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

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.

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.

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

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