RETURN TO PLAY & COVID ARENA POLICIES

VIASPORT GUIDELINES

Return to Sport update: October 29, 2021

 

This week, the PHO updated its Order on Gatherings and Events with information around proof of vaccine and capacity limits for sport. To reflect these changes, we have updated our Return to Sport Restart 2.0 chart. To summarize, as of October 25, 2021:
  • Any unpaid supervisor/coach/volunteer supervising or assisting with indoor and outdoor youth sport must show proof of vaccine (two doses).
  • Spectators must show proof of vaccine (two doses) at indoor sport and activities.
  • Indoor sport participants 22 and older must show proof of vaccine (two doses).
  • Youth 12 and older participating in sport events and programs primarily with adults must show proof of vaccine (two doses).
  • Organizers of events and programs must check proof of vaccination for indoor and outdoor sport.
  • Youth participants (21 and under) in a child and youth sport event or program do not need to show proof of vaccination.
  • Employees working in sport activities or programming in their employment capacity do not need to show proof of vaccination.
    • Note that some organizations may require employees to show proof of vaccination as part of the terms of their employment.

We are working with government to clarify some specific details that might affect some sport activities and programs more than others, so we appreciate your patience and will provide another update as soon as possible.

For sport organizers
Organizers must check proof of vaccination for indoor and outdoor sport. Information for event and program organizers on how to check proof of vaccination is here on the Province of B.C.’s website.

To make return visits easier, with written consent, you can record whether a person has provided proof of vaccination. Do not keep a copy of a person’s ID or proof of vaccination QR code. See Section D of the Order for more information.

Capacity for spectators
Outdoor sport activities can have 5,000 spectators or 50 per cent seated capacity, whichever is greater. For example, if the venue has a normal seated capacity of 30,000 people, 15,000 spectators can attend. Seats must be provided for everyone.

There are no capacity restrictions on indoor sport activities. All spectators must have a seat. Proof of vaccination is required for all spectators at indoor sporting events.

For more details about this and other Return to Sport information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Please share this message with anyone you think may benefit from it.

From all of us at viaSport, thank you for your commitment to keeping your sport and your community safe.

 

CURRENT ARENA GUIDELINES

Planet Ice Arena

GSL Group Facility's Policy (October 27, 2021)

 

Pitt Meadows Arena

Mask Mandate 

    • As of October 12, 2021, the Province of British Columbia has re-introduced a mask order for all patrons born in 2016 or earlier (5+). Unless actively engaged in a sports activity on the ice or field, patrons are required to always wear a mask while inside the facility.

Proof of Vaccination

    • Anyone born in 2009 or earlier (except athletes 12 – 21 years of age participating in a youth sport activity) will be required to present proof of vaccination. This includes a digital version or a paper copy of the BC Vaccine Passport and 1 piece of photo ID (youth 12 – 18 not required to show photo ID). Vaccination cards provided at immunization locations will not be accepted.
    • Beginning on October 4, it will be Pitt Meadows staff checking the proof of vaccination status before entry to the building takes place.

Proof of vaccination is not required for the following: 

    • Anyone 0 – 11 years of age (athletes & spectators)
    • Athletes 12 – 21 participating in a youth sport activity 

Access to the Facilities

    • All passport checks will be done at the rink entrance before entry is permitted.
    • If a parent wants to come in to assist and then leave, they have to show proof. If they can't they will have to get their child ready in the parking lot

Langley Sportsplex

The following are mandatory guidelines that are in effect as of October 29th, 2021, By order of the PHO vaccine passport mandate:

Please view the full mandate online at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html
*Masks are mandatory within our facility (except on the ice, which is at the discretion of each group)*
As per the new regulations for Vaccine Passports required, the Sportsplex is implementing the following rules for all youth and adult hockey games, practices or adult rental groups. This includes all players, coaches and spectators.
All youth and parents attending youth sports will be required to show proof of vaccination.
  1. All league/team managers will be required to ensure that all spectators and participants have provided proof of vaccinations to the league/team. This will need to be documented by the league/team in case proof is required at a later date. All spectators must be seated in the bleachers. No standing is permitted. This will be the league and team's responsibility as the Sportsplex will not be checking at the door.
  2. We believe the easiest way to do this is to have everyone provide a screen shot of their vaccine passport to the team manager. The team manager will have this information on hand to provide to anyone that requires it. This will show who has a passport and who does not.
Anyone that does not have a valid vaccine passport will not be able to enter the Sportsplex to attend practices or games.
All spectators must be seated and provide proof of vaccination to the organizer of each event.
Anyone found not complying with the new rules will be expelled and will not be given a refund.
Please help us ensure that your group or league will maintain good standing and continue to operate out of the Sportsplex while these new rules are in place.

 

MRFMHA RETURN TO HOCKEY PLAN

The MRFMHA Return to Hockey Plan that has been developed for our association in order to ensure:

  • health and safety of all individuals is a priority
  • activities are in alignment with provincial health recommendations
  • modifications to activities are in place in order to reduce the risks to each sport organization and its participants
  • our sport is united and aligned on a plan to reopen throughout the province

While we do hope things will return to normal in the not too distant future, currently this Return to Hockey Plan will be the new normal until we are advised otherwise by public health authorities.

If you choose to participate, you must follow these rules: 

  • If you don’t feel well or are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, you must stay home.
  • If you have traveled outside of Canada, you are not permitted at the facility until you have self-isolated for a minimum of 14 days.
  • If you live in a household with someone who has COVID-19 or is showing symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home.
  • Wash your hands before participating
  • Bring your own equipment, water bottle and hand sanitizer
  • Comply with physical distancing measures at all time
  • Avoid physical contact with others, including shaking hands, high fives, etc.
  • Leave the field of play as quickly as possible after you finish

Our Return to Sport Plan is based on current public health guidance. While we are all doing our best to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19, while the virus circulates in our communities it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk. Each participant must make their own decision as to whether it is in their best interest to resume participation at this time. You must take into account your own circumstances and make the decision that is right for you. Should you choose to join us, we require your full cooperation with our Return to Hockey Plan

For more information please see the MRFMHA Illness Policy