Author Archives: Communications Coordinator

COVID-19 Response: PHO Order Revision – Youth Sport Supervisors Protocol (PROOF OF VACCINATION) – Second Edition

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You can download the PDF version of this communique here.

Dear Field Hockey BC Members,

Further to Communique #17 sent out yesterday afternoon and included below for reference, the following clarifications to the PHO Gathering and Events Order revision (dated October 25, 2021) were sought by FHBC today and have since been confirmed by viaSport BC:

  • Child and Youth field hockey program coaches, managers, volunteers AND OFFICIALS (those who have active supervisory interaction with Child and Youth field hockey program participants) are now required to show proof of FULL (Double) Vaccination for both indoor and outdoor field hockey activity.
  • The requirement to show proof of FULL (Double) Vaccination for both indoor and outdoor field hockey activity applies to all Child and Youth field hockey program coaches, managers, volunteers, and officials 19 years of age or older (19+).
  • Records of Vaccination: Local Sport Organizations (LSO’s) are allowed to keep written records of proof of vaccination from participants, as long as they have written consent from the participant to do so. These records may only be kept for the purposes of confirming that a participant has been vaccinated and can be kept until this PHO Order expires or is repealed.

Communique #17 (dated October 26, 2021):

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 27, 2021

In Memoriam: Dorothy ‘Dot’ Asuma

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On October 2nd, 2021, the field hockey community lost a very dear friend with the passing of Dorothy ‘Dot’ Asuma at the age of 90. She played a pivotal role in the development and recognition of Canadian field hockey on the international stage, and FHBC would like to recognize her invaluable contributions to our sport.

Dot was the Canadian Women’s Field Hockey Association Tours Chairman from 1966-68 and 1970-75, although her work with Canada’s National women started well before that. Barb Harris remembers Dot being very involved with the preparation of the 1959 and 1963 National teams, especially on the finance and uniform side.

Dot served as Manager of the Women’s National teams in 1971 (IFWHA Tournament, New Zealand), 1974 (Canada), and 1975 (1st IFWHA WORLD Championship, Scotland). She took point in bringing the English National Team for a cross-Canada tour in 1974. The idea was to showcase hockey across the country, and by all accounts that was a success, as England played matches against the Canadian women, and provincial teams in 9 cities from Halifax to Victoria.

When the International Federation of Women’s Hockey Association (IFWHA) selected Canada to host the 1979 Women’s World Championships, Asuma was named Chair of the Organizing Committee for the tournament. Under Dot’s leadership, the committee proved that Canada was more than capable of hosting a world class event. Dot’s hard work culminated with her being nominated to Field Hockey Canada’s Hall of Fame in 2019, in the Builder’s Category. As stated by FHC in her induction article, “it was the first major women’s international hockey games to be held in Canada and set the foundation in which to grow the sport domestically.”

An active participant in the Greater Vancouver Women’s Grass Hockey Association between 1950 and 1965, Asuma represented both the Ex-King Edward and North Vancouver Field Hockey Clubs. In 1967, she received the Government of Canada Centennial Medal for her services to the sport. Dot and the ’79 Committee were awarded the BCWFHF Barbara Schrodt Award – For “Those Who Made a Difference” to Women’s Hockey in BC – for 1979.

Field Hockey BC offers its condolences to her family and friends. Thank you for all you have done, Dot. Rest in peace.

COVID-19 Response: PHO Order Revision – Youth Sport Supervisors Protocol (PROOF OF VACCINATION)

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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

World Master’s Indoor – Call for Officials

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Field Hockey Canada is looking for people interested in submitting their application for Umpires, Umpire Managers and Technical Officials for the World Masters Indoor February 15-20, 2022 in Virginia Beach, USA.

You can access the call for Umpires here. You may find more information about the tournament here.

ANYONE INTERESTED SHOULD EMAIL MARGARET JOHNSON: margaret.johnson@shaw.ca by Sunday October 17th 6:00pm PST

NOTE: ALL COSTS ARE ON THE INIDIVIDUAL.

U16 Boys Fall Technical Development Program: Game Tactics

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Field Hockey BC is excited to announce a new Technical Development program for U16 male athletes in the Lower Mainland. The Game Tactics program will include training sessions and inter-squad games to teach athletes tactical aspects of the game, including pressing, outletting, team systems and more.

Athletes will also learn the importance of pre-game team meetings and proper physical/technical warm up. Field players and goalkeepers are both encouraged to participate.

Program Details

Dates: Fridays from Oct. 22nd – Dec. 10th (8 weeks)
Time: 7:00 – 9:00pm
Location: Tamanawis Park, Surrey
Cost: $200
Register Now: https://www.fieldhockeybc.ca/fhbc/regionals.php/

(Note: Registration will close on Friday Oct. 15th. Program information will be sent to all registered athletes by Monday Oct. 18th)

Please contact Katie Jameson, Athlete Program & Sport Development Manager. if you have any questions via katie@fieldhockeybritishcolumbia.com

ADVANCE NOTICE – Introduction of Systemic Mandatory National Coach Certification Program (NCCP) Standards 2021-2022

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You can access the PDF version of this communique here.

Dear Field Hockey BC Members,

Earlier this calendar year and in partnership with Field Hockey Canada (FHC), Field Hockey BC (FHBC) along with each recognized Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) across Canada assessed a multi-year Mandatory National Coach Certification Program (NCCP) Standards Proposal presented to the PSO Community by the FHC Coach Education Committee. Following receipt of this Proposal, FHBC formed an NCCP Coach Education Working Group to review the Proposal relative to the BC Field Hockey Environment and provide associated feedback to the FHC Coach Education Committee, feedback that included outreach to club community coaches across BC.

The FHBC NCCP Coach Education Working Group submitted its feedback to FHC in April 2021 and has since followed up with the FHC Coach Education Committee to request the necessary clarification of expectations for 2021-22 (in particular) and for progression into 2022-23. This notice is sent at this time as an advance notice that Mandatory National Coach Certification Program (NCCP) Standards are expected to be implemented at ALL levels of field hockey participation utilizing a phased approach from the current seasonal year (2021-22) through 2024-2025.

As the field hockey community looks towards the traditional Junior Spring Season and into the Summer Event Season of 2022, it should be expected that coaches may not only be required to comply with Safe Sport NCCP requirements but may also be required to be ‘in-training’, ‘trained’ and/or ‘certified’ at specific levels within the NCCP Pathway. In anticipation of such requirement, FHBC has already committed to continue to financially subsidize Safe Sport NCCP requirements in full for all FHBC member coaches and FHBC has also committed to set-aside additional financial resources to support and assist FHBC member coaches to meet specific expectations during the 2021-22 season.

It is hoped that 2021-22 seasonal expectations for Mandatory National Coach Certification Program (NCCP) Standards will be made very clear in the very near future. In the interim, FHBC is preparing internally to assist FHBC member coaches to understand these expectations as they relate to the NCCP Pathway and to help plot a path to meet such expectation. FHBC remains committed to assisting FHBC member coaches in advancing their respective formal education and where possible assisting with the fundamental challenge of financial accessibility.

FHBC expects to be in a position to follow-up with more information on this initiative later this calendar month. For information on the NCCP Pathway please visit the FHBC website at https://fieldhockeybc.com/coaches/coaching-education/nccp-pathway/ or reach out directly to FHBC’s Sport Development Manager, Katie Jameson via phone (778) 227-0895 or via e-mail at katie@fieldhockeybritishcolumbia.com.

For questions regarding the FHBC NCCP Coach Education Working Group and associated due process to date, please do not hesitate to reach out to FHBC’s Coaching Director (Board of Directors), Michelle McNaughton at michellemcnaughton@fieldhockeybc.com.

Yours in sport,

Mark Saunders
Executive Director
Field Hockey BC
October 1, 2021

COVID-19 Response: FHBC (PSO) Return to Responsible Play Protocols – ATTESTATION PROTOCOL –  Communique #16

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Dear Field Hockey Members,

Following both the recent release of the PHO Gathering and Events Order Revision (Proof of Vaccination) and subsequent confirmation from viaSport BC, I am writing on behalf of the FHBC Board of Directors to confirm that the requirement for attestation completion included with the FHBC (PSO) Responsible Return to Play Framework has now been removed following an associated vote by the FHBC Board of Directors on September 27, 2021. Local Sport Organizations (LSO’s) still have a choice to continue to adopt an attestation protocol, but this is now no longer a requirement under FHBC (PSO) Responsible Return to Play protocols nor a requirement within viaSport BC Organized Sport Sector Return to Play protocols.

Please note that an exception may still apply should a BC Health Authority and/or facility operator or owner require an attestation protocol to access facilities or permit active programming. In this case LSO’s are expected to follow the associated protocol accordingly.

Field Hockey BC remains committed to providing timely Responsible Return to Play updates to our community membership. For more information regarding Field Hockey’s COVID-19 response and to access information on the Provincial Government Restart 2.0 plan, PHO Order revisions, and the Proof of Vaccination program, 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.

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 information on the overall Proof of Vaccination Program, please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html.

Yours in sport,

Mark Saunders
Executive Director
Field Hockey BC
September 28, 2021

FHBC Board of Directors – Community Recruitment Notice: Vacant Position of Vice-President

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Dear Field Hockey BC Members,

On behalf of the Field Hockey BC (FHBC) Board of Directors, I am writing to inform BC stakeholders that there is an exciting opportunity for an individual to apply for consideration to become a voluntary member of the FHBC Board of Directors. The Board Member vacancy is in the position of Vice-President, a position that provides Board leadership in the following areas:

  • Act as Board Nominations Chair
  • Act as Constitution, Bylaw, and Policy and Procedure Revisions Chair
  • Act as Board Records and Membership Meetings Chair (Notices and Meeting Records)
  • Act as the FHBC Discipline Chair

The FHBC Board of Directors is keen to consider the appointment of a Vice-President to take on the reins for this portfolio for the remainder of the current term (to February 2023 when this position is next due for election).

I would very much like to invite anyone interested in this role to return an expression of interest via e-mail to the Acting FHBC Board Nominations Chair at michellemcnaughton@fieldhockeybc.com with the title “Vice-President” by a deadline date of October 10, 2021.

Such an expression of interest should include a brief statement as to your motivation for consideration, your background, qualifications and/or experience and what excites you about this opportunity. I very much thank you for your due consideration and assistance in moving this portfolio forward.

Yours in sport,

Denise McGeachy
President
Field Hockey BC
September 13, 2021

COVID-19 Response: PHO Order Revision (Proof of Vaccination) – Gathering and Events – Communique #15

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Download the PDF version of this communique here.

Dear Field Hockey BC Members,

Further to FHBC’s Return to Responsible Play Communique #14 dated September 10, 2021 and following the official release of the PHO Gathering and Events Order Revision (Proof of Vaccination) earlier today, I am writing to provide an initial interpretation of the PHO Order Revision wording as it relates to the Organized Sport Sector. Such interpretation has been provided through viaSport BC and will also be reflected in due course on the viaSport BC website. The PHO Gathering and Events Order Revision (Proof of Vaccination) comes into effect September 13, 2021:

  • Adults (those 22 years of age or older) are required to show Proof of Vaccination for indoor sport
  • Youth (under 22 years of age) are exempt from the program and do not need to show Proof of Vaccination

The following components are pending clarification from the PHO as they relate to the Organized Sport Sector:

  • Who is specifically exempt from Youth Sport under this PHO order revision (ie. does this include coaches, trainers, officials, volunteers, parents who may be 22 years of age or older)
  • Who counts as a spectator for ticketed events and sporting activity

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 information on the overall Proof of Vaccination Program, please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html.

Field Hockey BC will continue to provide Community Communique updates as more information is received. For further detail regarding Field Hockey’s COVID-19 response and to access information on the Provincial Government Restart 2.0 plan, as well as Responsible Return to Play Framework documentation, please refer to the Field Hockey BC website at: https://fieldhockeybc.com/covid-19-response/. Further reference material can be found on the viaSport BC website at https://www.viasport.ca/return-sport.

Yours in sport,

Mark Saunders
Executive Director
Field Hockey BC
September 11, 2021