Recent Posts

News Archive

Chilliwack FC News

BCSA COVID-19 UPDATE Mar. 19

March 19, 2020

BC Soccer Operations and Logistics Update – March 19

Posted on March 19th, 2020 by BC Soccer

As Canadian governments, communities and citizens continue to adapt to the rapidly changing situation caused by COVID-19, BC Soccer is continuing to work to provide information and updates to our members and affiliated soccer clubs.

We must also continue to work together as a collective community and follow the direction from the appropriate health authorities, which BC Soccer is doing.

As stated in our March 17, 2020 Memo, BC Soccer is working under a two-week review and decision-making process to cancel and/or postpone programs and activity that BC Soccer directly operates. We understand that longer timelines may be needed at the local levels and having a consistent timeline that everyone across the province is working with would be helpful. Therefore, BC Soccer is advising members and affiliated clubs to plan for soccer activity to not occur in April 2020. Of course, if Canada Soccer’s suspension is lifted earlier, we will work to resume earlier.

We are in the process of developing contingency plans and BC Soccer personnel may be in touch with you (districts/leagues) via phone/e-mail/survey to gather information on the realities of your local situation. We thank you for providing us any information that you can, which will help to best plan and prepare for when soccer can get back to normal.

Like all of you are doing within your respective communities, we are doing the best that we can to support you and your local community. Thank you for all that you are doing. With all of us working together, and supporting one another, we will get through this and get back to what we all love….playing our game!

BC Soccer Office and Contacts
Please do not come to the BC Soccer office, rather connect with BC Soccer personnel via phone/e-mail.

Safety Precautions
As a reminder, please follow the direction from the appropriate health authorities and BC Centre for Disease Control recommendations the following for reducing the risk of exposure to novel coronavirus:

  • Wash your hands frequently (it is the single most effective way of reducing infection spread).
  • Practice other good hygiene habits: do not touch your face/eyes/mouth with your hands and cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough (ideally with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow).
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched workspace surfaces.
  • Maintain good general health (eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, exercise in moderation).
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Contact 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) or your health care provider for questions about your personal health situation.

BC Soccer Operations and Logistics Update

Posted on March 17th, 2020 by BC Soccer

We are all experiencing challenging times right now with much uncertainty. BC Soccer is here and committed to providing information and updates as more information becomes available.

The health and safety of the community is of the utmost importance. By working together as a collective community and following the direction from the appropriate health authorities, including the Public Health Agency of Canada and BC’s Ministry of Health, we can all help.

Current Situation (as it related to soccer in BC)
Currently, sanctioned soccer activity has been suspended by Canada Soccer. At this time, we do not know the length of the suspension, however, Canada Soccer will be keeping us updated and informed on an ongoing basis.

As a reminder, sanctioned soccer activities include, but are not limited to, all competitions, training, practices, matches, coach and referee education and team building activities. The intent of this suspension is to limit situations of physical contact.

BC Soccer understands that the longer the suspension is in place, the collective soccer community level of concern will rise. At the organizational level (clubs, districts, leagues, etc.), we understand the suspension has, and will continue, to impact soccer operations. Everything from canceling Spring Break programing to concerns over when the suspension is lifted and being able to fulfill league schedule, playdowns, and start up of interior season of play. BC Soccer is also directly impacted by the suspension of soccer activity.

Therefore, we want to take this opportunity to inform the members and affiliated clubs on the steps BC Soccer is currently taking to work within Canada Soccer’s suspension. We will be working under a two-week review and decision-making process to cancel and/or postpone programs and activity (that BC Soccer directly operates) as more information in known on the current situation.

Short-term (March and April)

  • We have canceled/postponed programs and activity BC Soccer directly operates/facilitates for the rest of March 2020.
  • We are currently not scheduling programs and activity BC Soccer directly operates/facilitates for April 2020.
  • For any programs and activity BC Soccer directly operates/facilitates that is already scheduled to occur in April 2020, we have sent communications to those groups/individuals advising them of the current situation and that there is a chance activity may be canceled/postponed if the suspension has not been lifted by the time the activity is set to occur.
  • BC Soccer is also working to deliver Referee Refresher Clinics online and exploring (with Canada Soccer) on how and when coaching courses can also be delivered in the same way.

Medium-term (May plus)

  • For programs and activity BC Soccer directly operates/facilitates that is scheduled to occur in May 2020 and beyond, at this time, we are continuing to work and plan as if that activity will proceed.
  • Closer to the time, if the suspension is still in place we will adjust accordingly.
  • Of importance, we understand there is activity in the Spring that is required to occur to support larger activity (i.e. regional league playdowns leading into Provincial Championships). For these types of situations, the appropriate BC Soccer personnel are working to develop contingency plans depending on the situation/activity. More communication will come from those individuals directly to the impacted groups/individuals.

BC Soccer Office and Contacts
Please do not come to the BC Soccer office and look to connect with BC Soccer personnel via phone and e-mail.

Safety Precautions
As a reminder, please follow the BC Centre for Disease Control recommendations for reducing the risk of exposure to novel coronavirus, which are:

  • Wash your hands frequently (it is the single most effective way of reducing infection spread).
  • Practice other good hygiene habits: do not touch your face/eyes/mouth with your hands and cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough (ideally with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow).
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched workspace surfaces.
  • Maintain good general health (eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, exercise in moderation).
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Contact 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) or your health care provider for questions about your personal health situation.

BC Soccer suspension sanctioned soccer activity regarding concerns over the spread of COVID-19

Posted on March 13th, 2020 by BC Soccer

Over the last 24 hours there have been even more heightened concerns over the potential spread of COVID-19. Therefore, as of March 13, 2020, with this growing and unprecedented uncertainty surrounding this health pandemic, and in accordance with Canada Soccer’s direction, BC Soccer is directing all members and affiliated clubs to suspend all sanctioned soccer activities in the province until further notice.

BC Soccer sanctioned soccer activities include, but are not limited to, all competitions, training, practices, matches, coach and referee education and team building activities. The intent of this suspension is to limit situations of physical contact.

BC Soccer restates that the health and safety of all participants in the soccer community in BC is of the utmost importance and is central to any decision-making process. Further, in the first instance, all involved in our sport should take direction from the appropriate health authorities, including the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Ministry of Health.

To ensure the health and safety of the players, coaches, match officials and administrators in BC, BC Soccer recommends that all Youth Districts, Adult Leagues, Associate Members and Affiliated Clubs communicate to their members that they will cease operations immediately and until further notice.

BC Soccer will continue to follow the guidelines set forth by the public health authorities, government agencies and soccer governing bodies and will provide appropriate updates as things continue to unfold.

BC Soccer thanks you for your understanding while we work through this challenging and unprecedented time. We also want to take this opportunity to recognize the extra work that this decision is placing on the soccer community in BC.

Canada Soccer

CLICK HERE to view Canada Soccer’s March 13, 2020 announcement

Government

CLICK HERE to view the March 9, 2020 posting and CLICK HERE to view the March 12, 2020 posting regarding the concerns associated with COVID-19.

BC Soccer halts sanctioned soccer activity for events of 250 people or more while continuing to empower local organizations regarding COVID-19

Posted on March 12th, 2020 by BC Soccer

As of March 12, 2020, with the growing and unprecedented uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 health pandemic, and in accordance with the BC Health Minister Adrian Dix’s directive, BC Soccer is advising all members and affiliated clubs to not proceed with sanctioned soccer activity where there will be 250 or more people in attendance, including players, officials, team staff, parents, spectators, etc. and to limit all non-essential travel outside of Canada.

BC Soccer restates that the health and safety of all participants in the soccer community in BC is of the utmost importance and is central to any decision-making process. Further, in the first instance, all involved in our sport should take direction from the appropriate health authorities, including the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Ministry of Health.

Outside of ceasing all events with 250+ people, BC Soccer maintains the position of empowering concerned youth district/adult league members and affiliated clubs to determine if they wish to amend or cancel their programming activity to mitigate concerns within their regions/locations. The reasoning for this is British Columbia is a large and diverse province and the fact is that not all communities and regions in BC have been impacted by the 46 cases (as of March 12) of the COVID-19. Further, in the majority of cases, there is limited public travel and individual matches are not considered “mass gatherings” (more than 250 people). Of course, we support local soccer organizations in BC that do cancel or postpone the activity they are organizing if they choose to.

Government

Canada Soccer
Canada Soccer has not provided any further information or direction outside of the information that BC Soccer shared on March 9. If Canada Soccer does provide further direction and guidance, BC Soccer would of course comply.

BC Soccer Premier League
There have been concerns raised by the clubs that participate in the BCSPL, specifically related to match play this weekend (March 14-15). Discussions occurred with the 8 BCSPL clubs and the agreed upon process for this weekend is based on club discretion whether to fulfill BCSPL fixtures.  It was confirmed that there will be no forfeits or penalties applied for deciding not to play this weekend’s BCSPL games, and the games will be made up if the option exists in the calendar.

CLICK HERE to view the March 9, 2020 posting with information and guidance regarding the concerns associated with COVID-19.

Information and guidance regarding the concerns associated with COVID-19

Health and Safety
The health and safety for all participants in the soccer community in BC is of the utmost importance for BC Soccer and this is central to any decision-making process. In the first instance, all involved in our sport should take direction from the appropriate health authorities, including the Public Heath Agency of Canada and the Ministry of Health.

Monitoring the current situation
BC Soccer in concert with Canada Soccer and its Sport Medical Committee are monitoring the COVID-19 situation.

Canada Soccer Guidance and Information
At this time, Canada Soccer has provided no notification or directive on the cancellation of soccer activity within Canada, nor has there been any limitations set.  They have advised they will continue to conduct risk assessments as part of their ongoing responsibilities and will work with the relevant government agencies including Sport Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Canada Soccer are staging international friendly matches on Vancouver Island on March 27 and 31 for the Men’s National Team as well as in Vancouver on April 14 with the Women’s National Team. Canada Soccer currently is proceeding with the matches as scheduled.

Canada Soccer have advised that they have adopted the following measures in relation to overseas travel:

  • Canada Soccer will continue to accept sanctioning applications for teams to travel; it will base its approvals on the current situation at the time of actioning the request.
  • Travel to most destinations within the Concacaf region will continue to be approved at this time.
  • Travel to areas identified by the Government of Canada as Level 3 risk will not be approved.
  • Other areas that Canada Soccer may consider a risk will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
  • Teams should be aware of the travel advisories prepared by the Government of Canada and make their decision to travel on the most recent information before they depart. For upcoming travel, consult the Travel Advice and Advisories site for destination-specific travel information that provides important advice to help you make informed decisions regarding travel.  https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
  • A team that has already received sanctioning to play abroad or travel permits are responsible for taking its own decision on whether travel is still appropriate.

BC Demographic
British Columbia is a large and diverse province and, therefore, so too is the soccer community that we support. As of March 9, 2020, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Canada is 77. BC has a small number of cases (32) having been reported in certain communities. Not all regions and communities have been impacted, therefore at this time, BC Soccer restates there is no need to restrict soccer related activities for players and team officials, or to cancel games, practices and tournaments. However, considering the current and evolving situation, concerned youth district/adult league members and affiliated clubs may institute no pre/post-match handshakes during this time and/or amend their programming activity if they wish to mitigate concerns within their regions/locations.

When travelling to sporting events, BC Soccer recommends that you check for up-to-date travel advisories from the Government of Canada at: Government of Canada COVID-19 Travel Advice.

Concerned Participants
BC Soccer understands that participants (and parents of participants) may have concerns with participating in soccer during this time. We strongly recommend that a common sense approach be taken and if you have individual concerns, please speak to your local team and club staff and remove yourself and/or your child from soccer activity until you are comfortable to return to play.

BC Soccer knows that the clubs, districts and leagues will understand the concerns raised and will work with their members to ensure their concerns are handled appropriately.

Other Soccer Jurisdictions
BC Soccer understands that there are soccer enthusiasts in our community that follow professional soccer teams and leagues in other parts of the world. Some of these high-profile professional leagues (i.e. English Premier League, Serie A, etc.) have taken steps such as eliminating pre-match handshakes, playing matches behind closed doors (no fans), and canceling matches. In the first instances, in these cases, a higher authority (i.e. the government) in these countries have acted, therefore the soccer organizations have followed their lead.

As outlined above, BC Soccer takes its lead from Canada Soccer who is working with the relevant government agencies including Sport Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada to ensure soccer is safe in our country.

Reminder on steps to reduce risk and exposure
As a reminder, BC Soccer would like to share the BC Centre for Disease Control recommendations for reducing the risk of exposure to novel coronavirus:

  • Wash your hands frequently (it is the single most effective way of reducing infection spread).
  • Practice other good hygiene habits: do not touch your face/eyes/mouth with your hands and cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough (ideally with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow).
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched workspace surfaces.
  • Maintain good general health (eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, exercise in moderation).
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Contact 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) or your health care provider for questions about your personal health situation.

Further information about novel coronavirus is available on the BC Centre for Disease Control website.

Addition Resources
The following resources are available for your use in your community:

  • This joint message is from the Sport Medicine Advisory Committee comprised of Chief Medical Officers from the Canadian Olympic Committee, the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN). It is meant to guide National Sporting Organizations (NSOs) in decision-making with respect to travel to competitions within and outside Canada. Information has been obtained from the World Health Organization, Government of Canada and Australian Institute of Sports websites. This advisory will be updated regularly and distributed to NSOs and other high-performance sport partners.
  • The latest WHO statements can be found at WHO website on Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.

About BC Soccer

BC Soccer is the provincial sport governing body with the mission to govern, promote and develop the game of soccer in British Columbia in a professional and progressive manner. Established in 1907, BC Soccer is the largest provincial sports organization (PSO) in BC and the third largest soccer-specific PSO in Canada with over 150,000 participants.  As a professional not-for-profit society and a member of Canada Soccer, BC Soccer is committed to providing the widest opportunities for existing and potential participants, as well as provide support in the most effective and appropriate way for current players, parents, volunteers, member clubs, leagues, and districts.

BC Soccer is comprised of more than 120,000 registered players, over 2,200 registered referees, and thousands of volunteer coaches, administrators, and soccer leaders. Working with its 40 member Youth Districts and 11 Adult Leagues as well as their affiliate member clubs, BC Soccer operates under the guiding principles of Professional Leadership, Passionate Service and Progressive Collaboration. In managing its relationships throughout the larger soccer community, BC Soccer’s vision is to ensure every British Columbian has the opportunity to be involved in soccer as part of a lifelong commitment to an active, healthy and involved lifestyle.