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MAHA Update - October 22, 2021

By MAHA, 10/22/21, 1:15PM EDT

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October 22, 2021

 

To the Members of our Michigan Hockey Community:

As we complete the first month of our 2021-22 season, the time is right to begin preparing for the inevitable adjustment in seasonal weather conditions. With this transition, we must anticipate an increase in cold & flu cases and, perhaps most notably, a rise in COVID-19 cases. While there are currently no Executive or Epidemic Orders in place for the state of Michigan, the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) believes it is imperative to establish best practices for ensuring the safety and well-being of our participants and families. 

MAHA expects that all ice rinks, leagues, associations, coaches, players, volunteers and parents will abide by the recommendations, policies and procedures of their local county’s health department as it relates to the current COVID-19 crisis. As we continue to navigate the season, this may also include rules, mandates and restrictions provided by MAHA, USA Hockey, the State of Michigan and/or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Please be aware that these best practices are subject to change, based on the evolving prevalence of COVID-19 across the state.

As of this writing, MAHA expects all participants to adhere to the following:

1. Players or coaches with any COVID-19 risk factors or illnesses SHOULD NOT participate in any hockey activity:

  • Any player, coach or spectator exhibiting signs or symptoms of an illness SHOULD NOT be in a rink or facility at any point
  • Any player, coach or spectator awaiting results from a COVID-19 test SHOULD NOT be in the facility until a negative result has been confirmed
  • Any player, coach or spectator who has been identified as a ‘close contact’ (i.e. school, work, daycare, etc.) and is in quarantine, per CDC or local health recommendation / order, should not be in a rink or facility until the necessary quarantine period has been completed

 

2. Each association and team should have an emergency plan for any positive COVID-19 cases that arise:

  • All associations should designate a person or group, to serve as a liaison with your rink/facility, as well as notifying all applicable parties if a positive test is confirmed
  • All teams should designate a person who will be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns, as well as notifying all applicable parties, regarding positive COVID-19 cases
  • Contact information for these individuals should be accessible to all coaches, volunteers and families

 

3. Participants / families are encouraged to use, support and promote risk mitigation strategies to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19. Click here for USA Hockey’s recommended risk mitigation strategies for all stakeholders to promote health and safety. We’re in this together and it’s imperative we follow these recommendations to ensure our season can be played without interruption.

 

4. In the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case:

  • Pause all team activities until an appropriate consultation with your local health officials, including required contact tracing and reporting to all applicable parties, can be achieved. (This includes any “out-of-town” and/or “out-of-state” events that may occur within this timeframe)
  • Immediately report to all applicable parties, including:
    • Association Leadership
    • Rink Management
    • Michigan Amateur Hockey Association
    • Local health department

NOTE: Confidentiality of the individual must be maintained in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the American Disabilities Act (ADA), and any other corresponding state laws

 

The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) must prioritize the safety and well-being of its participants. With that in mind, we expect that all members will honor these guidelines in an effort to maintain a safe, enjoyable hockey season. Any observed violation of these guidelines will be reported to the local association for further investigation, and subject to disciplinary action.

MAHA will continue to provide updates, as they become available, regarding the presence of COVID-19 in the state of Michigan as well as any additional precautionary measures required. We thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at the rink!