BC Wheelchair Sports Restart Plan Update - July 12 | BC Wheelchair Sports Association

BC Wheelchair Sports Restart Plan Update – July 12
massive-dev | July 12, 2021

Following recent announcements from the Public Health Office the Province of BC has now entered Step 3 of the viaSport Return to Sport Restart which allows for a near normal resumption of sport activities. While many restrictions have been lifted sport participants are reminded that municipalities or facilities may impose their own limitations on activities as they work through this next phase and build back to pre-pandemic capacities. While we are optimistic and excited for the progression of the restart plan, we must all continue to follow Public Health Guidance as we return to the sports we know and love. Diligence in this transition period will ensure that we can get back to normal sport settings as soon as possible.

Below is the current PHO guidance as it relates to Wheelchair Tennis, Wheelchair Rugby, and Wheelchair Athletics. Participants including athletes, coaches, and volunteers are encouraged to stay up to date on additional Public Health measures at the links below.

While many restrictions have now been lifted sport participants are reminded that municipalities or facilities may impose their own limitations on activities as they work through this next phase and build back to pre-pandemic capacities. In particular, restrictions on spectators or group sizes and mask requirements may still be in place where you train. It is the responsibility of the participant to keep up to date on the requirements of their training venues and to follow all rules while on site.

While we are optimistic and excited for the progression of the restart plan, we must all continue to follow Public Health Guidance as we return to the sports we know and love. Diligence in this transition period will ensure that we can get back to normal sport settings as soon as possible.

Any questions regarding the information contained in this document or the RTS process in general should be directed to Program Manager Michelle McDonell at michelle@bcwheelchairsports.com or the BCWSA Program Staff responsible for each sport.

General Guidelines – effective July 1, 2021

All activities must be in alignment with the viaSport Return to Sport Restart 2.0 Chart
All activities must follow all Government of BC COVID-19 Restrictions and Orders
All participants (or their parents for participants under 18) will be required to sign an updated BCWSA Waiver or Assumption of Risk AND COVID-19 Declaration and must follow all BCWSA Policies and Protocols
Individuals should not attend any sport programming if they are unwell. Participants may use the COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool (https://bc.thrive.health/covid19/en/) to assess their symptoms as necessary. It is the responsibility of the individual to monitor themselves for symptoms which may be related to COVID-19.
All participants and coaches should continue to practice good hygiene (frequent hand washing with soap and water and use of hand sanitizers;; avoid touching one’s face; respiratory etiquette; disinfect frequently touched surfaces).
Programs should record attendance at sporting activities each session and maintain contact details for all attendees for at least two weeks following an event (tournament, practice, training camp etc.)
Physical Assistance may be offered to athletes as required but all parties (including athletes) must wear a mask while within 2m of each other whether indoors or outdoor
Physical distancing is no longer required on or off the field of play.
Travel for sport is permitted Canada-wide. International travel must continue to follow federal guidance.

Sport Guidelines

Sport restrictions now differentiate between indoor versus outdoor sport only.

Indoor sports (ie. rugby) which are taking place outdoors may follow outdoor restrictions.

Indoor

There is no limit on participation numbers (all ages)

Participants include athletes, coaches, trainers, officials and any individual present in an official capacity but does not include spectators

Seated spectators are limited to 50 individuals or 50% of capacity, whichever is greater
Masks are no longer mandatory on or off the field of play (except when giving/receiving physical assistance as above) but continue to be recommended for all individuals over the age of 12 who are not yet fully vaccinated when physical distancing is not possible.

Outdoor

There is no limit on participation numbers (all ages)

Participants include athletes, coaches, trainers, officials and any individual present in an official capacity but does not include spectators

Seated spectators are limited to 5000 individuals or 50% of capacity, whichever is greater
Masks are not required except when giving/receiving physical assistance as above.

High Performance Sport

CSI-P identified athletes must adhere to all requirements above