The mission of Charlestown Youth Hockey is to instill the concepts of good sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership and physical fitness through the game of hockey. This year the health and wellbeing of our hockey community and our neighborhood is also an important part of the mission. 

While we have enjoyed seeing smiles in the opening weeks of the hockey season, we have learned that it is difficult for players to follow the MA Hockey Guidelines without constant reminders from coaches and referees. Wearing face coverings at all times during CYHA practices and games will ensure compliance with MA Hockey guidelines. For this reason, the CYHA is mandating that players wear face coverings that cover the mouth and nose at all times beginning on Thursday, October 8th.

Any questions should be directed to the Charlestown Youth Hockey Association Board of Directors via email at 

CYHA Families,

As we head into CYHA hockey, the board wanted to share some information about how our program will operate in the era of COVID-19. First and foremost, the safety of the players and coaches is our top priority, and we will follow the current state and local guidelines, as well as the guidelines set forth by MA Hockey.  These guidelines are linked below. Following these guidelines is mandatory and will give our program the best chance of being able to continue to operate throughout the season.

Parents, you are the first line of defense. If your player is not feeling well, coughing, has a temperature (above 100.4) or is congested, please keep them at home.  If we see that a player is showing signs of any sickness, coaches and board members will contact parents and have them exit the ice. If anyone in your immediate family has had contact with someone with COVID, or if your player is subject to quarantine or testing from another organization, please do not send your player to practice, quarantine him or her for the recommended 2 weeks, or until you can show a negative COVID test. Please contact the CYHA Board if a family has been exposed to COVID-19. 

Coaches, you will be asked to take attendance at practices and games in case there is a need to assist with contact tracing. In addition, please check the rink specific guidelines prior to games and let parents know about any waivers that must be signed in advance.

Even with adherence to all of the guidelines, we must be prepared for cases to emerge within CYHA. We have heard from other programs who have had individual cases in their program. Given that the CDC has defined exposure as at least 15 minutes within less than six feet of someone with COVID-19 (see link), we do not intend to inform the entire program if a player or parent has tested positive. Rather, we will inform the families of the players who have had direct exposure and follow Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) guidelines. 

These are challenging times, and we appreciate all of the positive feedback and support we have received as we get the kids back on the ice. Please let us know if you have any questions.

thanks,

CYHA Board

Mass Hockey Guidelines:

https://www.mahockey.org/hockeyresources

VHL Rink Guidelines:

https://email.vahockey.com/media/1764/valley-rinks-guidelines-updated-9-2-20.pdf

Rink specific guidelines - We are required to follow individual rink guidelines, which may include signing waivers. when we play at other rinks. Please see link below for rink specific guidelines.

https://valleyhockeyleague.vahockey.com/media/1761/game_rink_guidlines_protocols_vhl.pdf