opinion, I'd say this:

It is never OK for some children to be put in harm's way via sexual abuse or hazing or disease or injury because their adult guardians are OK with some vague "gut feeling" about whether or not the adults in charge are nice people.

That's not the way guardianship of minors works, individually or as a society. Adults including parents make bad decisions for their kids all the time, and rules are put in place to protect those children. This isn't about choosing to "live in fear" or personally assessing risk. There is a line that's drawn around children to protect them in spite of a parent's ability or lack of ability to assess risk. That's a good thing.

I see a lot of new people here. Welcome. If you ask a question here, you'll generally get an answer and one that draws from the extended discussion.

ETA and FYI: I'm going to go ballistic in any discussion about traumatic brain injury in youth sports, as well. Fair warning.

 

[ZilphaK]

https://tinyurl.com/ybhf5fv2

Ashburn Ice House Phase 2 opening protocols

Of note for freestyle:

There will be a maximum of 15 Skaters and 5 coaches on any given session.

Looks good, but again, my opinion is that any minors on freestyle should be there only under the supervision of their coach, whether or not they are in a lesson. I know skaters are kinda/sorta good about following normal freestyle rules, but sometimes not (as we all know). Not all rinks have ice monitors or even two adults with Safe Sport on the ice at all times. I know it's up to the rink to provide that protection or not, but with community health more widely at risk due to personal choices/actions, and with parents not allowed in the rink, it seems like there should be one more added level of protection for kids.

I don't see any specific waivers here that need to be signed.

 

[Rollersk8Icesk8]

I feel like this is the discussion of “to vaccinate or not vaccinate”.

there are positive points and negative points to both side of the discussion, but as a parent, you need to make the choices that you and your family are comfortable with.

kudus to your club for reaching out to the powers that be to obtain clarification on your state’s rules. If others are not abiding, then so be it; your family won’t be negatively impacted. I would have concerns though that you would be in an organization where you don’t trust the coaches or those actually on the ice. My kids are in organizations where I have personally known the coaches and administrators for over 20years. I realize not every one can have that but you should still be in a club where you do trust the adults to make decisions in the best interest of your kids - and get out if you do not.

And for one last point, parents dropping kids off at the rink has been a common event for as long as I’ve known - right, wrong, or indifferent, it’s gone on for years before our time - I don’t see how this is much different.

Again, I fully believe everyone is entitled to their opinion and for doing what they believe is best for their own family. This is in no way knock to anyone doing what they feel is best - staying home, going out, vaccinating, or no vaccines

it’s great to have heathy discussions in places such as these message boards and to share information about a sport we all love. hopefully our sport will come back even stronger in the year to come. ⛸⛸

 

[MacMadame]

Good for California, but that may not be happening everywhere.

And there's no guarantee that the input is going to be followed. I'm sure that private businesses like gyms and fitness centres would love to be open at full capacity, but even if their owners ask for that to happen, the public health officials may decide it's not safe.

I can only talk about CA because who has time to investigate and memorize every rule for all 50 states especially if you don't live or work there.

However, I find it bizarre to think that rink owners are just sitting around hoping their local and state public health offices will think of them. I am sure they are at least asking them questions and often actively working with them just like @Jozet and her club are.

 

[bladesofgorey]

Good god yes it does seem to be the same mindset as the anti-vaxxers when it comes to the health and well being of not only their own children but others around them and the rest of society. Thanks for making that so clear.

 

[Kiki80]

1. Vaccinate your kids unless they have a medical condition which makes it unsafe to do so. End of debate.
2. Many children have been abused by trusted adults people have known personally for many years. People say, "I would have never suspected" all the time. That's why we have rules in place in youth sports.
3. Opening a rink and participating in sports against the governor's order by definition makes the adults in charge no longer trustworthy.
4. Doing what is best for your own family stops at breaking the law or not following rules in place to protect children.
5. Just because something has happened for years "right, wrong or indifferent" doesn't mean it should continue. Follow: #blacklivesmatter and #metoo hashtags.
6. During a pandoomic, people who don't follow the rules do negatively impact others. That's the whole reason for the lockdowns.

Done.

I feel like this is the discussion of “to vaccinate or not vaccinate”.

there are positive points and negative points to both side of the discussion, but as a parent, you need to make the choices that you and your family are comfortable with.

kudus to your club for reaching out to the powers that be to obtain clarification on your state’s rules. If others are not abiding, then so be it; your family won’t be negatively impacted. I would have concerns though that you would be in an organization where you don’t trust the coaches or those actually on the ice. My kids are in organizations where I have personally known the coaches and administrators for over 20years. I realize not every one can have that but you should still be in a club where you do trust the adults to make decisions in the best interest of your kids - and get out if you do not.

And for one last point, parents dropping kids off at the rink has been a common event for as long as I’ve known - right, wrong, or indifferent, it’s gone on for years before our time - I don’t see how this is much different.

Again, I fully believe everyone is entitled to their opinion and for doing what they believe is best for their own family. This is in no way knock to anyone doing what they feel is best - staying home, going out, vaccinating, or no vaccines

it’s great to have heathy discussions in places such as these message boards and to share information about a sport we all love. hopefully our sport will come back even stronger in the year to come. ⛸❤⛸

I think this is a no-win situation

1. Vaccinate your kids unless they have a medical condition which makes it unsafe to do so. End of debate.
2. Many children have been abused by trusted adults people have known personally for many years. People say, "I would have never suspected" all the time. That's why we have rules in place in youth sports.
3. Opening a rink and participating in sports against the governor's order by definition makes the adults in charge no longer trustworthy.
4. Doing what is best for your own family stops at breaking the law or not following rules in place to protect children.
5. Just because something has happened for years "right, wrong or indifferent" doesn't mean it should continue. Follow: #blacklivesmatter and #metoo hashtags.
6. During a pandoomic, people who don't follow the rules do negatively impact others. That's the whole reason for the lockdowns.

Done.

@Rollersk8Icesk8 I think this is a no-win situation. There can't be healthy debate or discussion when people have the mindset that their position is the "end of debate".

I agree with a lot of points you made, especially when you said there can be positives and negatives of multiple positions. That has always been my stance as well. I can have what I believe is right and still be open to the views of others even if I don't agree at all. If we all infer positive intent from others rather than think anyone who doesn't agree with us is shady, dumb or irresponsible (all words I've seen used in reference to parents on this thread) we'll all be in a better place as people, or at least I think so.

As a parent who is newer to this sport I was truly interested in this discussion, the laws and what others thought but I think that I learned the hard way that won't happen here. I wish I had never asked a simple question as my first interaction here.

 

[overedge]

I think we all know skating parents for whom "doing the right thing for your family" means taking your kid to the rink no matter what. And right now that could include taking your kid to the rink even if they have the v*r*s or may have been in contact with someone who has the v*r*s.

If a parent does bring their kid to the rink when they shouldn't, they are irresponsible and I'm going to call them that.

If I didn't trust my club's coaches and the club and facility administrators, I'd be skating somewhere else. But I have no way of knowing how seriously other skaters and their families are following the public health guidelines. That raises the risk of transmission.

 

[VGThuy]

Why? Because the answer wasn't what you wanted to hear? Re: vaccination. I hate the attitude that it HAS to be the parents' choice as if the parents' choice is always what's best for the child. A child is not your little toy robot to experiment with and who has to parrot everything you value. Not vaccinating them outside a true and compelling medical concern and/or putting their and others' health at risk isn't being done for the "best of the child" but for the ego of the adult who is supposed to be looking out for the best interest of their child (who isn't a mini version of the parent).

 

[Kiki80]

I think we all know skating parents for whom "doing the right thing for your family" means taking your kid to the rink no matter what. And right now that could include taking your kid to the rink even if they have the v*r*s or may have been in contact with someone who has the v*r*s.

And yes, if a parent does bring their kid to the rink when they shouldn't, they are irresponsible and I'm going to call them that.

If I didn't trust my club's coaches and the club and facility administrators, I'd be skating somewhere else. But I have no way of knowing how seriously other skaters and their families are following the public health guidelines. That raises the risk of transmission.

I agree with every single thing you said. Yes there will be people who will take their kid to any sporting activity no matter what and yes it is responsible to take a symptomatic child or one who even may have been exposed. And I also agree that if you (you generally not personally) can't trust the coaches on a basic level, you should absolutely skate elsewhere.

 

[overedge]

I agree with every single thing you said. Yes there will be people who will take their kid to any sporting activity no matter what and yes it is responsible to take a symptomatic child or one who even may have been exposed. And I also agree that if you (you generally not personally) can't trust the coaches on a basic level, you should absolutely skate elsewhere.

I think it's worth remembering though that not everyone has the option to skate somewhere else. Transportation, scheduling, cost, and the skater's qualifications may restrict where a skater can participate. Not everyone can move to another rink if their own rink isn't being run safely .

 

[GarrAargHrumph]

I think it's worth remembering though that not everyone has the option to skate somewhere else. Transportation, scheduling, cost, and the skater's qualifications may restrict where a skater can participate. Not everyone can move to another rink if their own rink isn't being run safely .

The option then would be not to skate.

To me as a parent, if I didn't feel that my rink was operating as safely as possible, then the choice I'd make really is to not skate; at least not yet.

 

[Yazmeen]

I was more thinking about an actual law or a part of an emergency declaration that specifically says rinks can't be open right now. I think the post I commented on specifically referenced Pennsylvania. That post implies that people were breaking the law and I was wondering how they arrived at that conclusion.

I live in one of the areas in PA that is currently in "yellow phase" of reopening. In this phase, "INDOOR RECREATION, Health and Wellness Facilities and Personal Care Services (such as gyms, spas, hair salons, nail salons and other entities that provide massage therapy), and all Entertainment (such as casinos, theaters) REMAIN CLOSED."

I can tell you that skating rinks in my county and in another still in the yellow phase have reopened illegally. Hell, the one closest to me started "hockey camps" this past Monday. I don't care what precautions they take or limitations on number of skaters there are, THEY ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE OPEN. PERIOD. Pardon me if I sound cranky, but is this clear enough for you?

 

[overedge]

The option then would be not to skate.

To me as a parent, if I didn't feel that my rink was operating as safely as possible, then the choice I'd make really is to not skate; at least not yet.

Absolutely. I was just trying to point out that skating somewhere else may not be feasible for people who are not happy with how their rink is being run. I think that sometimes skaters who have easy access to multiple rinks - not anyone specific in this thread, just generally - forget that's not the same for everyone.

 

[Kiki80]

I live in one of the areas in PA that is currently in "yellow phase" of reopening. In this phase, "INDOOR RECREATION, Health and Wellness Facilities and Personal Care Services (such as gyms, spas, hair salons, nail salons and other entities that provide massage therapy), and all Entertainment (such as casinos, theaters) REMAIN CLOSED."

I can tell you that skating rinks in my county and in another still in the yellow phase have reopened illegally. Hell, the one closest to me started "hockey camps" this past Monday. I don't care what precautions they take or limitations on number of skaters there are, THEY ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE OPEN. PERIOD. Pardon me if I sound cranky, but is this clear enough for you?

Loud and clear. Just one important piece of info missing. That's closed to the public. Sports camps, under certain guidelines are allowed at indoor recreational facilities in yellow. I was curious so I went out and did some research. A camp does not have to be just for child care purposes and can be focused on one activity such as a sport or art. It can be for a certain number of hours per day or on a drop in basis. Indoor and outdoor recreational facilities can be used by camps operating under those guidelines.

Don't misunderstand, I think you are entitled to your opinion as to whether this should be allowed or not, but I respectfully disagree with your statement that they cannot legally be open PERIOD

I live in one of the areas in PA that is currently in "yellow phase" of reopening. In this phase, "INDOOR RECREATION, Health and Wellness Facilities and Personal Care Services (such as gyms, spas, hair salons, nail salons and other entities that provide massage therapy), and all Entertainment (such as casinos, theaters) REMAIN CLOSED."

I can tell you that skating rinks in my county and in another still in the yellow phase have reopened illegally. Hell, the one closest to me started "hockey camps" this past Monday. I don't care what precautions they take or limitations on number of skaters there are, THEY ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE OPEN. PERIOD. Pardon me if I sound cranky, but is this clear enough for you?

Yes, absolutely clear enough for my clearly simple mind. Happy now? I'm out.

 

[Aussie Willy]

I would have thought that when something is closed, that means it is totally closed. No negotiation or interpretation. And that is the law. There should be no exceptions.

 

[Yazmeen]

I would have thought that when something is closed, that means it is totally closed. No negotiation or interpretation. And that is the law. There should be no exceptions.

What @Kiki80 is not making clear, is that yes, some "sports camps" in PA can be open in yellow phase. These apply to DAY CAMPS - for example, the scuba diving shop my husband and I frequent is allowed to restart junior scuba lessons in the pool at the day camp they are usually held at because these day camps with primarily outdoor activities are allowed to be open in yellow phase.

Maybe this will help @Kiki80 understand this more clearly - a message from the Lancaster PA Ice Rink: "With Lancaster County now in the "Yellow" phase of re-opening from the COVID-19 government enforced shutdown, many are asking when the Lancaster Ice Rink (LIR) will open. Ice rinks are considered INDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES and as such are not allowed to re-open until the "Green" phase. Therefore, LIR can not re-open until Lancaster County is moved to the "Green" phase." https://www.lancastericerink.org/

I apologize for my crabby attitude here, but I'm tired of seeing people trying to twist and bend the regulations to fit what they want to see or hear. An ice skating rink does NOT function primarily as a day camp even if it holds "sports camps" as part of its programs. Ice skating rinks in PA are not supposed to open until the green phase, but more than a few of them are doing it. And they are doing it because there is no state-set penalty for going after them if they do. If the township wants to look the other way, that is what will happen. If a parent wants to put their child or themselves at risk, that's their decision. But don't start telling me that the PA rinks are allowed to open in the yellow phase of reopening regardless of whatever damn "camps" they are trying to use as an excuse (the rink I mentioned is selling what are really just individual hockey skills/sticks and pucks classes as a "camp" likely thinking that provides an excuse to hold these sessions). The rinks are supposed to remain closed until they are moved to the green phase of reopening in PA.

 

[Aussie Willy]

It has been my experience over the years that when it comes to health and safety, rinks have an appalling understanding of what that entails.

 

[MacMadame]

It can be for a certain number of hours per day or on a drop in basis.

I am skeptical of this. Every order I have seen says the camp has to be a small group of kids who stay together for the entire duration of the camp. (3 weeks minimum here in CA.)

 

[spinZZ]

I would have thought that when something is closed, that means it is totally closed. No negotiation or interpretation. And that is the law. There should be no exceptions.

Bit-by-bit regulations are being eroded by political pressure, particularly in the wake of protest marches. Even if protestors violate public health regulations, no official has the will to crackdown on them. In the US, NJ has been second only to NY in being the hardest hit state. Gov. Murphy has been fairly tough, but he himself joined a march, violating his own executive order ... and afterwards he just passed special exemptions for protest marches and religious services. Gov. Cuomo of NY has also been fairly tough, but has skirted the issue of large crowds of protestors (other than asking all protestors to get tested). So of course many businesses are legitimately complaining that, hey, why is it OK for thousands of protestors to pack in like sardines, but it is not OK for businesses to re-open. That question elicits a lot of hemming and hawing from the govs at press conferences.

 

[Aussie Willy]

Bit-by-bit regulations are being eroded by political pressure, particularly in the wake of protest marches. Even if protestors violate public health regulations, no official has the will to crackdown on them. In the US, NJ has been second only to NY in being the hardest hit state. Gov. Murphy has been fairly tough, but he himself joined a march, violating his own executive order ... and afterwards he just passed special exemptions for protest marches and religious services. Gov. Cuomo of NY has also been fairly tough, but has skirted the issue of large crowds of protestors (other than asking all protestors to get tested). So of course many businesses are legitimately complaining that, hey, why is it OK for thousands of protestors to pack in like sardines, but it is not OK for businesses to re-open. That question elicits a lot of hemming and hawing from the govs at press conferences.

We have been fortunate that in Australia things are reasonably under control. Where I live in Tasmania we only have two active cases in the whole state and things are pretty much getting back to normal.

But until the protests on the weekend here people have been very good.

 

[Theoreticalgirl]

PSCHS (Ardmore, PA) announced their plans for when they reopen. No set date for reopening, as MontCo is not cleared yet. Seems pretty comparable to what everyone else is doing.

In a nutshell:

• Required release detailing travel, illness, exposure, etc.
• Temperature check.
• Skaters, coaches, club staff only permitted in building.
• Only permitted to enter club 5 minutes before session, must exit 5 minutes after. Lacing to be done outside.
• Time set aside for deep cleaning, continuous cleaning of surfaces.
• Masks required inside club; they are optional on the ice.
• Inside benches will be taped off for belongings. You leave, your stuff leaves with you.
• 1 person at music station at a time.
• BYO tissues, no complimentary shared box.
• Coaches must wear masks and instruct from taped off assigned spaces. Additional release to be signed for on-ice instruction.
• "All skaters should do their best to stay distanced from other skaters while on the ice"
• Partnering is at your own risk.
• Sessions will require advance booking online, in a system that will be overseen by Skating Director and coaches (TBD).

It's unclear how many people will be allowed on the ice, and how they will decide who gets what ice time if specific sessions are in high demand (does not explicitly state "first come first served," so...). Nice to see evening ice time is still available.

Cost of ice time went up: $20 for members, $25 for non-members.

As I've said before, I'm staying off until 2021.