UPMC Penguins Rinks

It was announced by the Governor today that the Limited-Time Mitigation Order will expire at 8am on Monday, January 4. Mitigation efforts will revert to mitigation orders in place on Dec. 11.

The new, limited-time mitigation orders take effect at 12:01 a.m. on December 12, and remain in effect until 8 a.m. on January 4, 2021.

K-12 School Sports and Youth Sports

All sports at K-12 public schools, nonpublic schools, private schools and club, travel, recreational, intermural, and intramural sports are paused.

The Pennsylvania Principals Association is recommending a delay to the start of the winter sports season. The surge in cases among school-age children increases the risk that asymptomatic participants will spread the virus at a game or practice, in the locker room, while traveling to and from events, or at team meals, parties or other gatherings.

We have received updated information regarding the mask order that was updated by the PA Department of Health last week. Additionally, we would like to remind everyone of the facility policies currently in place. Please review all information carefully.

The clarification issued by the governor's office regarding athletes wearing masks states the following:

…the Order provides an exception in Section 3 that if wearing a mask would either cause a medical condition or exacerbate an existing one, including respiratory issues that impedes breathing, a mental health condition or a disability then the athlete can remove their mask during play. The order indicates all alternatives to wearing a face covering, including the use of a face shield, should be exhausted before an individual is excepted from this Order. 

The Secretary has provided the following guidance to help athletes assess whether the medical exception to face coverings applies in their case:

Can an athlete remove their mask during play if the mask causes a medical condition, including respiratory issues that impede breathing?

Yes, the Order provides an exception in Section 3 that provides that if wearing a face covering would either cause a medical condition, or exacerbate an existing one, including respiratory issues that impede breathing, a mental health condition or a disability.  The Order indicates all alternatives to wearing a face covering, including the use of a face shield, should be exhausted before an individual is excepted from this Order.

Using football as an example, wearing a mask in addition to a mouth guard and a helmet would likely create a medical issue for the athlete whether the athlete is a professional or youth player even if a previous medical issue was not present.  For example, the CDC says that “wearing a mask with these types of protective equipment is not safe if it makes it hard to breathe.”

There are other sports where there are similar concerns that a mask would create a medical issue where one would otherwise not exist in an athlete.  For example, it should also be obvious that wearing a mask while swimming presents an imminent health issue.

According to Section 3, the athlete would be asked to work through the alternatives that would reduce or eliminate the respiratory droplets that would impact others in proximity.  If the sport, equipment, or exertion level does not allow for face covering to be worn safely then the athlete should not wear a face covering.

There are no exemptions for specific sports, leagues, teams, or levels.  We know that some people don’t like masks.  We are asking everyone to please give this their best effort so we can continue these activities and others as well all unite to fight COVID-19.

Please note that this exception applies only to the athletes when practicing or playing. Otherwise, they and everyone else, including in the gym and coaches who are on the playing surface and the bench, must always have a mask on.

The PA Department of Health has updated is Face Covering Order effective 11/20/20. In accordance the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex and DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Penguins Elite have implemented the following policies:

Face covering must be worn by everyone, at all times, while inside the facility, including all participants on the ice and in the gym.

Approved face coverings

• Face Mask
• Gaiter
• CCM “Game On” shield insert

NOT approved

• Plastic shield style products do not comply with CDC guidance for face coverings
• Bauer Concept 3 Splash Guard
• Tektor 1.0 and 2.0 shields

We are happy to announce the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex will begin to allow spectators back in the building! While we are excited to welcome parents back we request your cooperation with our spectator policies and procedures.

The health and safety of our guests remains our top priority, and we have implemented a series of Health and Sanitation policies and procedures for all to follow. We will continue to follow the Federal, State, Local, CDC, NHL and UPMC guidance.

The purpose of these measures is to promote the health of all of our guests, athletes, coaches, and staff through a safe return under certain controlled conditions. They rely on the core principles of physical distancing, reduced use of shared objects and spaces, rigorous cleaning and disinfection procedures, and the prioritization of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Spectator Safety

Per the State of Pennsylvania everyone must:

• Wear masks in public
• Keep physical distance of six feet or more
• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds

If you or anyone in your family has any COVID-19 symptoms, or if they are not feeling well, do not visit the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex and please stay home.

If you have a weakened immune system, or living with someone who is considered vulnerable, please stay home.

Anyone who visits any international country or state listed on the travel list must quarantine away from the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex for 14 days after returning. For details visit: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Travelers.aspx

Parents/guardians should refrain from entering the facility. The Phase I Return to Ice Rules (listed below) are still in place. If necessary, TWO parents/guardians per participant may enter the facility. All spectators must wear a mask and practice social distancing. Siblings should not enter the facility.

• Temperature Screening – we will be taking the temperature of everyone entering the building. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher will not be allowed entry.
• Parents may enter the facility at their child’s on-ice start time and must leave immediately following their on-ice session.
• Parents must sit in the bleachers. There will be no spectators along the perimeter of the rink.
• Parents may not congregate in the rink, lobby or color coded areas.
• The UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex reserves the right to remove patrons if not compliant with facility requirements.

**An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit. Visit the CDC website for the latest guidance. By visiting the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

We are excited to welcome guests back to the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex for limited youth hockey activities beginning Friday, June 5, as Butler County turns “green.” The specific programs involved are identified below.

However, the health and safety of our guests remains our top priority, and we have implemented a series of Health and Sanitation policies and procedures for all to follow.

The purpose of these measures is to promote the health of all of our guests, athletes, coaches, and staff through a safe return under certain controlled conditions. They rely on the core principles of physical distancing, reduced use of shared objects and spaces, rigorous cleaning and disinfection procedures, and the prioritization of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

These policies will be strictly enforced! Please help us have a successful Phase I return. We’re looking forward to seeing you back on the ice!

Phase I Return to Ice Rules

• Arrive 15 minutes prior to ice session. To avoid congregating at the front doors please wait in your car until your entry time.
• Masks will be required for all who enter the building and must be worn at all times other than when on the ice.
• Skaters should arrive partially dressed in their hockey equipment.
• We ask that skaters enter the building alone. For skaters 10 years old and younger, 1 adult may enter with the player to assist with skates/equipment. We then ask all guests to leave the building once the skaters are on the ice. No parents/guardians/guests are to remain in the building.
• No locker rooms will be available. Each skater will have a chair to get their skates on. Skaters are asked to remain in their chair until they are instructed to enter the ice.
• Guests are to remain at least 6 feet apart at all times.
• Players must bring their own water bottle, filled and labeled with their names. Water fountains will not be available.
• Skaters must leave immediately following their scheduled session.
• A full Health and Sanitation document is available at https://www.upmclemieuxsportscomplex.com/page/show/5778932-covid-19-updates

Schedule

• June 5-6 Tune-up For Tryouts make-up sessions.
• June 5-14 Birth year specific skates. Schedule here: https://www.upmclemieuxsportscomplex.com/page/show/5590864-summer-hockey-classes
• June 15-21 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Tryouts, schedule posted here: https://www.pittsburghpenguinselite.com/tryouts
• June 22 Summer Hockey Programming begins (schedule available 6.15.20)

We look forward to seeing you on the ice soon!

Kara Radeke
Executive Director, Business Operations

We will have additional information regarding future skating opportunities posted on June 2, 2020. 

In light of the ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus and following the direction of the CDC and the Pittsburgh Penguins, the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex will be closed until further notice. We will continue to closely monitor all changes in the CDC, federal, state and local heath guidelines. The health and safety of our participants, guests, employees and partners remains our top priority.

Please check our website, Facebook or Twitter for additional updates as we look forward to seeing everyone again soon!

The UPMC Medical Facility will remain open.

Thank you for your understanding.