Hockey and other sports are back on across B.C. but not without problems. An increase in exposures from recreational sports, especially youth events, has sparked a warning from the province’s top doctor.
“We also know that spending time socializing or cheering with other parents and other fans before during and after games increases risk of transmission and exposure for families,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer.
The Victoria Minor Hockey Association says they been following the guidelines
“With U7 and U9 we’ve made them small enough so they can have one parent each so they can come into the arena. They’re five and six-year-olds, so they are going to want mom or dad there,” said Nicki Reich, the association’s president.
“So in those age groups there is one spectator per, so they need to mask or socially distance. And all of our rest of our groups, from U11 to U21, if there are two teams there are no spectators allowed in the building.”
Hockey dad Brian Thomas from North Saanich thinks there are ways for parents to be in the stands safely.
He wrote to the province, saying he agrees with Dr. Henry but since B.C. has found safe ways in other places to gather, is wondering if there can be greater numbers in arenas due to the size of the facilities.
“There has got to be a way that we can do that, safely,” Thomas said.
“I don’t know how many thousand foot an arena is, but I got to think we can put an ‘x’ on the ground and stand there and make sure the parents socially distance are are responsible.”
He says parents help play a critical role in support and safety.
“All sports and most sports come with some risk involved. and if something happens you want to be there. [Also] watching your kid play, any support is also really rewarding,” Thomas said.
Victoria Minor Hockey says for now they are sticking with the current guidelines.
“As a parent myself, I have a 13-year-old playing hockey, and I would love to be in the rink watching him play the sport he loves, but we have to make sure we can keep everyone safe,” added Reich.
Julian Kolsut
