Information from the EIHA website

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

It was confirmed that ice rinks will currently 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. A response is expected within the next 48 hours.

The EIHA said in a statement on their website: “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.