COVID-19 Update – June 22, 2020
As we continue to work through these challenging times, we have seen the majority of the Province advance to Phase 2 of the re-opening plan and the mass gathering number increase to 10 with social distancing. The emergency order remains in place until June 30th and possibly until July 15th. The border closure is extended to July 21. The mass gathering number of 10 allows sports teams to train in groups of no more than 10, socially distanced following all the required return to play protocol. There is to be no games or scrimmages. Please understand this number of 10 includes, athletes, coaches, parents etc.
We have worked diligently with the ministry and our counterparts across the country to develop an acceptable return to play protocol for our sport which has been released to you our members a few weeks ago but will have several iterations. This document is beginning to receive the approval of your various cities/towns/regions, hopefully those who have proactively worked on the permissions will be back on the diamonds as soon as we get the clearance to release the “Suspension” of all Activities.
We remind everyone we suspended all activities on March 12, 2020 until further notice. This includes sanctioned tournaments, practice, exhibition games essentially any activity. Please note as agreed in the acknowledgement any team found to be in violation of this will be suspended for the season and there will not be any refunds. I ask you to respect your fellow competitors/associations etc. as violations of our policy simply delays this for everyone and frankly is causing a great deal of concern for those in authority. To date I have received 3 formal complaints of individuals/teams in violation of our mandate. Makes it very hard to make a compelling case that we as a sport will do the “right” thing and follow the rules.
In response to the Government of Ontario’s declaration of a state of emergency, for the protection of our members and athletic community, P.W.S.A. will be extending the current suspension of all activities until June 30, 2020. Softball Ontario has opened their operations on a limited basis effective today, with activities suspended to June 30, 2020.
We will continue to re-evaluate circumstances every week. Email messages will continue to be monitored and we will endeavor to provide support to our members as best we can in the weeks to come.
If you wish to get back onto the diamonds and have your certificate of insurance reinstated we remind you of the following
As parks start to open, we need the approval from your local (home) municipality/town/city/medical officer and the approved Return to Play protocol document. Once received we will then seek approval to get your insurance certificate issued. In addition, Covid Acknowledgement forms are required for all coaches/managers and from the Association President. At present, teams have no insurance.
In the meantime, for any questions you may have on affiliations, please contact the Association Registrar at affiliations@pwsaontario.com.
We thank everyone for their understanding and support as we navigate through this very tough and challenging time for all.
