Keeping our skaters safe

The health and safety of our IceLiners' skaters and their families is of utmost importance. In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently in the process of developing a detailed plan that will protect our skaters while at the rink.

U.S. Figure Skating held its Governing Council Meeting in May 2020 to address the situation and provide guidelines to the member teams. U.S. Figure Skating, along with Learn to Skate USA, the U.S. Ice Rink Association and USA Hockey, has issued publications providing guidelines to help clubs and programs implement appropriate policies and procedures in response to COVID-19. IceLiners and Ice Line will be working together to ensure adherence to these guidelines in creating a safe environment.

At this time, we wanted to communicate some of the precautionary steps we plan to implement for the 2021-2022 season to ensure the safety of our skaters.

Ice Line Facility

Ice Line has developed a detailed plan for the rink. Below are some of the steps they have incorporated.

• Initially, only two rinks will be open. Rinks will be located on opposite sides of the building to provide distance. Skaters will be required to enter/exit through the doors closest to the rink on/in which they will be practicing.

• The number of parents and skaters allowed in the rink will be limited in accordance with local regulations.

• The number of skaters on the ice will be limited in accordance with local regulations.

• Cleaning protocols will be established in accordance with CDC regulations.

• Between sessions cleanings will be scheduled.

  UPDATE- 2021-2022 SEASON

• All 4 ice surfaces are up and running

• Cleaning Protocols have been established and they are following all CDC regulations

IceLiners Synchronized Skating Program

IceLiners will take the following preliminary measures to ensure a safe environment during off-ice and on-ice practices. We will update/modify our guidelines on a continual basis to abide by Federal, State and Local regulations, as well as the guidelines set forth by U.S. Figure Skating and Ice Line Figure Skating Club. We may also implement additional precautionary measures that we deem necessary in providing a safe environment.

• Skaters that have any of the following symptoms should stay home from practice: a fever greater than 100 degrees; cough; shortness of breath; chills; muscle aches; sore throat; or loss of taste or smell.

• Skaters should arrive 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled off-ice practice time. Skaters will be required to complete a questionnaire prior to practice asking if they have any of the symptoms mentioned above. Any skater exhibiting or indicating that they have those symptoms will be sent home.

• If a skater becomes ill during practice, the skater will be isolated in a well ventilated area ensuring physical distancing; all areas that the skater was in will be disinfected; the skater's parents will be notified to pick up the skater; written clearance from a healthcare provider will be required for the skater to return to ice.

• For summer practices, off-ice training will be held outside (weather permitting).

• Parents will be asked to drop their skater off for off-ice training.

• For skaters who need assistance putting on their skates, we ask that parents are available between off-ice and on-ice training to assist their child with putting on their skates.

• Locker rooms are open.

• Hand sanitizer will be available at each practice. Skaters will use hand sanitizer before and after practice. Hand sanitizer may also be used during practice as needed.

• Skaters should make sure to bring a labeled water bottle with them to each practice.

• Skaters should bring their own tissues to each practice. Trash cans will be available in the rink to dispose of the tissues.

• Skaters are highly recommended to wear masks while engaging in athletic activity

• Skaters should be sure to come to practice prepared with all gear/uniform pieces. Sharing/lending of any items will be strictly prohibited especially water bottles/hair accessories etc.

• Coaches will use physical queues to instruct skaters rather than physical contact.

• Coaches will use a headset with a microphone, so that all skaters are able to hear and don't have to congregate close to one another to listen to the coaches' directions.

• Skaters should wash their uniform and jacket after each practice. The team practice jacket should be air dried to prevent excess wear/tear and fading.

• Should a skater contract COVID-19, the ability to return to the ice will be determined in accordance with Federal, State and Local regulations, as well as in accordance with U.S. Figure Skating regulations.

NOTE: As this is an unprecedented event with ongoing ramifications, we will update the team with new/revised regulations as they evolve.

Thank you for your patience as we navigate through these uncertain times. We are looking forward to the 2021-2022 Season and are committed to doing so in the safest way possible.