Between Sunday and Monday, the National Hockey League released a memorandum communicating a Phase 2 protocol for the return of the sport.
The memorandum outlined the basics of the protocol and the purpose of the action.
“Based on the current information available, we are now targeting a date in early June for a transition to Phase 2. However, it has not yet been determined when precisely Phase 2 will start or how long it may last. We are continuing to monitor developments in each of the Club’s markets, and may adjust the overall timing if appropriate, following discussion with all relevant parties. To better inform our decision-making, after reviewing the attached Protocol, we would like to hear from Clubs with respect to your ability to implement the required procedures and the estimated timing for your Club to be in a position to open up your training facility.”
The early June date is still fluid and will depend on the trending of each of city of new cases of COVID19 and the reports of spikes in local cities.
“As we have stated repeatedly, the health of the Players and Club personnel is our top priority, and that will dictate how Phase 2, and any progression thereafter, may evolve. We again emphasize that Player participation in Phase 2 is strictly voluntary. In addition, Clubs are not permitted to require Players to return to the Club’s home city so they can complete a quarantine requirement in time to participate in Phase 2.”
The 21-page protocol outlines the requirements for each team, player and essential staff to follow, and is introduced with a General Description:
“n Phase 2, the first step in resumption of League activities will be to allow Clubs to reopen each of their training facilities in the Club’s home city, to permit gatherings of small groups of Players (i.e., maximum of six(6) Players at any one time, plus a limited number of Club staff), to engage in individualized training activities on a voluntary basis, as set forth in detail below. This activity will be permitted only in those jurisdictions where the applicable health authorities have sufficiently relaxed local restrictions to permit such gatherings. Clubs whose local health authorities would allow for the reopening of Club facilities will be required to consult with and seek approval from the League prior to any reopening of Club facilities. In those jurisdictions which continue to restrict or prohibit such activity from occurring, and in order to address potential competitive concerns, the League will work with those Clubs to facilitate alternative arrangements, if desired. Further, Clubs are required to comply with the public health mandate sand recommended best practices of the CDC and/or Public Health Agency of Canada(“Health Canada”) applicable to them and the facility in which Phase 2 activities are to take place, including any changes to such recommendations that may take place after the commencement of Phase 2. Clubs who are unable to allow access to Players in your facility as contemplated by Phase 2or who are concerned that their operations do not satisfy public health recommendations shall notify Bill Daly or Julie Grand, so that we can work with your Club to determine whether alternative arrangements are appropriate or necessary.”
The full Phase 2 Protocol can be read on NHL.com.
The Phase 2 protocol appears to be as comprehensive as possible with testing, screening, health checks, and social distancing in place. Small player workouts and on-ice sessions are described.
The absence of a hard start date is the kicker. If a home city reports a spike in new cases there will need to be a reassessment. The protocol also makes room for players sheltering in place in cities other than their team’s home. The message here is that some players may want to remain close to family during quarantine and not travel.
The season of the pandemic may restart in June. For the fans who clamor for a return, they can improve the chances by staying safe, wearing a mask and social distancing. Otherwise, the 2019-20 NHL season may never really end despite all of the best intentions of the league and its players.
Sport fans are starved for live action at seemingly any cost, that cost needs to include their own commitment.
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