UPDATED BHC COVID-19 PROTOCOL

The BHC COVID-19 Protocol has been updated in line with new Hockey Ireland Guidance and NI Executive Guidance.

 

BANBRIDGE HOCKEY CLUB COVID-19 PROTOCOLS 

Version 2:  Revised 20 August  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 pitch side during training sessions.

 

  • Spectators are permitted at competitive games but must socially distance.

 

  • On entering the club grounds everyone will be required to use their phone to scan a QR code (there will be assistance for those without a phone).  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 entering the grounds 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 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 Health Agency.   If contact tracing is required, the Agency will contact the club.

     
  • All members entering or leaving Havelock Park, the pitch and the clubhouse must use hand sanitiser.

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

     
  • Players 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 training 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.  Spectators are permitted at competitive games.

 

  • 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.

 

  • Social distancing must be maintained when not playing on the pitch

 

  • Groups of a maximum of 30 people are allowed to train together including trainers and coaches. Individual groups must remain in separate areas of the pitch at all times.

 

  • Competitive hockey is allowed.  This relates to any full sided matches in a training context and pre-season friendlies. There is no numeric limit to those involved in a match but we would advise that essential participants involved in the match are limited to players (Including substitutes), coaches/managers, medical staff, sports science and parents (limited to one) escorting a minor to a match.
     

    Playing facilities
  • Changing facilities/showers will remain closed.

 

  • Players should only touch their own equipment and should minimise the amount of equipment they bring to the field. Essential personal equipment (e.g. water bottle, hand sanitizer) should be kept separate from other players in a designated area away from dug out.

 

  • During training sessions access to the clubhouse will be confined to the disabled toilet 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.

     
  • 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.

     

    Playing 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.

     
  •  Communal bibs should not be used; players should bring designated shirt colours or their own bib in advance if required

     
  •  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

 

BHC Clubhouse and Bar

  • Club members and visitors must not drink inside the clubhouse unless they are eating a substantial meal. A bowl of chips does not qualify as substantial and the definition is one substantial meal per person. The NI Executive have not set a time limit on how long a diner remain after a meal and be served drinks however, the PSNI define this as once the meal is finished no further drinks may be served indoors. There is no leeway for people not eating to sit with company who are

 

  • No-one is permitted to be sat at, or served at, the bar with table service only permitted. If not dining, then the only reason for being inside the clubhouse is to use the toilets whilst adhering to all protocols around face coverings, social distancing and sanitisation.

 

  • A one way system is in operation within the bar area and walkways marked out within the clubhouse.

 

  • Social distancing measures must always be followed.

 

  • Face coverings should be worn while inside the clubhouse (unless eating or drinking).

 

  • Drinks can be served outside without food and table service will be in place.