COVID-19

Consistent with CDC guidelines, anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19, or that has been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or that has been tested and are awaiting results must NOT participate in recreational sports programs until they have complied with current quarantine requirements.

Individuals at high risk due to underlying health conditions or who are part of a household with members that are high risk due to underlying health conditions may choose not to participate in recreational sports and should be encouraged by organizations to make those decisions.

We are all excited to see our kids back on the ice. However, there will be multiple changes this year. It is imperative that we all follow these guidelines and rules to keep rinks open, keep our kids on the ice and keep our community safe. The health and safety of our skaters, coaches, volunteers, and families is our number one priority.

BFSC will be adhering to all state and local COVID-19 guidelines.

Many of us are excited to return to practice, but others may be apprehensive. If a skater, parent, or family is not comfortable returning to practice - DON’T. These guidelines are not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Implementing the USFSA, State and local COVID-19 Health and Safety guidelines will require the cooperation of all skaters, parents, and coaches. BFSC’s goal is to create a safe environment. Skaters and parents must make their own decision for return to practice. If you are not comfortable at any time with your child, or yourself, returning to practice - DON’T. Skaters and families will be responsible to adhere to and respect the social distancing requirements and contact guidelines that we have established.

BFSC promotes the “arrive, play, and leave” protocol. No gathering in groups before or after practices.

• Prior to arriving at the BOR

  • All skaters, coaches, volunteers and spectators will need to self check for COVID-19 symptoms

  • Health check questions: if you answer yes to either question, you must stay home:

    • 1 - Within the past 14 days, have you been in close physical contact (6 feet or closer for at least 15 minutes) with a person who is known to have COVID-19?

    • 2 - Do you feel unwell with any symptoms consistent with COVID-19? For example, cough, fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea

    • 3- Have you traveled out of the State in the last two weeks? Or played against a team out of State? Please go to the Vermont Department of Health: Traveling to Vermont webpage for the most recent isolation, quarantine and self-observation requirements click here

    • 4- Are you waiting for a non-routine COVID test?

  • Home temperature check - if your temperature is above 100 F, you must stay home

  • Skaters and coaches must arrive dressed and prepared to enter the ice after putting on skates

  • If anyone in your household contract COVID-19, you must notify our Board immediately

  • Please arrive no earlier the 15 minutes prior to session

• Arriving at the BOR

  • Masks must be worn by all skaters and coaches and guidelines must be followed

  • Enter through the BOR main entrance (If more than 2 skaters are ahead of you, you will be directed to wait outside until it is ok to enter)

  • A BFSC volunteer will take skaters, parents, coaches, and volunteers temperature prior to entering the BOR (if the skater’s temperature is above 100 F, they will be sent home immediately). A daily verbal screening for symptoms will also be contacted by a BFSC volunteer

  • Skaters will be directed to their dedicated group area

  • One parent of skaters 12 years old and younger may accompany each skater to their group area to help tie skates and then must leave the BOR through posted exits (spectators will not be allowed at practices)

  • One parent of skaters 8 years old and younger may accompany each skater to their group area to help tie skates and sit in the bleachers designated "x" marked spots. Parents will not be allowed to socialize in the bleachers. Parents must be at least 6 feet apart. There are no public restrooms for parents of skaters 8 years old and young that decide to watch practice.

• During Practice

  • Skaters, coaches, and volunteers must wear masks at all times (both on and off the ice)

  • Skaters should leave all personal equipment in their bag or car (personal belongings must remain separate from other skaters)

  • Skaters may not share anything (please label your child’s water bottle and belongs with their name to avoid any confusion)

  • Skaters will enter the ice at dedicated entrances associated with their group’s area

  • Skaters and coaches will observe physical distancing recommendations while on the ice

  • In the event of an injury, coaches, board members, and volunteers may assess and facilitate management of the injured individual in accordance with proper first aid management (family members may participate in injury management as necessary)

  • Parents of skaters 9 years old and older should plan to wait in the parking lot during practice.

• Leaving the BOR

  • Skaters and coaches will have 10 minutes to remove skates, pack up, and exit the facility

  • Each group will be designated to a different exit. Please follow the guidelines given to you at check in.

Important points:

1. If, at any time, you do not feel comfortable participating, or having your child participate - DON’T.

2. BFSC continues to promote the “arrive, play and leave” protocol.

3. No gathering in groups before or after practices. We discourage socializing.

4. High traffic areas will be disinfected with approved solutions after each practice session.

5. Spectators will not be allowed during practices. Only for skaters 8 years old and younger.

6. Social distancing guidelines will be followed during practices.

7. BFSC will be following the current limits on indoor event size, currently 75.

8. All BFSC skaters, families, and coaches must adhere to guidelines of all the ice rinks we rent ice from.

In the event we have a COVID-19 positive case, our Board will consult with the VT Department of Health and communicate to any skater, coaches, officials, and volunteers who had close contact with that person notifying them of a positive test. Every effort will be taken to maintain the confidentiality of any person with a positive test.

These guidelines are changing constantly. Below are some additional resources for reference.