Health, Safety & COVID-19 Protocols
VSSC is currently in Phase 2 of BC's Restart Plan

Members must submit a COVID-19 PreScreen before each session, no earlier than the day of the session.
In order to operate our club this season, we have implemented COVID-19 safety protocols that meet or exceed the requirements of the BC Speed Skating Association, viaSport and Vancouver Parks and Recreation.

We urge all members to familiarize themselves with our COVID-19 and General Safety Protocols before registering, and attending each session.​

General Safety Protocols

Detailed COVID-19 Protocols


COVID-19 Protocols are summarized below, and are adjusted as requirements evolve.

COVID-19 Protocol Summary

Anyone who fails to meet the VSSC Illness Policy must not enter the arena.
​Each practice will have an assigned Safety Coordinator as well as 3 or 4 Safety and Equipment Volunteers (SE volunteer). Only skaters, coaches and SE volunteers will be permitted in the arena during practices. Please email us if you are able to volunteer for either of these roles: vancouverspeedskatingclub@gmail.com.

Parents/guardians of younger children, and athletes requiring assistance, will be permitted to enter the arena to assist skaters to don their skates. Unless they are also volunteering as Safety and Equipment volunteers, these parents/guardians will be required to leave the arena during practice and remain nearby the arena until the end of practice; at that time, they can enter the arena to perform their assigned tasks.

​The Safety Coordinator will assign the roles of the SE volunteers which may include:
  • Putting safety mats on and off the ice;
  • Cleaning safety mats;
  • Filling water buckets;
  • Accessing the club room to get or return safety or sport equipment; and,
  • Other club- or arena-tasks as required.
​​Before arriving at the arena:​
  • Submit the online COVID-19 PreScreen
    • Can only be done on the day of the session, no earlier.
  • Complete your warmup;
  • Be fully dressed, except for skates: skates can be donned in the arena.
    • Dressing areas and dryland/warmup facilities may or may not be available: the VSSC Return to Sport Safety Plan (section 1.6) provides more information on this.
Arrive no later than 10 minutes before on-ice practice and wait outside the arena for Arena Staff to the open door.
 
All skaters and volunteers will enter the arena as per the VSSC Return to Sport Safety Plan (section 1.5):
  • Doors will be open for 10 minutes prior to practice to allow skaters and volunteers to enter the arena.
  • It will not be possible to enter the arena after this time so please be prompt.

All people entering the arena must:
  • Sign in with Safety Coordinator: if COVID-19 PreScreen has not been submitted, complete BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Checklist. 
  • Wear a mask while in the arena, including during on-ice practice. Skaters must bring a spare mask in a clean ZipLock bag.
  • Bring their own equipment: no equipment will be shared or lent out by the Club except rental skates.
  • Not enter the club equipment room unless authorized by the Club Safety Coordinator.
  • Ensure 3 metres' distance between themselves and others at all times.
  • Use the provided hand sanitizer and/or wipes before and after touching any common surface.
  • Stay home and seek medical advice from their doctor and/or public health authorities if they feel unwell after a practice.