New COVID-19 rules leave sports leagues in limbo
Calgary sports leagues forced into a timeout are investigating whether they can be exempt from new COVID-19 restrictions, but worry the rules will be too difficult to follow.
The province announced new measures last week aimed at slowing the rate of new COVID-19 infections, prohibiting team sports for at least three weeks. But sports leagues can be exempt if they adhere to strict measures.
Susan Cress, executive director of the Calgary Minor Soccer Association, said her organization is exploring its options but, at “first glance,” it appears to be an expensive undertaking that they're unlikely to attempt.
“It is almost disingenuous to say you can seek exemption unless you can meet professional standards,” said Cress.
“We're not going to transfer those costs to the parents.”
According to the government, sports organizations applying for exemption must be able to enforce a mandatory 14-day quarantine period before practice or play occurs and use a “bubble model” for the duration of events, similar to what the National Hockey League did for the Stanley Cup playoffs in Edmonton this summer.
Organizations must also have private access to facilities and transportation, ensure private COVID-19 testing for team members and conduct a comprehensive risk assessment plan.
Cress said the soccer association's season is paused and only physically distanced training is allowed.
It is “still trying to digest all of the information” and exploring if it is feasible to apply for an exemption.
Her biggest worry is the players who are isolated from friends and unable to build relationships, develop skills and build character as they would while playing soccer. She's also concerned the new restrictions will be extended if COVID-19 cases continue to soar, hurting the industry.
“One of the things people always forget about youth sports is that youth sports are — whether it's soccer, basketball, hockey or lacrosse — also an industry,” said Cress.
“Every youth sports organization I know right now is saying `holy crap.' It's about the finances but it's also about retaining your players.”
Hockey Calgary is also investigating the possibility of an exemption.
“It is our understanding that exemptions will only be considered for activities that have aggressive testing protocols and operate in a `bubble' format similar to the NHL or the World Juniors,” Hockey Calgary leadership said in an online statement.
The organization said questions are “flooding” into its office about refunds, extending the season, the government exemption and restart plans.
Hockey Calgary games are cancelled until Dec. 18, at the earliest, and are in the “early stages of analysis” to determine if the season will be extended and how that will play out.
“If there is an opportunity to apply for this exemption, we will do so,” the statement said.
“We will drop the puck again.”