INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUBJECT: H1N1 Virus – Recommended Steps for all Teams / Players
There is presently much speculation as to the impact that the H1N1 virus will have on Canadians over the next few months. Organizations have been urged to stress to their member’s steps that should be taken to prevent the spread of the virus, and to have plans in place to alleviate any hardships that may come of the spread of H1N1.
In light of the potential threat of a major flu epidemic associated with the H1N1 virus, the following precautions are greatly advised for all teams participating in the Edmonton Metro Ball Hockey Association.
These precautions are as follows:
1. Players should be urged to keep away from the hockey environment if they are showing signs of infectious disease or virus. Sick players are encouraged to see their physician if showing signs or symptoms of the H1N1 virus. Sick players are to be fully recovered prior to returning to play.
2. Players should be encouraged to wash hands routinely and always after handling hockey equipment. Frequent hand washing with soap and water is one of the best preventions we can recommend.
3. Talk to your players about covering their mouths and nose when coughing or sneezing using their arm as opposed to their hands.
4. Advise players to try and not touch their own mouths or nose when in the hockey environment to reduce the chance of them passing an infection on to themselves.
5. Ensure all players have their own water bottles labeled with names and players numbers. Sport drink bottles should be avoided as direct lip contact is possible when drinking.
6. Officials and coaches should avoid drinking from other players water bottles and have water readily available to them on their perspective benches.
7. Towels should be removed from all benches. Players should not share towels, clothing, bar soap or other personal items.
8. Players are encouraged to keep their gloves on when shaking hands after the game. There will be no hardships or negative action taken towards players / officials that choose not to shake hands due to the threat of the H1N1 virus. We do ask if the team has an issue with shaking hands with the opposing teams that they speak with the opposing team’s rep about a possible alternative. (ie. Stick salute)
The intention of this notice is not to unduly alarm players and/or parents. Our intention is to show due diligence and hopefully help control the spread of this flu. You may find additional information on the Health Canada website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php, or on your applicable Provincial/Territorial sites.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Metro Ball Hockey Staff.
Sincerely,
Edmonton Metro Ball Hockey Management

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