As restrictions begin to ease relating to COVID-19, Canada
\u200bSoccer has announced that its member organizations must follow the
\u200b“Return to Soccer Guidelines” before returning to the pitch. Guided by
\u200bleadership from Canada Soccer’s Sports Medicine Committee and in
\u200bconsultation with federal, provincial, territorial and local public
\u200bhealth authorities, the Return to Soccer Guidelines provide member
\u200borganizations with a five-step process, including a checklist of
\u200bweighted questions known as the Return to Soccer Assessment Tool, all
\u200bfor the purpose of determining preparedness to mitigate COVID-19 risks
\u200band implications upon the resumption of soccer and related activities.
\u200b
\u200b“Since
\u200bour initial suspension of all sanctioned soccer in Canada in response
\u200bto the global COVID-19 pandemic in March, we have worked closely and
\u200bcollaboratively with our Member Associations and relevant public health
\u200bauthorities as well as monitored the situation within the international
\u200bsoccer community,” said Steven Reed, Canada Soccer President. “As
\u200bstay-at-home restrictions begin to ease in parts of the country, we
\u200bwanted to ensure that we expanded our Canada Soccer Safe Sport Roster to
\u200bprovide guidance on how best to ensure a safe return to soccer for all
\u200bplayers, coaches, referees and administrators.”
\u200b
\u200bThe Guidelines
\u200bare primarily designed to help member organizations manage their
\u200bliability and remain compliant with all applicable public health
\u200bauthorities when returning to soccer and related activities. The
\u200bGuidelines may help member organizations determine which new policies
\u200bneed to be adopted, including social and physical distancing for
\u200btraining, restricting the number of players participating in such
\u200btraining, and restricting game play.
\u200b
\u200b“The introduction of the
\u200bCanada Soccer Safe Sport Roster in May 2019 was a strong signal from the
\u200bcountry’s soccer leaders that the safety, enjoyment and development of
\u200bour athletes is paramount,” said Peter Montopoli, Canada Soccer General
\u200bSecretary. “Today, it is even more important that we add to our Safe
\u200bSport Roster this critical tool that will provide the necessary guidance
\u200bto our valued members as we all work together to continue to curb the
\u200bspread of COVID-19 while providing an opportunity for the Canadian
\u200bsoccer community to connect back on the pitch.”
\u200b
\u200bThe steps outlined in the Canada Soccer Return to Soccer Guidelines include:
“The role of Canada Soccer’s Sports Medicine leadership to ensure safe sport for all levels of the game in our country has never been more paramount during this COVID-19 pandemic and we have been monitoring the situation closely with public health authorities to provide direction for all Canada Soccer sanctioned programs and events,” said Dr. Andrew Pipe, Chair, Canada Soccer Sports Medicine Committee. “The Return to Soccer Guidelines will provide the best possible opportunity for success in continuing to curb the spread of COVID-19 both on and off the pitch.”