On September 11, 2021, the BC government released a new Public Health Order in response to the increase in COVID-19 cases in BC. In addition, the BC Proof of Vaccination program went into effect on September 13, 2021.

BC Artistic Swimming continues to work with our provincial partners to understand the impact of these orders and how it will affect the BCAS Artistic Swimming Restart Plan. Once viaSport releases its updated Return to Sport Restart 2.0, BCAS will release an updated version of our Restart Plan.

Here is a summary of what we know as of September 13, 2021:

Proof of Vaccination

Indoor Youth Sports:

• Indoor sport programs involving participants/athletes under the age of 22 are exempt from the Proof of Vaccination Program. This includes any adults directly supporting youth sport program delivery such as coaches, trainers, officials, and volunteers.
• It is not clear whether coaches who are paid contractors or employees meet the threshold of the exemption. Our partners are working with WorkSafe BC to confirm how the Order defines coaches who receive remuneration.
• There are no participation capacity limits for youth sport programs.
  
• It is not clear how spectators are defined in the Order and whether they fall within the youth sport exemption or facility capacity limits.
  

Indoor Adult Sports:

• Indoor adult sport programs involving participants/athletes who are 22 years of age or older MUST follow the Proof of Vaccination Program. All participants, including support personnel such as coaches, must show proof of vaccination in alignment with facility requirements. Some facilities may facilitate this process whereas others may request the club to facilitate the verification process.
  
• Participants aged 22 years or older who are not vaccinated with a single dose (as of September 13, 2021) and a double dose (as of October 24) are NOT permitted to participate in artistic swimming activities.
• The exemptions for pools outlined in the Public Health Order DOES NOT apply to leagues or sport participation. The Order treats adult sport programs differently than adult community aquatics programs.
  
• Sport programs involving participants/athletes who are 22 years of age are limited to a maximum of 50 participants.
  

General:

• Club operations must continue to align with facility protocols, standards and limits which may differ by community as municipalities determine how the new Order applies to their operations.
  
• All participants must follow public health restrictions and facility protocols at all times. At this time, masks MUST be worn in all indoor public spaces and as designated by the facility.
• PRIVACY: Clubs who are required to verify proof of vaccinations may not record or retain any personal information acquired during the verification process, however, with the express consent of the individual, clubs may store a record that the proof of vaccination was verified for future reference.
  

Artistic Swimming Restart Plan