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COVID-19 Info

Medical Condition Info

For those with a medical condition that  has been diagnosed by an MD who are unable to wear a mask during play, the following is needed in order to be eligible to participate in games without a mask in proper place:

- a letter from your MD, with signature stating your condition and must state you are exempt from having to wear a mask during play

- letter MUST be on official letterhead from your clinic or is not considered official per MN Hockey exception criteria

- letter must be submitted to the covid19info@whamhockey.org and your division VP

- letter must be kept with you for all games in case of verification request. We suggest a team manager also have a copy.

Any questions, please email covid19info@whamhockey.org

If I have had Covid in the past 90 days, do I still need to wear a mask?

The answer is YES - all players must still wear a mask in the arena and during the game regardless of recent Covid cases.

Updated Return to Play Safety - December 29th, 2020

Games can start January 14th, 2021 - this includes WHAM games!

NEW RULES (these are not guidelines) that must be followed:

New Rules (NOT guidelines) implemented by the State of Minnesota and/or Minnesota Hockey Board of Directors for the 2020-21 season only will be effective on January 4. Some may be adjusted as the season progresses and games are allowed. These new rules include:

1. Per the state mandate, cloth face coverings (masks) must be worn by everyone inside an

arena at all times. This includes participants during on-ice practice and game play.

  • Cloth face masks must be worn by all players at all times - on and off the ice

  • A plastic hockey helmet shield does NOT count as a face covering

  • If there is a medical reason where a player is unable to wear a face covering, an official note from their MD must be obtained, submitted to the WHAM covid19info@whamhockey.org prior to game participation email address and kept with the player/manager for every game/event in case of player challenge.

2. Locker rooms may not be used. Players should put skates on in designated areas of the arena that provides for social distancing.

3. No equipment bags will be allowed in facilities with the exception of goalies.

4. All players must arrive to the arena fully dressed, with the exception of skates, helmet and gloves. Goalies are allowed to arrive half dressed.

5. Players must not enter the arena prior to 10 minutes before the start of their scheduled ice time. They must exit the arena no later than 10 minutes following the conclusion of their ice time. No socializing before or after the games is allowed inside of the arena.

6. Spectators will not be allowed in arenas.

7. Dryland activities will not be allowed inside the arenas.

WHAM Return to Hockey Guidelines 2020-2021 Season

Overall guidelines:

  1. Players (skaters and goalies) may play on ONE WHAM team ONLY. This is based on guidelines from MN and USA Hockey to minimize the number of exposed teams if a player contracts COVID-19. The secondary player rule cannot be implemented safely based on these guidelines with the number of games played weekly in WHAM and the overlap with teams. 
  2. Players should play in only one game per day with a maximum of two games a week. Week starts Monday and ends Sunday. 
  3. There will be no sub pool for skaters and goalies during the 2020-2021 season, again to limit cross exposure of teams. Goalies can only play with their rostered team and can’t sub for another team. 
  4. Teams should plan accordingly and recruit new players if they depended heavily on their secondary players.
  5. Consider merging with another team from your division for the season if numbers are low. 
  6. We ask that players who participate in other hockey leagues in addition to WHAM make every effort to abide by the above guidelines for the safety and overall concern for their teammates and opponents throughout the season. Unfortunately, given the COVID-19 pandemic, playing as much hockey as you can is not safe and should be limited this season.
 
For games, the following pre-game practices are recommended by USA and MN Hockey:
 
  1. Dress at home as much as possible, with the exception of goalies.
  2. Use the restroom at home. 
  3. Bring filled water bottles from home. Do not share water bottles on the bench.
  4. Do not enter locker rooms.
  5. Allow previous skaters to leave the building before entering.
  6. Wear a mask while finishing up dressing and when the game is completed and undressing.
  7. MN Hockey recommends (not required) all players wear a full face mask or cage on the ice.
  8. Teams should share with their opponents any special conditions their home arena may have at least one week prior to the game so the opposition is able to plan accordingly.
 
During game play, please observe these guidelines:
 
  1. Only referee is allowed in scorer's box.
  2. There are no minor officials this season. The visiting team must fill out the score sheet on the players bench each game.
  3. The home team is required, regardless of the final score, to enter in the stats online after each game.
  4. Captains meet with officials at the edge of the referee’s circle to maintain 6 feet of social distancing. 
  5. When picking up practice pucks, keep a gloved hand to handle the pucks.
  6. A maximum of two coaches, with masks, on the bench.
  7. Use the bench with one row of seated and one row of standing players, if needed, to space properly.
  8. Goalies should drop the puck rather than have the ref take it from their glove.
  9. Any player/coach who intentionally spits in the direction of any opponent or official must be assessed a match penalty.
  10. Afterward, use a stick salute rather than handshakes. Do not shake the officials’ hands. A wave of thanks will suffice. 
 

FAQ's about Covid revisions

1. If I am a dual rostered player (ie. primary and a secondary player) during a normal season, can I choose to play on my secondary team (higher level team) this season and still be able to play on my primary team (lower level team) next season?

- YES - The WHAM board understands that many dual rostered players will need to make a decision between their two teams this year to make rosters work. The board is anticipating the 2021-22 season to be "back to normal" and you will be able to rejoin your second team that you are accustomed to playing with during non-pandemic years.

 

2. If I am a player in the league, but also coach a different team in the league, am I allowed to be on the bench with the team I coach?

- No - the 1 team rule includes both players and coaches. You are allowed to be an active participant on only 1 team this year - you must choose to play or coach.