With the start of the 2021/2022 hockey season, it’s tough to ignore the continued challenges and risks that are all around us with increasing COVID rates. While we’re thankful that we are able to play with little or no restrictions at this point, we do appreciate that these are still difficult times for many.
Our ability to keep players and coaches on the ice doing what they love will take effort from all of us, so we wanted to share a few reminders with you.
We're asking parents to help us do the right thing to ensure we do our part to reduce to risk of spread. Here are some examples of things we can do to help, but I'm sure there are others:
If any TCS participant (player or coach) or a member of their household (parent, child, sibling, etc.):
- Is showing any signs of COVID-19 symptoms, please DO NOT attend any TCS events
- Is awaiting COVID-19 test results, please DO NOT attend any TCS events
- Received a positive test result for COVID-19, please DO NOT attend any TCS events.
- Is considered close contact of someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (as outlined below), please DO NOT attend any TCS events
In order for players/coaches to return to the ice following a positive test result for COVID-19 or being identified as a close contact, TCS will be following all current standards set by our local board of health and CDC as it relates to quarantine and testing. We have included the links below with the current information for your reference.
Example 1: If a player or coach tests positive for COVID-19 and they were with the team during the 2 days prior to symptoms or the test being administered, the team would be pulled from the ice. Coaches/players may return to the ice on Day 8 by following the testing requirements or Day 11 without testing. If players/coach are considered close contact but are vaccinated, they may be able to continue skating, but masks will be required until Day 8.
Example 2: If a player or coach has been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive, then that player would be be quarantined and unable to return to the ice until Day 8 when following the testing requirements or Day 11 without testing. If players/coach are considered close contact but are vaccinated, they may be able to continue skating, but masks will be required until Day 8.
These are just meant to be examples, as the guidance around COVID will likely continue to change. Each situation is reviewed and the appropriate guidance will be given at that time.
Per the CDC, masks are recommended for all unvaccinated individuals when indoors, but they are not (currently) required by the state. Some towns have elected to require them indoors, so please pay attention to the rules at all rinks your skater will be at. Here is a link with rink specific protocols.
If a player or coach tests positive or is considered a close contact to someone who has, it’s important that you reach out to Susie Campbell (Call/text 781-775-5525 or susies541@gmail.com) as soon as you receive the information. She will work to outline any required quarantine from hockey and close contact impact to the team through contact tracing. Close contact is generally defined as being within 6 feet of a person who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.
We understand that each town, school and business may have their own set of policies and procedures as it relates to quarantine, testing and return to normal activity, and those may differ from the information that is shared through TCS. As we navigate this season, we kindly ask you to be patient, kind and understanding with us because I know it won’t be easy. Our organization is run entirely by volunteers who have each player and their families’ best interests in mind - and health and safety are our number one concern.
If you have any questions or would like to get more involved with the board as our COVID-19 Safety Director, please reach out to Susie Campbell via phone or email (Call/text 781-775-5525 or susies541@gmail.com).
We truly appreciate your help with this.
Thank you in advance,
TCS Board
