Covid 19: Returning to the Rink
Last Updated: 10th December 2021 [Face coverings/masks]
The safety of everyone visiting Telford Ice Rink is our priority and we have created matchday protocols to help keep everyone safe. Fans, volunteers, players and visitors are asked to comply with the Telford Tigers code of conduct and follow venue guidance.
We [Telford Tigers] have worked extremely hard over the last 18 months in conjunction with Telford and Wrekin Council to provide a safe return to ice hockey and we want to reassure all visitors that attend a Telford Tigers match day that they are in a safe, covid-secure venue.
We have put together a guide below which summarises our Covid-19 protocols ahead of the return to the rink. Please note that all information included in this guide is correct at the time of publishing. Government guidance may change in the future.
ARRIVING AT THE RINK:
We kindly ask that you do not enter the ice rink until the doors to the public have opened. There will be no waiting or queuing in the rink reception before the doors open for a match night. Doors will open 50 minutes prior to face off for both Saturday and Sunday home fixtures.
Once you arrive at the rink, there will be dedicated queues for match day ticket holders and season ticket holders. Please join the correct queue and follow any guidance provided by the match day stewards.
Whilst social distancing is not a legal requirement indoors, we kindly ask that all visitors remain respectful towards others and we encourage you to continue social distancing where possible.
We also encourage fans to wash their hands regularly using warm water and soap as well as using the hand sanitiser stations which are made available.
RINK SIDE:
We kindly ask that fans avoid standing or waiting around the dressing rooms area. There will be a cordon in place which is there for both fan and player safety.
Our new accessible ramp will be available to use and is provided for both able bodied and disabled use. Approximately 3 wheels chairs use the platform, each taking up one pane of plexiglass.
During busy periods, we kindly ask that able bodied visitors give up their place on the platform for those who require wheelchair viewing.
No removable or portable chairs are allowed to be placed on the platform for carers due to our health and safety policy concerning fire evacuation.
CAFE:
The cafe will be open as usual. Please respect others whilst queuing as well as the staff behind the counter.
There will be a last orders call of 30 minutes before the end of the game, so please bear this in mind when planning any refreshment breaks.
MASKS & FACE COVERINGS:
As from Friday 10th December, public and staff in public facing areas are required to wear face coverings, this includes indoor areas of sports stadiums and skating rinks. The full lists of additional settings where face coverings are required can be found here.
FANS/SPECTATORS
You are required to wear a face covering on entering Telford Ice Rink until you leave unless you are exempt or have a reasonable excuse for removing it e.g., when eating or drinking.
STAFF AND MATCH NIGHT VOLUNTEERS
All our match night staff and volunteers including will be required to wear a mask on entering Telford Ice Rink until departure, unless there is a reasonable excuse for removing it e.g., when eating or drinking.
PLAYERS AND COACHING STAFF
Government guidance is that “Face coverings must be worn by staff working in those settings where the public are required to wear face coverings and where staff come into direct contact with the public.”
All players and coaching will be required to wear a face covering upon entering the ice rink. Face coverings for players may only be removed when on the ice for warm-up/playing and in the dressing room. When players leave the dressing room, they will be required to wear a face-covering until leaving the building.
Coaches must wear a face covering unless stood on the bench during game play. When coaches leave the bench or dressing room, they will be required to wear a face-covering until leaving the building.
Some individuals may be exempt from wearing face coverings. We kindly ask that all fans remain respectful of other people’s decision to wear face coverings if they choose to do so.
NHS COVID PASS:
Currently, there are no legal requirements to provide an NHS Covid Pass at our fixtures.Government guidance is that there are only required for the following but not limited to:
- Indoor events with 500 or more unseated attendees
- Any events with 10,000 or more attendees indoor or outdoor, such as large sports and music events
Our standing at Telford Ice Rink is approx. 250 therefore neither of these rules apply.
As we are working hard to maintain a COVID-19 secure venue, we strongly advise that fans take part in voluntary weekly testing using lateral flow tests.
Lateral flow test (LFD) kits are available for free from your local test centre or pharmacy. Test kits can also be ordered online and delivered to your home address for free via the NHS website.
All Telford Tigers staff and volunteers will be taking part in weekly testing as well as regular temperature checks to ensure that we are all working within a safe environment. NHS track and trace QR code posters will continued to be displayed throughout the building and fans are encouraged to scan in on arrival.
Lateral flow test kits are available for free from your local test centre or pharmacy. Test kits can also be ordered online and delivered to your home address for free via the NHS website. You can order your tests here.
All Telford Tigers staff and volunteers will be taking part in weekly testing as well as regular temperature checks to ensure that we are all working within a safe environment. NHS track and trace QR code posters will continued to be displayed throughout the building and fans are encouraged to scan in on arrival.
COVID-19 VACCINATION:
Currently, there is no legal requirement to provide proof of full vaccination to enter the ice rink building.
All adults aged 16 and over are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination. There are a number of local walk in clinics which are offering the vaccine and well as established vaccine centres. More details on pop up vaccine centres and walk in clinics can be found on the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System website or by clicking here.
The long awaited return of ice hockey will have us all excited, but please do not attend ANY game if you or anybody in your household is displaying symptoms of COVID-19.
If you have any of these 3 COVID-19 symptoms, even if mild you should self-isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test. These tests are available at drive in test centres and also as home testing kits. You can book or order a PCR test here.
- High temperature
- New continuous cough
- Loss of or change in sense of smell or taste
PLEASE DO NOT VISIT TELFORD ICE RINK IF:
- You feel unwell and are displaying COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are mild
- Have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days
- You have been contacted by NHS test and trace and have been asked to self-isolate
- You have recently returned from travelling abroad and you are required to self-isolate
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
