Release from 05.06.2020

League submits "Return to Play" concept to the Ministry of Sport

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The International Ice Hockey League has handed over a multi-faceted and detailed "Return to Play" concept to the Austrian Ministry of Sports. The programme, which was drawn up in cooperation with the clubs and federations, aims - in addition to maintaining health and in compliance with government requirements - to facilitate a rapid return to structured training and international competition.

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With conducting the first off-ice training sessions in mid-May, the clubs have already taken a step towards a regulated season preparation. Training has begun at the league venues in strict compliance with all the requirements of the authorities, and on ice training in small groups was also made possible at the beginning of June.

"Return to Play" - Program as a guide
In recent weeks, the league organisation has been working with the clubs and federations on a detailed "Return to Play" programme. The final report has now been submitted to the Ministry of Sport. In the concept, both the current status is depicted and preventive measures and rules of conduct for training operations as well as for application matches are defined. It is also intended to create the basis for possible games with spectators in the 2020/21 season. "The latest positive signals from the government and the associated further easing of restrictions strengthen our hopes for a season with the entire field of participants. The 'Return to Play' programme covers all eventualities and is defined down to the smallest detail - and our guide to the start of the season," explains Karl Safron, President of the international Ice Hockey League.

International interest in the concept
The formation of expert groups in the areas of hygiene regulations, sports meetings, economy and infrastructure ensured a targeted distribution and solution of the problems. "We have a great responsibility here and take all challenges very seriously. We have been able to achieve good results through the constant exchange and mergers at various levels. Cooperation with the ministries is also excellent. We hope that with this concept we have made a contribution to a return to regular playing operations," said League Director Christian Feichtinger, underlining the importance of this programme, which has already aroused interest in European ice hockey and has been presented to several leagues and federations. "We are delighted to have been able to play a pioneering role here and to see others benefit from our ideas. The sooner all leagues can resume playing, the better it will be for the sport of ice hockey as a whole," said Feichtinger.