COVID-19 & Return to Play

MHRA Return to Ringette Q & A- September 21st, 2021

What is the Restrictions Exemption Program?

• Effective September 20th, 2021 some facilities (including rinks) in Alberta may be participating in the Government of Alberta’s (GOA) Restrictions Exemption Program. Please refer to this document for updated information on the requirements to enter a facility.
• You are strongly encouraged to check with individual facilities on their specific requirements and their participation in this new program.
• Some facilities may require that everyone over the age of 12 (players, coaches, officials, spectators etc.) meet the requirements of this program at the entrance of the facility.
• Here is the current information about the requirements at the City of Medicine Hat facilities: https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/community-safety-and-support/covid-19.aspx#Frequently-asked-questions
• This is a list of the current facility protocols for rinks used in the Chinook League: https://ringettecalgary.ca/covid/facility-protocols/
• You can find more information on how REP and how it affects Ringette on the Ringette Alberta website here-https://ringettealberta.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Restrictions-Exemption-Program-September-22-2021.pdf
• It is very important to note that Ringette Alberta, Medicine Hat Ringette Association and affiliated board members, coordinators and coaches do not make decisions requiring facility requirements.

Is Ringette Alberta (RAB) or MHRA (including coaches) mandating COVID-19 vaccinations or asking for proof of COVID-19 vaccinations?

• RAB and MHRA have not implemented a mandatory vaccination policy.
• MHRA may be required to collect information such as confirmation of vaccination, confirmation of negative paid for Rapid Test, or a medical exemption letter. Some facilities that are participating in the REP require the event organizers or teams to manage this information. More information can be found in the Ringette Alberta document- link above.

Is a player or coach required to disclose that they have tested positive for COVID-19?

• No, however it is recommended that participants (players and coaches) self declare this information using the confidential “Self Reported COVID-19 Notification Process”
• Everyone is required to comply with isolation requirements - which can be found here.

Will I be notified if a coach or player from my team tests positive for COVID-19?

• Yes, if the player or coach self declares their positive test result through the MHRA “COVID-19 Positive Case Self Reporting Process”. The name of the positive player or coach will be kept strictly confidential and will not be shared with anyone on the team.
• Affected team members will be notified by email that there is a positive case on their team along with the possible exposure date. Affected team members will be instructed to monitor for symptoms and contact 811 with any questions or concerns.

Where do I find more information on safety protocols and restrictions that affect Ringette?

• We will continuously update our “COVID-19 Safety Guidance Document” which will be available on our website.
• This document will include things like mandatory masking, physical distancing requirements etc. 

Are players 18 and over eligible to participate in Ringette as of September 20th?

• Based on information currently available from RAB and the GOA these players may only participate in facilities that have adopted the “Restriction Exemption Program”.

Is a coach or player able to attend Ringette if they are identified as a “Household Contact”?

• Please refer to the current “Alberta Health Daily Checklist” and the Health Assessment in the RAMP Team App to determine if you are eligible to attend.