Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1273865
According to medical professionals, fol- lowing the same principles recommended in daily life will help officials on the ice. • Practice social distancing when arriving and leaving the rink and while in the offi- cials' room • Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water often • Avoid touching your face • Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the bend of an elbow • Stay home if showing any signs of illness "The bottom line is we are advocating that officials follow the same procedures that are recommended in daily life," said Matt Leaf, director of USA Hockey's officiating educa- tion program. "There's always risks involved with hock- ey. COVID -19 is just another risk. We have p r o c e d u r e s i n p l a c e t o m i n i m i z e t h o s e risks and create as safe an environment as possible." One of the most frequent questions Leaf has heard during the 12 virtual town halls that have been held for officials across the country is the idea of wearing a cloth facemask on the ice. Most health care professionals cite studies showing that wearing a mask during exercise and heavy exertion during aerobic activities can impact breathing and raise heart rates. Still, USA Hockey says it is a personal decision that each official needs to make. In addition, medical experts don't recom- mend wearing latex gloves because the virus will remain on the gloves until changed. So, unless the official plans on changing gloves before every face-off, gloves would not be an effective way to prevent transmission. Leaf said the best approach would be to have hand sanitizer at the scorekeeper's bench and for officials to use it between periods. P One idea that has been discussed for officials this season is the use of an electronic whistle. Blowing on a standard finger whis - tle could propel moisture droplets into the air and potentially expose players and coaches to the virus. An electronic whistle, which looks a bit like a small flashlight, operates with the push of a button that sends an adjustable electronic frequency. While electronic whistles have become hot selling items in recent months, Matt Leaf, director of USA Hockey's officiating education pro - gram, said using on is a personal choice that each official can make. A typical finger whistle sold on Pure Hockey, a USA Hockey partner, costs between $15.99 and $19.99, while an electronic whistle sold on other sites typically lists for approxi - mately $24.99. Various websites and manufactur- ers are warning that orders may be delayed due to increased demand. WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK VIDEO: Electronic whistles are a great option. AUGUST 2020 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 29 A N O F F I C I A L P O L L Given the current COVID-19 pandemic situation in your local area, how comfortable do you feel with returning to officiate hockey games? What is your biggest concern with returning to work games? 100 USA Hockey officials from across the nation were polled on their thoughts returning to the rink this season with the concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic. Very comfortable (no real safety concerns) Somewhat comfortable (some mild safety concerns) Somewhat uncomfortable (a few serious safety concerns) Very uncomfortable (many safety concerns, unlikely I'll return immediately) General public at the rink Sharing a locker room and working with other officials Physically managing players Communicating with players and team benches I don't have any concerns 23% 5% 28% 29% 43% 28% 14% 13% 17%