Minnesota Hockey recently released an FAQ surrounding many of the questions people have asked related to the mask mandate and other items. This includes their position related to the health aspects of wearing masks. Please see their official FAQ if you have concerns about the health ramifications of players wearing masks during athletic competition.

Is it dangerous for athletes to wear face coverings during physical activities?

Please refer to Minnesota Hockey's FAQ on this topic.

What is considered an approved face covering?

Cloth masks, neck gaiters, and bandanas will meet the mask requirements, as will specially-designed masks such as the CCM Game On Player Facemask and the Bauer Splash Guard.

• Local sporting goods shops like Lettermen Sports, Dave’s Sports Shop, and others may have the masks or splash guards in stock.

• At this time, per Minnesota Hockey, the use of the clear plastic "bubble"-style face shields WITH the additional splash guard is approved.  They cannot be worn without the splash guard.

• Minnesota Hockey's official guidance can be found here.

What if my player has asthma or another medical condition?

If a player has severe asthma (exercise or cold induced, or combo) or another medical condition that makes wearing a mask medically dangerous, they should consult their family doctor or specialist.  If it is deemed by a medical professional that their case is severe enough to warrant a medical exemption, they need to obtain a written statement from the medical professional letter stating this. 

An electronic copy of a signed letter from a doctor or specialist in Minnesota, including contact information for the doctor/specialist, must be emailed to healthcoordinator@wayzatahockey.org, the player’s exempt status must be made known to the player’s coach in writing, and the player’s coach must keep a copy of the written statement to show opponents and officials if necessary.

What about mouth guards?

WYHA understands that this may be difficult, but as of now the mouth guard policy remains in effect for all players aged PeeWee/12U and above. For squirts/10U mouth guards are temporarily not required until such time as the masking requirement is lifted.

My child is only 4 or 5 years old, does he/she still have to wear a mask?

Children 5 years and under are encouraged to follow masking guidelines when possible, but to mirror the Minnesota Department of Health's masking guidance, children 5 years and under are not required to wear masks. For WYHA's purposes, this applies to the mini mite playing level.

If a player or family member in the same household tests positive for COVID-19, or if a player/family member has been identified as having had close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19, immediately remove the player from play and contact your Team Health Advisor as soon as possible. 

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The Team Health Advisor should send a detailed email to the WYHA Health Coordinator (LINK: WYHA Health Coordinator email address), including the following information:

• When was the player/coach first symptomatic (if they were symptomatic)?
• When did they get tested?
• When did they receive the positive result?
• When were the most recent two times (dates) they were around the team?
• Did they carpool to/from the rink with anyone?
• Were they in close contact with a COVID-positive person within their household?

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In the event of a positive test or an exposure to an individual with a positive test, players and family members must follow all CDC, MDH, and WYHA guidelines for returning to activity.

In some cases, a player or coach may be identified as a close contact to a COVID-positive case.

The guidelines for this scenario have recently changed. The Minnesota Department of Health is still recommending a 14-day quarantine after having close contact with a COVID-positive case, however there are some circumstances where the length of quarantine may be reduced. These are outlined in the MDH guidance below.

For more info, see the MDH Guidelines: What to do if you have had close contact with a person with COVID-19.

According to MDH, people who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and recovered do not have to quarantine or get tested again as long as they do not develop new symptoms. People who develop symptoms again within 3 months of their first bout of COVID-19 may need to be tested again if there is no other cause identified for their symptoms. In this scenario, WYHA will require proof of a previous positive COVID case, including the date the test was performed.

The Wayzata Youth Hockey Association (WYHA) is dedicated to maintaining the health and safety of all of our players, coaches, parents, and fans. It is your responsibility as a WYHA member and/or player to be respectful of your fellow players, coaches, and volunteers by following the safety protocols we have put in place. Keep in mind that other players and/or family members may have higher risk related to COVID-19 and we must all do our part to ensure a safe, healthy, and fun 2020-21 youth hockey season. 

1. When in doubt, sit out! Players should be held out of practices or games if they are sick or experiencing symptoms, if a sibling or family member is sick or experiencing symptoms, or if they know that they have had exposure to any individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.
2. Social distancing. Coaches, players, parents, and spectators should practice social distancing whenever possible.

3. Personal hygiene. Coaches, players, parents, and spectators should practice safe hygiene habits, including washing and/or sanitizing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, utilizing face coverings, and cleaning and sanitizing personal items and equipment frequently.

If you believe your player or a family member in the same household has COVID-19 symptoms or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19, consult the Minnesota Department of Health Decision Tree to determine your next steps.

• Minnesota Hockey Return to Play Guidelines Phase 4 (updated 12/28/2020)

• Minnesota Hockey COVID-19 Page

• State of Minnesota’s Stay Safe Plan

• Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Guidance for Youth Sports 

• CDC Considerations for Youth Sports