Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/482029
38 / MARCH.APRIL.2015 RINKMAGAZINE.COM A newer piece of equipment being utilized at many arenas at a variety of levels is the hard divider board system. This system, whether dividing the ice into one or two smaller areas, can be tricky to maneuver and brings a few challenges for arena operations. For years, ice resurfacer operators have been instructed to leave the ice if anyone is on the ice other than personnel moving the nets. There is not a system that allows for the board to remain in place while resurfacing. Furthermore, the operational cost and risks to people and equipment to remove the system completely for a resurface is often undesirable. Communication is key to this working relationship — and it should start at an administrative level prior to hitting the ice. Ultimately, each arena and association will have to determine how to best mitigate risk and improve efficiencies. Here are some suggestions to help get the conversation started: 1. All participants should be off the ice prior to disassembly of the boards. This is especially important with the younger groups that have less control and understanding of the injuries that could occur. All on-ice helpers should be wearing the appropriate protective equipment. In most cases, this means skates and helmets. 2. Line the nets up near the faceoff dots in the attacking zone. All the equipment staying on the ice will be staged on either side of the rink in line with the faceoff dots. This allows for the ice resurfacer to make a pass or two along the boards while leaving the middle of the ice open for the first few center laps. 3. Tension straps should be removed from the radius sections on either end. The straps should be taken off the ice in either the players' benches or penalty boxes. 4. Starting with the radius sections, move each section one at a time, preferably with two people per section, into the same line as the nets and in line with the faceoff dots. When moving the sections, always move them from the ends to have the smallest profile of the section sliding on the ice. This will minimize the snowplow effect and reduce the chance that a section falls over. To allow for the resurface to start, move the radius section and first two sections on each side of the arena first and move the middle sections last. 5. Once the resurfacer has completed the board lap(s), move the nets and boards to the sidewalls, leaving the center-ice line clear of all but the radius pieces. 6. Once all sections are along the boards, the radius sections can be put back in place, but do not strap them together. 7. Once the resurface is complete and the ice resurfacer has left the ice, the divider can be reassembled. Starting from one end, the hard dividers can be moved back into place. Follow manufacturer recommendations on how to fasten the sections together. Assembly is aided by labeling the sections to retain the same order each time. 8. Finally, strap the radius sections together and enjoy some cross-ice hockey. This process can be completed during a 10-15 minute resurface. Remember, never move more than one section at a time. For the youngest skaters, you may be able to go two hours between resurfaces. Please use the Ask STAR dept. if you have suggestions or improvements. J Ben Ruggles contributed to this article. by MIKE BAUER, CIRM Divide and Conquer Developing a safe and efficient protocol for hard divider boards at your facility HOW To Hard Divider Boards PHOTOS: COURTESY OF USA HOCKEY Visit this link or scan the QR code to watch a video on hard divider board systems: youtube.com/watch?v=N1cxYRWu6Kc , Formulate a plan prior to hitting the ice with hard dividers.