Sports groups mull how play might resume
COVID-19 restrictions may be easing but distancing rules will remain in effect
Children and parents have been eagerly anticipating the Alberta government’s relaxation of public health rules, counting down the days until they can hit the fields, diamonds and pitches around the city.
After last week’s announcement that outdoor gatherings have increased to 50 people, Calgary minor sports are cautiously optimistic as they begin to plan ways to implement necessary safety precautions with a focus on physical distancing.
“Definitely, a return to sport, a return to play, a return to movement is excellent,” said Susan Cress, executive director of Calgary Minor Soccer Association. “I think everybody is just ready to get some type of semblance of their old routine, a return to some of their family rituals around sport. That’s a very positive thing. It’s early days, for sure.
“The announcements seem to come really fast and then you spend a couple of days trying to sort through what that really means for your sport.”
Cress said CMSA was happy to see the news that the approximately 20,000 minor soccer players in Calgary will eventually be able to resume skills training and re-engage with the soccer community, after being cooped up since the global outbreak of COVID-19 put sports on hold.
A month ago, the outlook was looking bleak as the province banned outdoor gatherings of 15 people or more through the end of August in the fight against the novel coronavirus.
But Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, amended that mandate before the May long weekend to allow outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people, although indoor gatherings of more than 15 people are still prohibited.
Physical distancing of two metres is also still in effect.
In Calgary, fields and recreation facilities remain closed for organized team games or activities. Bookings at arenas, athletic parks, fields and school gyms are closed for bookings up to Aug. 31.
“Currently, no one is allowed permits, so it’s about keeping in touch with the city about when they will be reopening permitting,” said Burgundy Biletski, executive director for Field Hockey Alberta. “I think we’re still a bit of a ways out before we’re actually getting to our normal programming.
“We’ve been working on a return-to-play protocol and some practice plans that would entail social distancing and trying to see what that looks like.”
Field Hockey Alberta recently cancelled its spring season but could look at resuming action and offering camps later this summer, depending on whether more restrictions are lifted.
Frank Natt, president of Calgary District Lacrosse Association, said they’re doing their due diligence to ensure their participants will be covered by Alberta Lacrosse Association insurance in a gradual return to activity.
They’re also looking at utilizing gloves and masks, along with restricting parent drop-offs to adhere to guidelines.
“There wouldn’t be any contact or anything like that because that would be in violation of restrictions.” Still, he said, “restricted activity is better than no activity.”
Natt said the Alberta Lacrosse Association, like most minor sports organizations, is submitting a plan to Alberta Health Services for approval.
Hockey Calgary had its seasons abruptly end when the shutdown began in March. But according to Kevin Kobelka, options such as dryland and small area skills training at outdoor arenas are being considered in July in compliance with Alberta Health Services protocol.
“We’ve been told (facilities) won’t be opened until Sept. 1,” he said. “We’re hoping cases (of COVID-19) are going to start to ease and we’re hoping we’ll start to see facilities start to open in July, then we can start putting kids back on the ice on a small scale basis.
“That’s a big dream ... But that would be our goal.”
Cress added that CMSA receives recommendations from the governing bodies of Alberta Soccer and Canada Soccer, which are drafting return-to-play protocols available within the next week.
Alberta Soccer has mandated that organized soccer remains on pause until the end of May.
Cress anticipates kids will be able to begin skill sessions and practices sometime in June.
“I think (this) week will be really important,” she said. “I know kids have been spending the better part of eight to 10 weeks in front of Zoom calls and Microsoft Team Meetings, trying to connect with their teams.
“I think (the lifted restrictions are) exciting — I think it’s good news.”