"All teams from any
level of hockey should follow the Hockey Canada
guideline regarding water bottle sharing."
Barwitzki said
The Hockey Canada
guideline that was issued by Todd Jackson,
Safety and Risk Manager for Hockey Canada states
that good team hygiene includes all players and
staff have their own water bottles to prevent
the transmission of viruses and bacteria.
Bottles should be labelled and washed after each
practice or game.
“Sharing water
bottles in any sport puts the athlete at
increased risk of a communicable illness. Dr.
Barwitzki added "These are most often viral
illnesses such as the common cold but can
include herpes labialis (commonly known as a
cold sore) and influenza. Bacterial infections
such as strep throat also can be spread by
sharing water bottles.”
In Jackson
guidelines he recommends that officials avoid
the practice of drinking from the goaltenders
water bottle and suggest they have their own
water bottle at the penalty bench.
Dr. Barwitzki agrees
with Jackson that good hygienic practices will
help to maintain a healthy team atmosphere and
assist in keeping all participants healthy
throughout the season.
To read Hockey
Canada's bulletin click on the following:
http://cdn.agilitycms.com/hockey-canada/Hockey-Programs/Safety/Safety-Program/Downloads/water_bottles_e.pdf