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

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the purposes of confirming that a participant has been vaccinated and can be kept until this PHO Order expires or is repealed.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

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

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

Victoria Junior Field Hockey League will open registrations for the 2021 season

Photo Credit: Armando Tura

by Victoria Junior Field Hockey Association

The Victoria Junior Field Hockey Association announced that the 2021 Junior League season will be running from April 10 to June 20, 2021 for all ages U6 to U18 boys and girls at the University of Victoria. The league organizers have been working hard to ensure that there is a safe training environment that still has the same fun and learning as a typical season.

Registration will open Friday, February 12 at 7:00 a.m. and it will be first-come, first-served.

There are a number of modifications for this year’s season in order to follow the Public Health Officer’s guidelines for youth sport. Most notably, this season’s plan is to run the season in accordance with Field Hockey BC and ViaSport’s Stage 1 Return to Play Framework. This means that participants will be focusing more on technical skills and skill games that take place with physical distancing from others at all times. The biggest change is that there will be no game days and no games at the end of practice.

In addition, there will be no spectators allowed in or around the facility except for the Kindies (age 5-6) age group which will require a parent per participant for each session. The numbers of participants per age group this year is somewhat lower than previous years to ensure that field maximums are followed.

The full details of what to expect this season are listed here. Mark your calendars and register online at the below link starting at 7:00 am on Friday, Feb. 12: https://victoriajuniorfieldhockey.spappz.com/register

If you would like to join as a volunteer lead or assistant coach please fill out this form or e-mail Ali Baggott (alilee05@gmail.com) for more details.

League info:
E-mail: info@victoriajuniorfieldhockey.ca
Web: victoriajuniorfieldhockey.ca

Framework Creation and Approval for the ‘Second Stage’ of Responsible Return to Play – Communique #6

You can access the PDF version of this document here.


Second Stage’ – The “Cohort” Model

Dear Field Hockey BC Members

On behalf of the Field Hockey BC (FHBC) Board of Directors and following the announcement earlier this week from the BC Provincial Government, I am pleased to report that work has begun in earnest to complete due process towards an approval of a Second Stage Responsible Return to Play Framework for field hockey in BC. This second stage return for the organized sport sector across BC takes place within phase three of BC’s COVID-19 restart plan (apologies in advance for any confusion here), and offers the opportunity for sport to assess the viability to progressively loosen the physical distancing protocols to allow for modified or standardized game or competitive play.

The second stage responsible return to play introduces the “cohort” model which put simply allows for a progressive game play return involving greater permissible participant interaction on the field of play. Such a cohort model also allows for the same level of participant interaction in a training or recreational context. Although the framework will provide more detailed information on adherence to safety protocols, it is important to note that greater participant interaction is strictly restricted to the field of play during this second stage return and physical distancing protocols are in effect outside of the field of play boundary (especially pertinent when utilizing field infrastructure such as team benches and technical areas which is now a permitted progression from stage one). Field Hockey participant activity numbers will be progressed from stage one guidelines but will be restricted to the provincial health office ‘group of 50’ rule (allowing for up to a maximum of 49 participants on a single field facility at any one time).

Mindful that a great many of our members have already enquired as to why field hockey cannot immediately move to second stage implementation, FHBC is required to follow due process and formally approve a second stage responsible return to play framework (as was the case with the stage one approval protocol). To this end, the FHBC Board of Directors will meet formally to consider such an approval on the evening of September 3, 2020. Once approval has been obtained, the second stage responsible return to play framework will be sent to the provincial government agency viaSport for public posting and will also be posted and available for download from the Society website. Thereafter, Local Sport Organizations (LSO’s) will be able to develop, refine, and approve their second stage safety plans and move to practical implementation. It is important to note that LSO’s can choose to move towards implementation at whatever speed is most appropriate and can continue to develop responsible return to play safety plans utilizing stage one or stage two guidelines.

For those members considering a return to play, I would politely remind you to remember to register your membership prior to stepping on the field of play. It remains essential that all active participants have a valid and paid FHBC and Field Hockey Canada (FHC) membership. The online registration portal is available in the normal way from the FHBC website (www.fieldhockeybc.com).

In closing, it is evident and understandable that many of us are eager to move to the second stage of responsible return to play and I once again ask for your patience and consideration as we navigate due process to achieve this end. For many of us who have experienced the journey to date in helping to navigate the BC sport sectors COVID-19 response, it is on the one hand surprising that our sector has been given the flexibility to consider a second stage return to standardized game play, but on the other hand this provides for a return to club and league game play at a time when I’m sure most feared a winter season may have been lost. Such a fantastic opportunity comes with an even greater responsibility to do so as safely as possible for all involved and we wish everyone the very best for an exciting and optimistic opening to a new season.

Yours in sport,

Mark Saunders
Executive Director
Field Hockey BC, August 28, 2020

IMPORTANT: COVID-19 Consideration and Planning (March 20, 2020)

You can access the PDF version of this document here.


As the Organized Sport Sector in BC responds to the rapidly changing situation with COVID-19, Field Hockey BC continues to monitor the potential impact to our team sport environment. Given the growing and unprecedented uncertainty surrounding this health pandemic, Field Hockey BC is directing all members and affiliated clubs and associations to suspend all sanctioned field hockey activities in the province until further notice.

This decision will be monitored daily and reviewed on a week to week basis by the Field Hockey BC Board of Directors, with the expectation that a next suspension update will be posted early in April. As new information is received from both Federal and Provincial Government agencies, Field Hockey BC will provide appropriate program and service updates that we hope over time will include a responsible and gradual return to play. Field Hockey BC cannot emphasize enough that the health and safety of all participants in the field hockey community in BC is of the utmost importance and is central to any decision-making process.

To ensure the health and safety of the players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and fans in BC, Field Hockey BC recommends that all affiliated Leagues, Clubs, and Associations communicate to their members that they will cease all sanctioned field hockey operations immediately and until further notice. Field Hockey BC sanctioned field hockey activities include, but are not limited to, all indoor and outdoor competitions, leagues, training, practices, matches, in-person coach and official education, and formalized club group activities. The intent of this suspension is to limit situations of physical contact.

Whilst the entire Field Hockey Community in BC continues to work hard on contingency planning for the possibility that restrictions may be lifted over time, please stay patient as we collectively consider ongoing environmental implications. Field Hockey BC’s operational continuity plan is for Society staff to work remotely and all staff are equipped to continue their daily functions. Electronic media will be utilized to maintain lines of communication, with community members able to connect via phone and/or email in the normal way.

Field Hockey BC thanks you for your patience as we do our part to support all of the unprecedented steps taking place to slow the spread of COVID-19. You can stay up-to-date on COVID-19 information by visiting the BC Government website and the Ministry of Health website. Our thoughts are with all of you and your families during this challenging time.

FHBC BOD, March 20, 2020

Letter to FHBC Members from the FHBC Board of Directors

Dear Field Hockey BC Members,

Please find below a letter from the desk of the FHBC President, sent to the FHBC Membership on behalf of the FHBC Board of Directors. You may also download the letter as a PDF file here. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at waterman@vjview.com.

Thank you in advance for the time taken in consideration.

Alan Waterman
President
Field Hockey BC 


Hello fellow FHBC Member,

I write to you on behalf of the Board of Field Hockey BC to address issues of urgent concern to many members as we approach the Annual General Meeting scheduled for February 10th.

These concerns have been documented by member clubs of the Greater Vancouver Junior Field Hockey League, and most revolve around conflicts between junior leagues and High Performance sessions. The FHBC Board has been working collaboratively with the GVJFHL for several months, and continues with further meetings scheduled even this month, in an on-going effort to alleviate the points raised. Those points can be found in this public club posting: http://www.vancouverhawks.com/members/.

To address the points individually, the collaborative meetings with the GVJFHL have already produced results in:

  • Working together to reduce/eliminate scheduling conflicts
  • Working toward greater emphasis on Club Championships
  • Discussing best methods to select and train athletes for provincial teams that would also be inclusive for those outside the Greater Vancouver region

In a nutshell, the FHBC Board has heard loud and clear that some aspects of High Performance programming have been detrimental to league play and club activity. And we are determined to work toward beneficial solutions that alleviate the situation while still developing our players and our sport to the highest level for all ages, all abilities, in all regions of the province.

Also circulating is a document from GVJFHL clubs entitled, Pathway to Change: http://www.vancouverhawks.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2024/2020/01/Pathway-to-Change-1-1-2.pdf.

The Board feels the articles in this document need to be addressed to bring clarity and understanding for our members to the nuances of working under provincial and national sport circumstances.

Programming: The model envisioned would work well for clubs with a large core group of members and infrastructure. The danger is that many clubs would see their junior players gravitate to larger clubs resulting in the creation of super-clubs, with the smallest clubs potentially disappearing or reduced to seniors-only. Outside the Lower Mainland a strong level of success is not envisioned for this model.

Competition: There are misconceptions within this article. While most leagues are sanctioned by FHBC for insurance purposes, they are otherwise independent entities. To relinquish control to FHBC would require a dissolution of each league by league membership vote. FHBC cannot dictate this outcome. For FHBC to take over the running of leagues, a cost analysis has shown the requirement of an additional three full-time positions at an estimate of <$150,000/year. These calculations come from the current weekly hours of paid league administrators and volunteers. There would also be the need for an additional online platform with substantial capital costs. In all, this budgetary item would be roughly the equivalent of total FHBC membership fees. In essence, it would be doable if members approved a doubling of fees or severe cuts to programming (such as coaching, umpiring, and technical official education/certification).

Development: This is largely addressed in the comments under Programming. It should be noted that frameworks, pathways and curricula already exist for athletes, coaches and officials (see Governance below).

Strategy: The FHBC Board agrees that consultation and communication to members and member clubs can and should be improved.

Governance: Sections on guidelines, governance and certification are available online at fieldhockeybc.com Coaching standards are set nationally by the NCCP (coaching) and FHC (coaches, umpires and technical officials). Additionally, FHBC created the Provincial Coach Education Pathway and Courses to specifically target community-level, grassroots coaches.

Marketing & Advocacy: The Board also agrees that we can always do better in marketing our sport. This past year has seen a greater emphasis on social media posts that are not necessarily focused on elite athletes but everyday members, with an eye to driving more people to the main website and all aspects of field hockey in BC. When it comes to lobbying for resources, FHBC is in constant contact with, and under constant scrutiny by the provincial government. Their own auditing processes deem we are punching above of our weight and consequently funded better than the vast majority of sports our size. There is a concern, though, that should self-funding High Performance programs be removed from our overall budget then FHBC would drop below the threshold for our current provincial grants, resulting in cuts to other programs.

Much of the discussion in this letter has revolved around junior athletes and, for more than a decade, FHBC’s approach to the development of our juniors has resulted in greater numbers of well-trained BC athletes at the elite level, an alignment with Field Hockey Canada’s NextGen Program and National Championships, and now emulation by other provinces. All of this is a synergy we would hate to lose and one that, with collaboration and mutual goodwill, we can all continue to nurture.

To be clear, this letter is not about my position or any other Board Member’s position in the upcoming AGM. I very much welcome the engagement of more people in the governance of our sport and the infusion of fresh ideas.

With that in mind, please take some time to reflect on the future of field hockey across this province, then gather your proxy votes for representatives attending the AGM so that what you feel is right for you and for hockey is expressed at this meeting.

Proxies can be as simple as a written or electronic document that contains your name, email address, and FHBC membership number. Junior members under the age of 18 must designate a senior member in good standing, who must be over 18 years of age, to vote on their behalf. More details on voting procedures at the AGM can be found at https://fieldhockeybc.com/about/constitution-bylaws/.

If you have any further questions about the above points or any other issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank you,

Alan Waterman
President, Field Hockey BC
waterman@vjview.com

Great Weekend of Hockey at the U15 Girls Club Championships!

Our Club Championships season wrapped up with an outstanding weekend of competition at the U15 Girls Club Championships on June 15-16, 2019 at the University of Victoria. This tournament saw 11 teams across two tiers compete for the Club Championship title.

Tier 1 was played in round robin format, which saw the Polar Bears come out on top with the gold medal and the host Victoria team take silver. Sea to Sky followed up with the bronze. In tier 2, the Vancouver Hawks 2 played Victoria 2 in the gold medal game. The Hawks won gold and Victoria took a second silver medal home for their club. West Van 2 claimed the bronze medal.

Field Hockey BC would like to say a huge thank you to Victoria Junior Field Hockey Association for hosting a wonderful tournament. We would like to congratulate all athletes and teams who took part in the tournament, as well as all of our umpires, coaches and technical staff who gave their time to ensure the tournament ran smoothly. Finally, thank you to all who contributed to another outstanding Club Championship season. We are excited to see you all again next year!

U13 Club Championships Get Underway!

The U13 Boys and Girls Club Championship Festival will take place this weekend, June 1-2, 2019 at Burnaby Lake Sports Complex West in Burnaby, BC.

There will be a total of 20 teams from across BC participating in this Festival, hosted by the Burnaby Bears Field Hockey Club. This is a great opportunity for our young athletes to develop their skills and meet players from around the province. For a full weekend schedule and more tournament details, visit the Club Championships page.

We look forward to seeing you this weekend in Burnaby!

U18 Club Championships Take Place this Weekend

We have an exciting weekend of field hockey ahead of us as the U18 Boys and Girls Club Championships will take place May 10-12, 2019 at Tamanawis Park and Cloverdale Athletic Park in Surrey, BC.

There will be a total of 20 teams representing 13 clubs across BC competing in this tournament, hosted by India Field Hockey Club. For a full weekend schedule and more tournament details, visit the Club Championships page.

We will see you this weekend in Surrey for some sunny weather and great hockey!