BHC Hockey COVID-19 Protocol

Return to Hockey

As you are aware, Hockey Ireland has set out a protocol for a return to hockey.  This has already been revised and will continue to be updated as the COVID-19 guidelines and legislation change within Northern Ireland.  The club has set up a COVID-19 sub-committee to consider how we implement the protocols within Banbridge Hockey Club and have been putting plans in place.  A risk assessment has been carried out for the club and signage and hand sanitizing stations will be installed around the grounds and clubhouse. 

Jayne Walker has been appointed the key COVID-Officer (CVO) for the club.  However, COVID officers will be required at every training session and match to ensure protocols are being complied with.  If anyone would like to assist with this – on a rota basis, please email info@banbridgehockeyclub.com.  

COVID Officers at training sessions will be wearing a orange bibs and will be ensuring that all members fully complying with the COVID protocol.

All members must adhere to the new requirements and should the read the following protocol carefully. 

This protocol will be kept under review and updated as the COVID-19 situation evolves.  It is vital that all members fully comply to ensure the safety of everyone at Banbridge Hockey Club.

 

BANBRIDGE HOCKEY CLUB COVID-19 PROTOCOLS – 18 July 2020

Members

  • Members with colds or any symptoms of COVID-19 must stay away from the BHC.
  • Members are only permitted to enter the club grounds during an organised session and only members training or who are part of the coaching team will be permitted to enter.   Only those with a specific role linked to the training session are permitted to be present.
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  • Spectators are not currently permitted.
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  • On entering the grounds, members and coaches will be required to use their phone to scan a QR code.  This will bring up a form which must be completed by everyone attending each session.  These records will be held by the club electronically for 6 weeks for the purposes of contact tracing should this be required.

     
  • All members attending training sessions will be required to complete an electronic Participant Health Assessment form. The document includes a declaration whereby the participant will inform the club CVO should they develop any symptoms of COVID-19 going forward and will not take part in club activity until they receive medical clearance. This form will be completed as part of the first QR code sign in process.

     
  • Members travelling to and from BHC should travel alone or with members of their own household only.

     
  • If the club becomes aware of a person becoming ill after a visit to the club, the club will inform the person to contact the Public Heath Agency.   If contact tracing is required, the Agency will contact the club.

     
  • All members entering or leaving the pitch must use hand sanitiser.

     
  • Members should be aware of the correct cough/sneeze etiquette (into the elbow).

     
  • Player must not spit or clear their nose openly at any time.

     
  • If a player is escorted to the club by a person who will remain at the facility for the duration of the session (e.g. a parent waiting for their child), that person must remain in their car or in a safe space (if not in a vehicle) while observing social distancing.

     
  • If a member becomes ill during a training session, the member will be asked to leave immediately or if that is not possible, they should go to the designated quarantine area (this will be signposted) until they are able to leave the grounds.

     

    Facilities
  • Changing facilities/showers will remain closed.

     
  • The dugouts will be out of bounds.

     
  • Access to the clubhouse will be confined to toilets only.  The toilet must be disinfected by the user before and after use.

     
  • Rubbish bins will be removed from the pitch and items should be taken home by the person that brought them.

     
  • A maximum of 30 people will be allowed on the pitch at any one time. 

     
  • Entrance will be via the main gate only and players must use the separate entrance and exit points to the pitch – these will be signposted. 

     
  • Club members should avoid mingling outside the main gate waiting for other groups to leave the grounds.  Players should remain in the car park observing social distancing guidelines until the pitch is free.

     

    Equipment
  • Players should not touch any coaching equipment (hockey balls, cones, throw down lines etc.) under any circumstances. Only the coach should have access to this equipment. The coach should disinfect their hands after handling equipment.

     
  •  Players should only touch their own equipment and should minimise the amount of equipment they bring to the club.

     
  • Essential personal equipment (e.g. water bottle, hand sanitizer) should be kept separate from other players in a designated area.

     
  • Players should not remove playing equipment (such as shin guards) and throw it on the side of the pitch.

     
  • Bibs will not be used.

     
  •  All coaching equipment will be disinfected before and after use.

     
  • Goalkeepers should only train if they have their own designated (not shared) goalkeeping equipment and equipment should be disinfected after each session.

     
  • Field equipment (such as goals, nets, corner flags) should not be touched during the session. If this is unavoidable, the club will disinfect any equipment where there has been contact.

     
  • Training of penalty corners is permitted, however penalty corner equipment (e.g. masks) should not be shared.

     
  • Good hand hygiene should be practised before and after each session by all using the field of play