1. The purpose of this policy is to provide a singular reference point for required deviations from standard Vancouver Thunderbird policies in the 2022-23 season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Atypical levels of flexibility may be required in order to provide programming options for our players to remain compliant with viaSport, health authority and facility requirements.

2. This policy will:

• • 2.1. be paramount and will govern in the event of any conflict or inconsistency with other Vancouver Thunderbird policies in force prior to this policy; and
  • 2.2. be subject to future revisions if necessary as new information is provided from sport governing bodies, health authorities and facilities.

3. COVID-19 Vaccinations

• • 3.1. Vancouver Thunderbirds encourages eligible staff, team officials and players who have not been vaccinated to do so now in accordance with BC Centre for Disease Control and Provincial Government guidelines.
  • 3.2. It is possible that our health authority, governing bodies or our venues may require eligible staff, team officials and/or players to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to be permitted to participate in hockey or other team activities or to access our various arenas or other venues. Similar requirements may also apply to spectators.

4. Registration Fee Policies and Refunds

• • 4.1. Any refunds requested if a player decides to no longer play hockey with Vancouver Thunderbirds this season will be subject to the current refund policy schedule in P3 – Registration Policy, Section 7.
  • 4.2. If the season is canceled or is otherwise materially interrupted at any point after the season program commences, participants will receive a partial refund as approved by the Board. It is expected that any such partial refund will take into account costs incurred to date and any non-recoverable costs (such as, by way of example only, Hockey Canada insurance, BC Hockey or PCAHA player fees, non-refundable ice rentals).
  • 4.3. If any camp or clinic is canceled prior to the commencement of the camp or clinic, all fees collected in respect of such camp or clinic will be 100% refunded. Note that Vancouver Hockey School programming will be subject to their own refund policies that will be communicated when those programs are offered.
  • 4.4. If any camp or clinic is canceled or is otherwise materially interrupted at any point after the camp or clinic commences, participants will receive a partial refund as approved by the Board. It is expected that any such partial refund will take into account costs incurred to date and any non-recoverable costs (such as, by way of example only, insurance, non-refundable ice rentals).
  • 4.5. Any exceptional circumstances not covered under this Policy can be submitted to the Board for consideration.

5. General Hockey Operations

• • 5.1. Team sizes may be dictated by venue restrictions or viaSport/sport governing body guidelines and recommendations.
  • 5.2. The use of affiliate players may be restricted or altered by sport governing bodies.
  • 5.3. Rule modifications, changes to game play and tournament participation will follow Hockey Canada, BC Hockey and/or PCAHA adjustments.

6. Dressing Room & Two Deep Policy

• • 6.1. Usage of dressing room or alternative dressing areas will be subject to venue protocols. Vancouver Thunderbird teams will be required to follow the existing two deep policy as closely as possible with two adults providing supervision at all times within the venues.

6. COVID-19 Return to Play Policy

• • 6.1. The steps outlined below have been adopted after consultation with Hockey Canada, BC Hockey and local health contacts.
  • 6.2. It is expected that players and team staff may experience symptoms of Covid-19; or contract Covid-19 themselves. As a result, a clear understanding of the steps involved in the return to hockey is required.
  • 6.3. If a player or team staff member is showing symptoms of Covid-19, including any cold or flu symptoms, they must not attend any Vancouver Thunderbird event and they must follow the BC Centre for Disease Control guidelines which can be found here: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19

Symptoms of COVID-19 include new or worsening:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Loss of sense of smell or taste
• Difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Extreme fatigue or tiredness
• Headache
• Body aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

• • 6.5. If a player or team staff member tests positive for Covid-19 they are required to inform their group/team HCSP and the Executive Director and remain in communication.
  • 6.6. If more than one player or team staff member on a team tests positive for Covid-19 within any five (5) day period, then all members of that team, at the Executive Director’s discretion, may be required to pause any team or other Vancouver Thunderbird activities (including practices, skill sessions and games) for a period of time as determined by the Executive Director in order to provide adequate time for public health authorities to evaluate the situation and provide instructions for any return to play, which will be communicated to the team by their group/team HCSP and/or the Executive Director.