November 24, 2020

Earlier today representatives of the Ice Rink Managers Association, English Ice Hockey Association and British Ice Skating met with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to discuss the impact of tier 3 on ice rinks in England.

During the meeting it was confirmed that currently ice rinks will not be able to open in any situation whilst in tier 3. DCMS have agreed to make representation to the government in relation to rinks in tier 3 being able to open for elite sport, under-18 sport, disability sport, educational programmes and organised sport and expect to be able to give a response within the next 48 hours.

To fully support those requests, we need all those involved in ice sports to contact their local MP to ask them to support the opening of ice rinks in tier 3 in line with tiers 1 and 2. We need those making decisions to treat ice sports in the same manner as other Olympic sports. We would ask that you refrain from commenting online until we receive a response from DCMS. A letter to your local MP is the greatest way to raise awareness at this time.

A further update will be issued on Thursday evening.