The following is a statement on behalf of Ice Rink Managers Association, Scottish Ice Rink Association, British Ice Skating, Ice Hockey UK, English Ice Hockey Association, Scottish Ice Hockey Association & Scottish Curling, on the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
First, and most importantly, to the front-line and essential workers who have gone above and beyond around the clock to keep the UK safe – a simple thank you is not nearly enough for what you have done over the last three months.
Second, to our members, partners, associations, volunteers and fans across the UK, thank you for keeping the spirit of ice sports alive. Unprecedented times have called for unprecedented efforts at every level across the ice sports industry.
As our UK and devolved governments phase in a plan to reopen in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are questions about when ice sports will return, and how it will look when it does. We are diligently working on a multifaceted return-to-rinks plan for each sport that will happen when, and only when, governments and health authorities deem it safe to do so.
This plan includes everything from health and safety regulations to communications, structure, customer engagement, competitions and national teams.
As the return-to-rinks plan progresses, it will do so at different speeds, and at different times, across the country, based on direction from health authorities and governments. It is clear that sports will look different, that much we do know. We ask for your patience as we continue to work towards ensuring we play our role in bringing the sports community back.
The health and safety of everyone involved in the game will determine when we return, not our desire to get back on the ice. When our country is ready, we will be ready. Until then, continue to follow the guidelines set by our governments to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Only by working together will we be able to make a difference and safely return.
Thank you for your passion and dedication to our industry, and we hope to see you around the rink as soon as possible.