Whilst it is generally really positive news that we can play again there are a number of key changes that will impact us on what we can and can't do in Tier 3 (and in Tier 2) from 2nd December 2020. Hopefully, if rates keep falling in the North West (and all the other data used to determine Tiers) more areas in the North West will move to Tier 2 and this will mean players living in other Tier 2 areas will be able to return to training - however but new Governments restrictions on travel (car sharing) will give us new challenges to overcome and work with for adult matches.

Please do your bit by following the 'asks' of captains, coaches and our covid support team members so we can make all this happen and get hockey back on. We are in the process of updating dedicated area of the website Return to Play (Covid 19) THC Info Hub with our THC guidance and information for all those involved playing and delivering hockey at Timperley.

Key Points and Changes with effect from 2nd December
- the revised Tiers set out by government are more restrictive than the ones introduced in October
- in Tier 3 we are back under EH Step 4 - Return to Play Guidance
- Players can only travel within their Tier 3 area to reach their club (to play or train) or to play matches within the same Tier 3 Area. Senior teams can only play matches in Greater Manchester
- Players living in a Tier 2 area cannot travel to play at Timperley whilst we remain in Tier 3
- Players living in another Tier 3 area cannot travel to play at Timperley
- Limit contact in training sessions
- Under 18 teams still have an exemption to travel and play across all Tiers for U18 activity. Cars can be shared if necessary as long as safer travel guidance is followed.
- the Under 18 exemption to travel does not apply to senior hockey (training or matches)
- No car sharing, senior teams must travel individually or in households/bubbles to matches applies to Tiers 2 and 3
- volunteers supporting junior hockey (under 18) can travel into / from Tier 3
- social distancing (2m or 1m+ wearing a face covering) and Rule of 6 still applies
- all the Covid Safe check in procedures, registers and reporting to EH to continue
- minimise time spend at the venues (home and away) before and after playing - we will be looking at meet times to support this
- No socialising after playing (training or matches)
- Spectators - we are reviewing how we apply this at THC
- Clubs and players need to continue to follow the guidance so we can retain the Government exemption to play - breaches may result in disciplinary action and worse hockey loosing its exemption status to play

For more detail on what is allowed in each of the different Local Restriction Tier areas please click on the updated infographic attached and EH Step 4 guidance - we will share the updated version to reflect the latest government guidance when it is published (shortly).

There's a lot to take in here - but lets look on the positive side we are back playing and training and we've overcome a lot harder restrictions when we were under EH Step 2 earlier in 2020. We know its frustrating but we've all sacrificed a lot over the last 9 months during this pandemic so lets not blow it now. We recommend everyone involved in hockey at Timperley takes another look at the short EH Return to Play Safely Video - whilst some elements have changed slightly its still an good reminder. Parents are asked to encouraged young players to watch the video and remind all under 18's social distancing rules are different at hockey than at school.

Hockey at Timperley - here we go the positive bit !
Following the 'new rules' we've lots of hockey planned - help us make it 'Covid Safe' and support our captains and Covid Support Team by following the guidance on and off the pitches

Thursday 3rd December 2020
- Mens and Womens 1's / 2's training 20:00 - 22.00

Saturday 5th December 2020 - and weekend hockey until anything changes !
Matches will take place this weekend against other clubs/players from Greater Manchester (Tier 3) for:
- Mens 2 -7's
- Ladies 3 -6's and hopefully Ladies 2
and Beaver / Badgers games too
- Follow guidance on travel to away games (no car sharing) and getting to the club
- please make sure you respond to Pitchero team invites for games

Leagues (except EHL/Womens North Div 2/3) have restructured to create Greater Manchester 'pools' for games so we can all keep playing - so enjoy the games coming up.

Sunday 6th December 2020
- Academy 'cub's training 11.00 - 12noon
- Academy training (Tokyo and Rio groups) 11.00 - 12.30
- please ensure you accept the Pitchero invite as spaces are limited in each age group due to player:pitch ratios.
- parents to follow social distancing / rule of 6 and avoid gathering outside pitches when dropping / collecting players

Tuesday 8th December 2020
- Academy London Groups 17.30 - 18.45
- Mens and Womens Club training 18.55 - 20.10
- Mens and Womens 2/3s training 20.15 - 22.00
- Mens and Womens 1s training 20.15 - 22.00
- Matches are planned for 12th December and other dates in December too

Keeping Hockey Covid Safe - Return to full on and off pitch Covid Rules.
- everyone involved on pitch to have completed EH participation Agreement
- come to all sessions changed as ready to play (no access to changing rooms)
- Captains / Covid Support Team members to do pre game / session check in and key questions
- use allocated check in zones for your match / session
- Do not come to club if are self isolating / have had a positive test or anyone in your household has
- Keep 2m apart (unless wearing a face covering) and sanitise hands pre / post game
- Rule of 6 applies (ensure space between groups) - no post game socialising
- face coverings must be worn when entering the clubhouse / loos
- report all positive cases, if awaiting test results to Covid Officer, Andrew Foster (Fozzy), so we can monitor and report to EH as per the regulations

Refresher Session for Covid Support team and captains - will be held over Zoom on Thursday 3rd December at 19:00 and 20:00

Club and Clubhouse - sadly whilst we're in Tier 3 it will be.....
- takeaway tea's coffees and soft drinks only on limited opening times shared weekly depending on what sport is on
- limited bar menu on a Saturday morning 9:00 - 13:00
- Loos will be open and remember to wear a face covering in the building
- No changing facilities
- Car Park will be open for all sessions - be aware Christmas Tree Sales in Stockport Rd car park !

If we move to Tier 2 the club is aiming to pilot some ticketed 'food sessions' where you will be able to book a table (one household only) and in a two hour window enjoy a themed meal and drinks. More details to follow.

For now lets get back on the pitches, enjoy 'covid safe' hockey and get playing ! We'll be sharing our plans for a packed festive calendar of hockey to give as much hockey to everyone as possible over the festive period

Stay safe and see everyone soon

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