PHF announces COVID-19 health & safety protocols

Full Vaccination Required for all PHF Members during 2021-22 Season

September 10, 2021 (Brooklyn, N.Y.) – The Premier Hockey Federation has announced its COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols for the 2021-22 season that includes the adoption of a full vaccination policy for its members.

“The health and safety of everyone associated with the PHF is a top priority,” said PHF Commissioner Tyler Tumminia. “In consultation with global healthcare leaders, vaccination for COVID-19 continues to be a critical component in promoting and protecting the health and safety of all players, staff, and their families.”

The Federation’s full vaccination requirement for participation during Season 7 applies to a group that includes players, coaches, officials, staff in both full-time and part-time capacities, volunteers, and rink partners who may come in contact with each other on a daily or weekly basis. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving the final dose of any COVID-19 vaccine either fully approved or approved for emergency use authorization by the United States Food and Drug Administration or any COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada. Medical and religious exemptions to vaccination will be considered on an individual basis by the Commissioner’s Office.

All signed athletes were notified about the new policy in early September and have until September 10, 2021 to opt-in or opt-out of their Season 7 contracts. Contracts for Season 7 will not be paid for any players who choose to opt-out on the basis of this policy.

Additional safeguards outlined in the protocols are weekly PCR testing requirements during the pre-season, regular season, and post-season. Temperature checks at home before coming to practice and game facilities, and health surveys for each day members are present at a facility in their capacity representing the PHF which includes all practices, competitions, meetings, and administrative duties. Where social distancing cannot be maintained, all members will be required to wear a mask outdoors and in indoor settings except when actively participating in on-ice hockey activities or other strenuous or high-intensity training.

The Federation will continue to monitor health restrictions in all locations and the protocols will be adjusted to meet health authority guidelines.

A full copy of 2021-22 PHF Health & Safety Protocols is available online at nwhl.zone/covid-19.

The PHF season begins Saturday, November 6, 2021, with all six teams in action. COVID-19 protocols pertaining to fan attendance during the 2021-22 PHF season will be announced at a later date.

About Premier Hockey Federation (PHF):
The PHF is the leading home of professional women’s hockey in North America. Established in 2015 as the National Women’s Hockey League, the NWHL rebranded to become the PHF in 2021 and maintains the mission to provide strong role models and fuel the continued growth of the sport. The league is made up of the Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale, Metropolitan Riveters, Minnesota Whitecaps, and the Toronto Six who all compete annually for the Isobel Cup.

The original article can be found here.

Friday, 10 September 2021