You can download the PDF version of this communique here.
Dear Field Hockey Members,
Following a latest update to the PHO Gathering and Events Order (Proof of Vaccination) and subsequent confirmation from viaSport BC, I am writing to confirm that the previous Proof of Vaccination exemption for those charged with supervising YOUTH field hockey programming (programming for those Under 22 years of age) has now been removed. Youth field hockey program coaches, managers, and volunteers (those who have active supervisory interaction with Youth field hockey program participants) are now required to show proof of FULL (Double) Vaccination for both indoor and outdoor field hockey activity.
Unless the facility being utilized and/or hired is directly monitoring Proof of Vaccination, Local Sport Organizations (LSO’s) are responsible for checking that all field hockey program coaches, managers, and volunteers supporting Youth programming now have FULL (Double) Proof of Vaccination. Whilst it is likely that many of those charged with a supervisory role within Youth field hockey are classified as Adults under the PHO Order, it has yet to be clarified whether Youth supervisors between the ages of 12 and 22 will be required to show FULL (Double) Proof of Vaccination. FHBC expects to receive the necessary clarification within the next 24 hours. In the meantime, Local Sport Organizations (LSO’s) should consider it a responsible step to have all Youth supervisors over the age of 12 show FULL (Double) Proof of Vaccination.
For those Youth field hockey programs involving field of play officials (umpires), it may now also be necessary to these officials to be required to show FULL (Double) Proof of Vaccination. Clarification on the intent of the PHO Order revision in this case is also pending and expected to be received over the course of the next 24 hours.
The PHO Gathering and Events Order revision (Proof of Vaccination) can be accessed here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/covid-19/covid-19-pho-order-gatherings-events.pdf
For more information regarding Field Hockey’s COVID-19 response, please refer to the Field Hockey BC website at: https://fieldhockeybc.com/covid-19-response/. Further reference material can also be found on the viaSport BC website at https://www.viasport.ca/return-sport.
Yours in sport,
Mark Saunders
Executive Director
Field Hockey BC
October 26, 2021