COVID-19 Update – February 10, 2021
We hope this finds everyone safe and well as the Province begins to reopen after the latest lockdowns. We are optimistic we may get to return to practice and play as we see the continuous reduction in daily cases.
The Province has announced the opening of 3 health regions today to Green Status, with 28 more regions to follow on February 16th into the Coloured framework, with the last 3 regions anticipated to transition to the framework on February 22nd.
Please note the stay-at-home order remains in effect in those areas not transitioned. Since we do not have residency rules, we are unable to consider a reopen or return to practice until at least February 22, 2021 or when the stay-at-home order is lifted.
The most recent legislation does state the reduced gathering numbers do not apply to sports fields or “Organized” sporting events that follow the mandated Return to Play, masking, and social distancing requirements.
The key word in the statement is “Organized”. For Softball, that would cover any event/activity that is sanctioned by the Provincial Sport Organization (P.W.S.A.). This would not include a “pick-up game” organized by 2 coaches.
Regards to fall/winter indoor training, we have been advised that anyone planning on training indoors will need to submit their association’s plan which must meet the minimum standard of the P.W.S.A. Return to Play document. It must outline your plan i.e., which team will be where, when, and on what dates and for which specific time slots. Include who will be in each of your cohorts with total numbers. The submission will require the return to open and/or safety protocols for the facility you will be using. If using multiple facilities, then one for each will be required. These will be submitted for approval prior to 3rd party insurance and PSO approval being issued. We have been advised you should not plan for indoor training within 10 days of submission as these processes will take time. These must be sent to info@pwsaontario.com
Indoor, outdoor facilities cannot be combined.
The updated Mandatory Return to Play protocols document will remain in place until further notice.
We were advised that due to the continuing pandemic, to continue to plan for the 2021 season with pods and/or cohorts, although the hope is the allowable numbers for each pod will be 250 players and 250 spectators. We will continue to look at these parameters as we continue to plan for 2021 tournament play.
P.W.S.A. will not be permitted to issue any travel permits until further notice.
We do appreciate that other organizations will be operating under different parameters, but our goal is to continue to have softball allowed on the field and with the safety of all at the forefront and to protect all members, inclusive of the coaches and associations, from potential liability.
The health and safety of our Members has been, and will continue to be, our highest priority.
We thank everyone for their support during these challenging times.
