(updated on 11/20)

Dear Field Hockey BC Members,

Please take the time to read the message below from viaSport’s CEO, Charlene Krepiakevich, regarding new province-wide restrictions coming into effect immediately. As stated by the communique, “By order and direction of the PHO, all individuals, places of work and businesses in B.C. must significantly reduce social interactions and travel”.

With that in mind, sport practice can only continue under the following conditions:

• No spectators are allowed at any sport activities under the order. The only people allowed to attend are those that provide care to a participant or player (e.g. providing first aid).
• Travel to, from and between regions for athletic activities like games, competitions, training and practice is restricted under this order.
• Games, competitions, training and practice can continue without spectators and restricted to your local community. Until the written Order and public health guidance are released, we recommend that sport organizations err on the side of caution and stay close to home for now.
• Masks are required in all indoor public settings. We recommend that sport organizations err on the side of caution and wear a mask in all indoor public settings, including lockers, change rooms, etc.
• High performance athletes already training in B.C. and identified by CSI-Pacific are excluded from the sport-related restrictions. 

Dear sport leaders,

I hope this email finds you well. In the event that you missed the message from B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer (PHO) on province-wide restrictions coming into effect November 19 at midnight, here is what we know.

By order and direction of the PHO, all individuals, places of work and businesses in B.C. must significantly reduce social interactions and travel. The order is in effect from November 19, 2020 at midnight to December 7, 2020 at midnight and includes information about sport activities.

At this time the written order has yet to be posted; however, information is posted on the Province’s website here with the following referring to sport:

Games, competitions and practices can continue under these conditions: 

• No spectators are allowed at any sport activities under the order. The only people allowed to attend sport activities are those that provide care to a participant or player. For example, providing first aid. 
• Travel to, from and between regions for athletic activities like games, competitions, training and practice is restricted under this order.
• Games, competitions, training and practice, such as those outlined in the viaSport Phase 3 Guidelines, can continue without spectators and restricted to your local community. Until the written Order and public health guidance are released, we recommend that sport organizations err on the side of caution and stay close to home for now.
• Masks are required in all indoor public settings. We recommend that sport organizations err on the side of caution and wear a mask in all indoor public settings, including lockers, change rooms, etc.
• High performance athletes already training in B.C. and identified by CSI-Pacific are excluded from the sport-related restrictions. 

Since the announcement earlier today, we have heard from many of you as you seek clarity on travel, allowed activities and new safety precautions. Please continue to raise any questions you have about this order with us. We will continue to work with the Province on ensuring sport can continue to be safely played in B.C. during this pandemic.

Sincerely,

 
Charlene Krepiakevich
CEO, viaSport