FALL RIVER: In a tweet tonight, Hockey N.S. confirms it is working with HRM to find a solution that allows livestreaming/filming in HRM-owned facilities.
This comes after a statement was issued by HRM saying the practice was not allowed.
In that statement HRM said: “Due to public health restrictions that prohibit spectators in facilities, including arenas, and recent changes permitting games, the municipality has received intense interest to record and livestream in our arenas, especially among hockey groups.
“Recording/livestreaming of participants has not been permitted in municipal facilities including arenas. This practice has been in place for many years in order to protect the privacy of participants.
“The municipality appreciates the interest and desire to be able to live stream games in light of the current circumstances.
“The municipality, Hockey Nova Scotia and other partners are currently working on possible approaches to allow live-streaming in a way that still meets privacy requirements.”
HNS said in a tweet:
“We met with the municipality earlier today to discuss this matter. We are working with them on a solution that will address the concerns and allow for live-streaming to continue as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, the HRM statement left a pair of Fall River-area parents upset.
Shawn Anderson has an eight-year-old son who plays Under-9 advanced hockey. They sit in the car for the hour while he plays.
“It means we don’t get to see him play and he gets upset cause we aren’t there to watch him,” said Anderson about no spectators allowed in. “We never attempted to livestream before. However, we have FaceTime with the grandparents in Newfoundland.
He said the change in not allowing livestreaming makes him mad.
“I can understand when rules make logical sense,” he said. “But not allowing live-streaming does not.”
Anderson said the statemen from HRM is clear, but he doesn’t understand why a camera can’t be in to show the games using a wide angle which wouldn’t identify any players.
“The kids have helmets on, and it would be impossible to identify them,” said Anderson.
Kristy Legge is a swim mom, and not being allowed to livestream any of her two children with Sackville Waves Aquatic Team (SWAT). They swim at a HRM run facility.
“I haven’t been able to see my daughter swim at all,” said Legge. “I’ve seen my son swim once and that was only because we had an in-house swim meet that I helped out with on the pool deck.
“While we haven’t had livestream video in the past, we have seen a few clips of videos in the past.”
She thinks the permissions would come from the club itself in the form of a waiver or release that could be signed by parents of the members.
“For swimming, this is already done,” she said. “I was pretty frustrated when hockey parents were allowed into the rink to watch their children play while I had to sit in my car and wait for my swimmers.
“This sudden change means that I will likely not see my daughter swim at all this year. And I just want to help support my kids in the sport that they love.”
Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 9)She feels the statement is clear and can understand their concern for their general members.
“However, I feel that organized groups that rent the facilities for their respective club members to use should be allowed to be the exception, especially if they already have waivers in place,” said Legge. “Many clubs do in order to make posts on social media.”
In a post on his Facebook page, Councillor Tony Mancini said in part the following:
“HRM staff are meeting now with Hockey NS. It is that waiver that we are discussing with Hockey NS and whether they are willing/able to expand it to include filming. They would have to administer and manage the waiver process as they do now and take on any liability.
“Changing the waiver to include live streaming will be the key. Hockey parents should reach out to Hockey NS. “Soon as I hear the results of the HRM – Hockey NS meeting I will share that with you.”
