Ice Sports Victoria November COVID-Safe Plan
COVIDSafe Plan
Ice Sports Victoria
Office Address: O’Brien Icehouse, Pearl River Road, Docklands, Victoria
President: Pam Cavanagh
Contact Email: president@icesportsvictoria.org.au
Contact Mobile Number: 0402 479 254
Version: 1.5 (31st October 2021)
The Acting CEO, William Younger, is responsible for this document
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 4
2. Key Principles 4
3. Responsibilities under this Plan 5
4. Return to Sport Arrangements 5
4.1 COVIDSafe Plan Arrangements
4.2 Roadmap to COVIDSafe Environment
5. Recovery 6
Appendix: Outline of Return to Sport Arrangements 7
Part 1 – Sport Operations 7
Part 2 – Facility Operations 9
1. Introduction
The purpose of this COVIDSafe Plan (Plan) is to provide an overarching plan for the implementation and management of procedures by the peak body for ice sports in Victoria, Ice Sports Victoria (ISV) to support its members (Members), ice hockey, curling, figure skating and speed skating in the resumption of community sport and club activities.
The arrangements set out in this Plan are intended to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 among Members, participants, coaches, officials, administrators/volunteers, visitors, families and the broader community. The Plan provides the framework to govern the general operation of the ISV and the playing/training behaviour of all Members and participants and the monitoring and reporting of the health of attendees during training and competitions.
This Plan includes, but is not limited to, the conduct of:
a. staged training and competition activities (sport operations); and
b. facility management and supporting operations (facility operations).
At all times the Plan is subject to all regulations, guidelines and directions of government and public health authorities.
2. Key Principles
This Plan is based on, and accepts, the principles and requirements of the COVIDSafe Plan for Community Sport and Recreation as established and published by the Victorian State Government (Dept of Health and Human Services and Dept of Sports and Recreation) and Vicsport.
The Plan also accepts as key principles that:
• The health and safety of members, participants, coaches, officials, administrators/volunteers, visitors, families and the broader community is the number one priority;
• Members, participants, coaches, officials, administrators/volunteers, families and the broader community need to be engaged and briefed on ISV’s Member’s return to sport plans;
• Facilities are assessed and appropriate plans are developed to accommodate the requirements for full vaccination/proof of medical exemption (from 1st November 2021 people 16+ years of age must provide proof of vaccination or medical exemption; from 24th November 2021 people 12+ years must provide proof of vaccination or medical exemption), upgraded hygiene protocols, physical distancing and other measures to mitigate the risk of transmission of COVID-19;
• Training cannot resume until the arrangements for sport operations and facility operations are finalised and approved, if necessary; and
• At every stage of the return to sport process ISV and its Members must consider and apply all applicable State Government and local restrictions and regulations. ISV’s Members need to be prepared for any localised outbreak at the facilities, within competitions or in the local community.
3. Responsibilities under this Plan
ISV provides oversite for the effective management and implementation of the return to sport activities and operations of its Members as outlined in this Plan.
The Board of ISV is responsible for:
• Approving the Plan and overseeing the implementation of the arrangements in the Plan; and
• Revising the Plan as required, ensuring it reflects up to date information from government and public health officials.
The Board has appointed the following person as ISV’s COVID-19 Safety Coordinator to execute the delivery of the Plan and to act as a point of contact for information relating to this Plan:
Name William Younger
Contact Email byounger@bigpond.net.au
Contact Number 0408 325 675
ISV expects all Members, participants, coaches, officials, administrative staff and volunteers to:
• Comply with the health directions of government and public health authorities as issued from time to time;
• Comply with the vaccination requirements for entry as set by each facility;
• Understand and act in accordance with this Plan as amended from time to time;
• Comply with any testing and precautionary measures implemented by ISV;
• Act with honesty and integrity in regard to the state of their personal health and any potential symptoms; and
• Monitor their health and take a cautious approach to self-isolation and reporting of potential symptoms.
4. Return to Sport Arrangements
The Plan outlines specific sport requirements that ISV and its Members will implement for COVIDSafe Plan operations.
4.1 COVIDSafe Plan Arrangements
The protocols for conducting sport operations and facility operations under the latest COVIDSafe Plans are set out in the Appendix.
4.2 Roadmap to a COVIDSafe Environment
ISV and its Members will also comply with the latest Victorian government requirements which, at times, place limits on the type of activity that can be conducted and the number of people who can gather at facilities.
Training Activities Training in small groups of up to 25 is recommended with physical distancing of 1.5 metres required. Multiple groups are permitted as long as the density quotient for the space is not exceeded. From 1st November 2021 the overall number of participants is subject to the density quotient of 1 person per 4 square metres in an indoor environment. From 24th November 2021 the overall number of participants is subject to the density quotient of 1 person per 2 square metres in an indoor environment. This includes parents, volunteers and spectators. The use of approved and properly fitted face masks will be determined by the advice of the Chief Medical Officer at the time. From 1st November 2021, all participants, 16+ years of age, must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination or proof of a medical exemption. On 24th November 2021 the age requirement reduces to 12+ years.
5. Recovery
When public health officials determine that the outbreak has ended in the local community, ISV and its Members will consult with relevant authorities to identify criteria for scaling back its COVID-19 prevention actions. ISV and its Members will also consider which protocols can remain to optimise good public and participant health.
At this time the Board of ISV will consult with key stakeholders to review the delivery of its return to sport arrangements and use feedback to improve organisational plans and systems.
Appendix: Outline of Return to Sport Arrangements
Part 1 – Sport Operations
Area Plan Requirements
Approvals Each ISV Member must obtain the following approvals to allow a return to training:
• State Government approval of the resumption of community sport.
• ISV Board acceptance that the Member’s Safety Plan covers all of the requirements as outlined by the Victorian State Government
• Relaxation of public gathering restrictions to enable training to occur.
• Venue owner approval to training at venue, if required.
• ISV Member Board/Committee approval of return to training for community sport.
• Insurance arrangements confirmed to cover training.
Training Processes • Subject to the latest advice from the Chief Medical Officer, properly fitted and approved face masks will be worn by all participants 16+ years of age (12+ years of age from 24th November 2021) as they enter the facility, assist in the preparation of the playing surface including equipment, prepare themselves for the training session including stretching, dry land exercises, fitting of skates, etc. Skaters may remove their face masks and place them in their skate bag or track suit/uniform pocket immediately prior to stepping onto the ice. Each skater/participant is responsible for their face mask to ensure it does not come in close contact with other face masks. Skaters/ participants are permitted to wear face masks on the ice as long as they are securely fitted and do not create a hazard to other skaters/participants. No face masks or face coverings are to be left on the safety barriers or safety pads or near another skater’s equipment such as skate guards, clothing or water bottles. Volunteers (from 1st November 2021 - 16+years of age; from 24th November 2021 – 12+ years of age) and parents must wear face masks at all times if the advice from the Chief Medical Officer declares their use compulsory. The coaches/referees may remove their face masks to provide instructions as long as the coach is physically distanced from any skater/participant by 1.5 metres. All participants will fit their face masks at the end of the training session, including storing equipment. The masks will remain on as each participant exits the facility.
• When disposing of face masks please consider the environment and safety of others by cutting the retaining straps and placing the mask in a waste container. Masks must never be placed in a recycling container.
• All training sessions conducted by ISV Members must be limited to the density quotient of 1 person per 4 square metres (from 1st November 2021 until 24th November 2021 when the density quotient will be increased to 1 person per 2 square metres) however it is recommended that groups be limited to no more than 25 people. Multiple groups are permitted but must be distanced from each other at all times and must not exceed the total number of participants must not exceed the density quotient.
• Participants, parents and volunteers will be asked to arrive no earlier than, but as close as possible to, 30 minutes prior to the commencement of each training session to allow the necessary equipment to be installed on the ice prior to the commencement of training.
• Every person entering a facility must use the hand sanitiser station provided by the venue operator.
• Skaters, volunteers, parents and coaches should enter the facility via the front doors, scan the rink’s QR Code using the Services Victoria app on their phones or complete the paper form with their name, contact number and have a staff member/Covid Safety Marshal cite their COVID19 vaccination certificate or proof of medical exemption. Only then can they make their way to the seating area. There should be at least 2 vacant seats between each person ensuring that there is at least 1.5 metres between skaters. Bags should also be placed apart.
• Subject to the latest Government conditions and restrictions, activities should be modified to ensure physical contact is limited (minimum distance of 1.5 metres should be maintained where practical) and the risk of injury is reduced.
• Volunteers who assist and parents/guardians are permitted to attend Member training sessions. Social distancing must be maintained while seated in the stands during the training sessions.
• Measures need to be put in place to restrict gatherings of spectators, parents and volunteers near entry and exit points.
• The Member must create and make available a register of coaches, support staff, participants, volunteers and parents who attend each training session. An online registration system is strongly recommended to avoid the use of pen and paper.
• To avoid money handling, payment for each session should be made online prior to the commencement of each training session. Banking details are to be provided to each participant.
• Hand sanitiser, disinfectant spray and disposable cleaning cloths must be provided by the Member and located at the entry gate to the ice. Every participant must use either the sanitiser or spray disinfectant prior to getting on the ice.
• Skate guards, glasses, gloves, helmets, water bottles, hockey sticks and articles of clothing must not be placed on top of or near another participant’s items.
• Participants are required to collect their own water bottle and clothing at the end of each session prior to exiting the ice.
• All participants are to avoid physical contact including handshakes, high fives, etc. apart from approved on ice activities that are part of the sport or training session.
• There must be no sharing of personal equipment.
• Please practice good personal hygiene (e.g. wash your hands prior to training).
• Where applicable, protocols for sports medicine staff/volunteers who share medical equipment (i.e. sterilise equipment between use) are to be developed.
• Each Member must have procedures and strategies to address any areas of non-compliance.
• Where possible, limit public transport, carpool/taxi/Uber use).
Personal health • It is imperative that if any participant is experiencing any signs/symptoms of cold, flu, COVID-19 or other illness they must stay home and get tested for COVID19.
• Participants must wash their hands prior to and after training and use the hand sanitiser provided.
• Avoid physical greetings (i.e. hand shaking, high fives etc.).
• Avoid coughing, clearing nose, spitting etc.
• Launder your own training uniform and wash personal equipment.
Hygiene • Subject to the latest requirements and directives from the Chief Medical Officer, approved and properly fitted face masks might be mandatory for all participants including volunteers and parents (see “Training Processes” for full details).
• Participants must wash and disinfect their water bottle prior to and after each training session.
• If a participant removes any clothing during training, please ensure they do not place it over or near any other articles of clothing or water bottles. Each participant is responsible for collecting these items at the end of each training session to avoid others contacting your clothing or water bottle.
• Maintain a minimum of 1.5 metres at all times from other participants, volunteers and parents.
Communications • The Member will notify its members, volunteers and parents through the use of email, Facebook, websites and SMS communication channels.
• The Member must endorse the use of the Services Victoria COVID19 phone app and advise each of their members to attach their digital vaccination certificate to their personal profile. We encourage all the participants, coaches, members, volunteers and families to download and use app.
• The Member must provide disinfectant spray, disposable cloth and hand sanitiser for the use of all participants, volunteers and parents and encourage everyone to make use of these items. The facility management is responsible for installing signage around the rinks to remind everyone about personal hygiene practices and social distancing requirements.
Part 2 – Facility Operations
Area Plan Requirements
Approvals The Facility management and, where necessary, the Member must obtain the following approvals to allow use of the facilities:
• State Government approval of the resumption of facility operations.
• Venue owner approval to use of facility, if required.
• Member Board/Committee has approved plan from ISV for use of the facilities.
• Insurance arrangements confirmed to cover facility usage.
Facilities • Details of how Member participants will enter and exit the facilities will be provided by the facility management.
• Toilet facilities may be used but please observe the requirements posted by facility management including practicing good personal hygiene.
• Government approved QR sign in registration systems, utilising the Services Victoria app, will be provided by each facility and it is compulsory that Members comply with the vaccination requirements for entry as set by each facility.
• Other than as directed by the Chief Medical Officer, it is up to each person to decide if they would like to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and/or provide their own personal hygiene cleaning solutions.
Facility access • Facility management will be responsible for determining the need for temperature testing prior to entry to the facility. Each facility has the responsibility of collecting the names and contact details of every person who enters the facility.
• Facility management has the right to refuse entry to anyone who has:
– COVID-19 or has been in direct contact with a known case of COVID-19 in the previous 14 days.
– Not provided proof of full vaccination or proof of a medical exemption from the Victorian Government or approved/qualified medical practitioner
– Flu-like symptoms or who is a high health risk (e.g. due to age or pre-existing health conditions).
– Travelled internationally or, in some instances from a designated “Red Zone” within Australia in the previous 14 days.
• Facility management has authority to limit the number of people entering the facility,
• Any spectators should observe physical distancing requirements (>1.5 metres).
Hygiene Facility management will be responsible for detailing the specific hygiene protocols to ensure regular sanitisation and cleaning of the facilities. This includes:
• Any safe hygiene protocols distributed by the Federal or State authorities including:
– Availability of hand sanitiser at entry/exit points to venue and elsewhere.
– Protocols for sanitising stations, sanitising shared equipment, etc.
– Cleaning standards – increase regular cleans and frequent wiping of high touch surfaces.
– Displaying posters outlining relevant personal hygiene guidance.
– Avoiding shared use of equipment.
– Provide suitable rubbish bins with regular waste disposal.
– Guidelines for sanitisation and cleaning of facilities.
Management of unwell participants Facility management and the Member have a shared responsibility to detail specifics of protocols to manage unwell participants at a club activity. This includes:
• Isolation/medical requirements for all players, members, volunteers and their families at the onset of any symptoms including facilities that can be used to manage symptomatic participants.
• Training of volunteers/club management and facility staff on treatment of symptomatic participants and disinfecting of facilities used by such participants.
• Notification protocols for notifying public health authorities and other attendees of symptomatic participants.
ISV Member responsibilities The Member will oversee:
• Provision and conduct of hygiene protocols as per the Plan.
• The capture of a record of attendance at all training and club activities and maintaining an up-to-date log of attendance.
• Coordination of training operations.
• Operation of the Member’s training in support of all activities in accordance with this Plan.