Framework Advancement for the ‘First Stage’ Return to Responsible Play – Communique #5

You can access the PDF version of this document here.


Dear Field Hockey BC Members,

On behalf of the Field Hockey BC (FHBC) Board of Directors and following the approval of the First Stage Responsible Return to Play Framework (for field hockey in BC) on June 11, 2020, I am pleased to report that Field Hockey BC is proactively advancing the approved First Stage Responsible Return to Play Framework with the introduction of a permissible extension to the ratio for athlete participation (maximum number of participants on a full field of play), and a streamlined ratio for the required number of associated safety officers. In this case, the maximum number of athlete participants permissible for full field activity will increase from 18 athlete participants to 32 athlete participants and the number of required safety officers will reduce by half (50% – 4 safety officers to 2 safety officers). See the PDF for a visual guide of the permissible structure on a full field of play.

As the BC Organized Sport Sector awaits formal Provincial Government consideration and associated guidance relative to a move to the second stage of responsible return to play, such advancement of stage one guidelines is seen as a proactive next step to continue Field Hockey’s responsible and progressive stance to maintain and comply with the necessary COVID-19 safety protocols. This move to adjust ratios was taken following receipt of feedback from both LSO and PSO activity leaders. Such feedback will remain ongoing and will continue throughout the staged progression towards a new  “norm” for field hockey activity. The safety of all involved in field hockey’s responsible return to play remains the absolute priority, as does the ability of our sport to comply with the necessary safety protocols.

As we all continue to navigate a progressive and responsible return to organized field hockey activity, I remind and encourage all members to take the necessary time to consider return to play activity as an exercise in social responsibility and safety for all. Let us play our part in offering an opportunity to participate whilst ensuring we contribute to flattening the COVID-19 curve.

Yours in sport,
Mark Saunders
Executive Director
Field Hockey BC, July 29, 2020

COVID-19 Response – ‘First Stage Responsible Return to Play’ Framework (amended July 29 2020)

You can access the full framework here.


The Field Hockey BC Board of Directors met on the evening of June 11, 2020 and passed a resolution approving the first stage responsible return to play framework for field hockey in BC (date stamped June 11, 2020), which can be accessed here. The approved framework provides sport specific guidance as to the minimum standard expected for active implementation in this first stage return.

Please, draw your particular attention within the framework to the participant ratios, the requirement for attestation form compliance ahead of every activity session, and the need to maintain standards of health and safety as a priority. The advice provided by the Public Health Office, viaSport, and now the approved PSO framework is intended to allow for LSO’s to develop activity plans and look to the necessary steps to secure appropriate facility permits.

Many members have already requested membership fee refunds or deferrals to the following year, and, in this case, members need to re-register with FHBC prior to active participation. All members participating in LSO, PSO (FHBC), and NSO (FHC) programming must be a registered member in good standing.

Umpire Webinar – Communication Verbal and Non Verbal

Dear Field Hockey BC Members,

You are all invited to the Umpire Webinar – Communication Verbal and Non Verbal via Zoom. This webinar will be facilitated by Lelia Sacré and Tyler Klenk; both are currently FIH rated umpires that have been involved with Field Hockey BC for a number of years.

When: Aug 5, 2020 07:00 PM Vancouver
This webinar has ended. Watch the recording on our Online Field Hockey Resources page.

Safe Return to Play: COVID-19 liability Insurance

This is an important letter from Field Hockey Canada regarding Membership Fees for the 2020/21 season.
You can read the PDF version of this document here.
For more details on membership fees and to start your registration process, access this page.


Dear Registered Participant,

In these unprecedented times, we have all been forced to adopt new measures and modes of practice in order to return to the field of play. One of these measures is the need for additional liability insurance. Having full liability insurance to cover COVID-19 related cases, ensures all our participants, including coaches, board directors and our other hundreds of valued volunteers can return in confidence.

Our thanks to our provincial members for adopting the unified position and standing together as a community to purchase of this insurance. The cost for this peace of mind is $8 per participant. This should be considered as a non-refundable COVID-surcharge which will provide cover for 1 full year. It is a one-off charge which is being introduced much like the other COVID surcharges we are currently all paying for across service and other industries.

Other important information:

COVID-19 Surcharge will become effective September 1, 2020 for all members registering a
membership during the 2020-21 season.

COVID-19 Coverage will be provided for all registered members between now and the end of the
current season (August 31, 2020) without an associated surcharge or fee.

With thanks for your understanding and support. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable return to the field of play.

Sincerely,

Susan Ahrens
Chief Executive Officer
Field Hockey Canada

Membership Registration for the 2020-21 Season is now open!

As field hockey starts its Responsible Return to Play in British Columbia, all members participating in LSO, PSO (FHBC), and NSO (FHC) programming must be a registered member in good standing. Click here to start your registration process.

IMPORTANT: For those who have not yet participated in organized field hockey activities during the current 2019-20 season and may now be looking to take advantage of opportunities to return to play during July and August 2020, you can now register as a member and your membership will be valid for July and August 2020, and through to the end of the 2020-21 season. If you paid membership fees in 2019-20 but did not play, and have not received a refund, please contact info@fieldhockeybc.com to request a carry forward into the 2020-21 season.

This carry forward COVID-19 initiative supported by both FHBC and FHC is designed to aid those participants that are new to field hockey or may now wish to re-register, having not participated in the current 2019-20 season prior to July 1, 2020. For those members who may have already requested and received an eligible COVID-19 refund, you will need to re-register prior to participation.

Provincial Athlete Pathway Review Project – Status Update Webinar #2


Earlier this season, Field Hockey BC made a community commitment to undertake a performance stream athlete pathway review. The Provincial Athlete Pathway Review Project launched on April 14th and shortly thereafter a Club Feedback Questionnaire was sent to all clubs in the province to solicit feedback that would help inform the development of a new Field Hockey BC Provincial Athlete Pathway and Athlete Program Model. A webinar was held on June 17th which provided an update on Phase 1 of the project, including the results of the club questionnaire.

The Field Hockey BC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the performance stream athlete pathway review has now completed Phase 2 and the project is ready to present the Provincial Pathway Working Group’s draft recommendations to all Field Hockey BC members and affiliated Clubs via a second webinar scheduled for July 22nd @ 6:30 pm.

Webinar #2 will include a presentation on the following:

  • Key Outcomes of the Provincial Athlete Pathway Review Project
  • Recommended Changes to Field Hockey BC’s Athlete Program Model
  • A Redesigned Field Hockey BC Athlete Pathway Model
  • Next Steps

Field Hockey BC encourages all Club officials and members to attend the July 22nd webinar to learn about the new proposed Provincial Athlete Pathway and Program Model prior to the project’s final recommendations being submitted to the Field Hockey BC Board of Directors. The webinar will include an opportunity to hear about the Provincial Pathway Working Group’s proposed recommendations, ask questions, and provide feedback.

Further engagement between Field Hockey BC and the Society’s membership will occur once the FHBC Board of Directors completes a full review of the project’s recommendations, including a risk assessment and review of the Society’s operational and environmental considerations.

If you would like more information regarding the Provincial Pathway Review Project, please contact Jennifer Taylor, jtaylor@fieldhockeybc.com.

On behalf of the FHBC Board of Directors, thank you for supporting this important initiative!

Date: Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020, 6:30 pm – 8 pm PST

Zoom Meeting Information:
When:
Jul 22, 2020 06:30 PM Vancouver
Topic: PPRP Webinar (Phase Two)
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86859665080?pwd=ckxMREVFT0R1c3dTTGkxVnlQcDdEZz09
Password: 363098

Field Hockey Rules Webinar


FHBC will be hosting an information session regarding the new rules of field hockey that were implemented at the beginning of last year.

This session aims to ensure that all members, players, coaches, officials or managers understand the new rules and how they will be officiated when we next get the opportunity to return to the field and play the game we love.

This information session will be led by Lelia Sacré and Tyler Klenk; both are currently FIH rated umpires that have been involved with Field Hockey BC for a number of years.

Zoom webinar:
When: Jul 8, 2020 07:00 PM Vancouver
Topic: Umpires Information Session
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86728558776?pwd=Q21MT2orY1NqWVgzMS8wRTNhaUNwQT09
Password: 019481

For more information, please contact Narinder Sangha, FHBC Umpiring Director, narinder@fieldhockeybc.com