British Columbia Government outlines path forward towards Phase 3 of sports activities in the province

How sports may look in the weeks and months to come is the theme for the release today for what the Province of British Columbia is calling its Phase 3 Guidelines for the Return to Sport.

The document which was created by viaSport has been reviewed by the BC Centre for Disease Control, with the guidelines providing for recommendations on how different types of sports can progressively add activities back to the recreation schedule while holding firm to current public health recommendations.

“I know athletes and their families have been missing the joy of competition these past few months. viaSport has done a great job working with health officials and our amateur sport organizations to ensure we can safely and gradually return to game play. I encourage everyone – players, parents, coaches and volunteers – to continue to work together to make sure we can play and compete safely.” -- Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture

For the most part the Phase Three launch will allow amateur sports groups and activities to resume action with some modifications to the way  previous seasons may have looked.

The new focus will be on additional training opportunities, modified games and match-ups and league play and competitions within sport cohorts.

With Phase 3, each provincial sport organization can use the overarching guidelines to develop or revise its sport-specific plans. 

Among Some of the measures to be in place include increased hand hygiene, enhanced cleaning protocols in place,  an introduction to pair or small group contact skills, limited amount of spectators.

As part of the viaSport program community sports organizations have been required to submit a return to play plan for approval by the body, to date, 60 organizations have completed their return to play plans.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia's Public Health Officer notes of the importance of physical activity and how the guidelines approved today will help to keep sports activities remain as safe as possible.

“Sport is an important part of mental and physical health for children, youth, families and our communities.These guidelines will enable the social and emotional benefits of sport, while ensuring the sports activities remain as safe as possible.”

You can review the full Phase Three documentation here.

As we hear of local sports groups preparing a return under the new guidelines, we'll share what they have planned as they release the information.

For more notes of interest from the Provincial government see our Legislature archive page here.