BC SOCCER ANNOUNCES RETURN TO PLAY PHASE 2  (see the full announcement here)

NWSC Coaches and Managers,

ViaSport has approved our phase 2 approach to soccer, which looks very similar to us being back to normal.  This is fantastic news which gives us confidence in the direction our season seems to be taking.  I have provided some pertinent notes for you to review should some teams decide to open things up in their training sessions this week.

ORGANIZING SOCCER ACTIVITY

The activity must always comply with the distancing measures and recommendations, along with any gathering restrictions issued by the BC health authorities, including the arrival and departure of players (except for family members or persons residing in the same household).

– As of document date – 6 feet between people is still suggested, however gatherings of 50 people or less is still required (for soccer, unless otherwise stated by the municipality/city, this is 50 people per regular 11 v 11 full-size soccer field).

– Clearly layout, communicate, and mark (in consultation with municipality/city/facility owner) player drop-off and pick-up protocol for arrival and departure.

– Introducing limited player contact in training is allowed as of August 24, 2020.

– Limited contact is defined as players being able to come together and have involuntary contact (i.e. challenging for the ball, etc.).

– Games, for both youth and adult, may be considered as of September 7, 2020 with the following required modification: o Limit your activities to smaller groups by having identified “Soccer Cohorts” of a maximum of 50 unique participants or up to four (4) teams.

• A “Soccer Cohort” is defined as a closed, smaller group of no more than 50 individuals or up to four (4) teams who participate in soccer activity and remain together for the duration of a phase. The intent is to try to keep the interaction to the same cohort and group of people.

▪ It is understood that if four (4) teams is used, the number of individuals within the cohort may go above the 50 limit (for example, four teams with rosters of 18 players) BUT it must be kept to four teams.

• Coaches may be counted outside of the 50 individuals if they are able to maintain physical distancing at all times (parents as well).

• Each cohort can be comprised of multiple teams in order to form a mini league/game play between teams within the cohort.

• Cohorts should be made up of individuals/teams of similar age and ability.

• Keep players together in designated groups and make sure that each group avoids mixing with other groups as much as possible.

• If cohort participants (or teams) need to be adjusted, a 2-week break between activities is required.

– Players must minimize contact of the soccer balls and equipment with their hands.  Leave that to the coaches.  If they do come in contact with equipment, please have them sanitize their hands afterwards.

– Throw ins will be replaced with “kick ins” for the time being.

We will connect again at our next coaches meeting scheduled for the first week of September.  At that point I can provide more clarity should you require it.  In the meantime, please remain diligent with having your players mindful of the lengthy period of time they spend beside one another.  Continue to instill safety measures regarding sanitizing of hands before and after training.

Thank you kindly,

Niko Marcina

Director of Coaching