Together we can make a great comeback
Sport is returning to British Columbia. It will resume in accordance with the phases outlined in B.C.’s Restart Plan. At the request of the Province of B.C., viaSport is leading the creation of a set of guidelines on how to resume sport while operating safely during this pandemic – the Return to Sport Guidelines. These guidelines will be issued following review and approval by a cross-ministry oversight committee supported by guidance and advice of provincial health officials and WorkSafe BC.
Return to sport process for amateur sport
As outlined in B.C.’s Restart Plan, during Phase Two sport activities organized and operated by Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs) and Disability Sport Organizations (DSOs) can resume in a limited way.
- Once the sector Return to Sport Guidelines are released, PSOs and DSOs will develop sport-specific return to sport guidelines. These sport-specific guidelines need to be approved by their respective Boards of Directors before any activities can resume.
- In order to assess all of the possible risks, PSOs and DSOs should understand their current insurance policy in relation to contagion coverage.
- Local Sport Organizations (LSOs), affiliated with a PSO or DSO, will adapt and/or adopt the approved PSO guidelines when creating their own guidelines, and it is recommended to have these approved by their own boards before resuming activities.
- In order to assess all of the possible risks, LSOs should understand their current insurance policy in relation to contagion coverage.
For the foreseeable future, sport will be more geared towards community participation and training rather than games and provincial competition. Further information will be shared once it becomes available.
Minister’s message regarding return to play
Return to Sport Guidelines for B.C. (coming soon)
Recreation, leisure and individual training activities
With the reopening of parks and both municipal and private recreation facilities in our communities, casual or leisure activities have also begun to resume. These activities should not be organized or operated by a PSO, LSO or DSO. Participation in these activities is at the discretion of the individual and should adhere to current public health recommendations. Individuals are encouraged to go outdoors for personal exercise and to remain active in their communities during this time. Casual or leisure activities include but are not limited to: skill development, leisure sport and individual training. Please consult your local or municipal authorities, or the facility itself, for their specific COVID-19 guidelines to help you decide if you will partake in these activities.
Individuals
We know individuals are eager to resume physical activity and parents are eager to see their children active and participating in sport and recreation again. At this time, the safety of our children, our fellow citizens and communities is of the utmost importance. Adhere to public health recommendations when you begin to reintroduce this into your lives as recreation, leisure and individual training activities only at this time. As a reminder these activities should not be organized or operated by a PSO, LSO or DSO.
For our PacificSport Vancouver Island region Sport Partners, please see
from General Manager, Catharine Edwards, that is available to share with your networkds.
The message is that we’re all in this together, and the latest details and resources are being updated regularly at www.viaSport.ca.
Knowing that this is an evolving process, we’ve designed the letter so that it can be shared at any phase of reopening that works best for you