On March 13, 2020, Canada Soccer suspended all soccer activity due to concerns over the potential spread of COVID-19 and in May established steps to consider the return of sanctioned activity. Return to Play soccer activity in BC occurred as of June 12th under the Phase 1 for Soccer terms.
During the three month “pause in play”, BC Soccer provided regular communication to our membership, created on-line resources, while maintaining continuous dialogue with both Canada Soccer and the Provincial Government through ViaSport. The biggest priority during this time was participant safety while planning for the resumption of play.
We are pleased that the gradual, responsible, phased in approach commenced on June 12 and that we are now positioned to move forward to the next phase for soccer, Phase 2 with our recommendations and guidelines. Both having the support from Canada Soccer, and our Provincial Government through ViaSport.
On this page, we’ll do our best to share all the relevant documents and information you’ll need, regardless of your role.
On December 2, 2020 the BC Health Authority and specifically Dr. Henry announced added restrictions that impact soccer in BC. These fall under the Provincial Health Authority Order so we must comply.
Adult indoor and outdoor soccer is suspended.
Youth indoor and outdoor soccer can occur under Phase 1 Soccer Guidelines with the following restrictions:
CLICK HERE to view the latest memo.
To view the various memos and communications from BC Soccer to its members and affiliated clubs, click here.
The “Give and Go” Campaign
On August 26, 2020 BC Soccer announced an expanded partnership with KidSport BC to try and support families most impacted by collecting donations from individuals/organizations and direct them towards youth soccer participant registration for families impacted by COVID.
If you are an individual, a company, or special group that has the ability and wishes to donate, please follow this link - https://secure.kidsportbc.org/registrant/startup.aspx?eventid=335651
On December 2, 2020 the BC Health Authority and specifically Dr. Henry announced added restrictions that impact soccer in BC. These fall under the Provincial Health Authority Order so we must comply.
Adult indoor and outdoor soccer is suspended.
Youth indoor and outdoor soccer can occur under Phase 1 Soccer Guidelines with the following restrictions:
CLICK HERE to view the latest memo.
Earliest June 12, 2020 - Return to Modified Training (and only for Members and Affiliated Clubs that have completed the mandartory steps).
On May 13, 2020, Canada Soccer Outlined Return to Soccer Guidelines
Between May 20 and June 1, 2020, BC Soccer Board of Directors and Canada Soccer approved BC Soccer's Return to Play Phase 1 Plan - Recommendations and Guidelines
On June 1, 2020, ViaSport released the Return to Sport Guidelines for B.C.
On June 2, 2020, BC Soccer’s Return to Play Phase 1 Plan – Recommendations and Guidelines were provided to BC Soccer Members and Affiliated Clubs. The public release by BC Soccer was on June 3, 2020. The following three documents form the Phase 1 Plan.
BC Soccer Return to Play Plan - Phase 1 - sample referee training sessions
With the release of BC Soccer’s Return to Play Phase 1 Plan – Recommendations and Guidelines, BC Soccer provided this memo to advise on next steps for those Members and Affiliated Clubs that would like to offer on-field sanctioned soccer activity under the terms of the plan, which earliest would be sanctioned on June 12, 2020.
On June 11, 2020 BC Soccer was pleased to host a Return to Play - Phase 1 Plan Question & Answer Session with Members and Affiliated Clubs that chose to attend. To view a recording of this webinar, click here.
Members and Affiliated Clubs Next Steps for Phase 1 Return
For those Members and Affiliated Clubs that do want to offer soccer activity in accordance with the Canada Soccer approved BC Soccer Return to Play Phase 1 Plan - Recommendations and Guidelines, the following four mandatory steps must be completed by a Senior Board or Staff Member (signing officer is ideal):
The health authorities in BC determine how quickly sport (and soccer) may be able to move to future phases.
Phase 1 for Soccer aligned with Via Sport's “Transition Measures" phase in the Sport Activity Chart.
On December 2, 2020 the BC Health Authority and specifically Dr. Henry announced added restrictions that impact soccer in BC. These fall under the Provincial Health Authority Order so we must comply.
Adult indoor and outdoor soccer is suspended.
Youth indoor and outdoor soccer can occur under Phase 1 Soccer Guidelines with the following restrictions:
CLICK HERE to view the latest memo.
On August 24, 2020, "BC Soccer’s Return to Play Phase 2 Plan – Recommendation and Guidelines" were provided to BC Soccer Members and Affiliated Clubs and released publicly. The plan allowed for the Return to Modified Games and/or Competition Structure within identified Soccer Cohorts as early as September 7, 2020 (and only for Members and Affiliated Clubs that have completed the mandatory steps), with further allowance for limited contract in training as of August 24, 2020. The August 24, 2020 memo outlines steps required for those Members and Affiliated Clubs that would like to offer on-field sanctioned soccer activity under the terms of the plan.
Updated Guidelines
On October 14, 2020, "BC Soccer’s Return to Play Phase 2 Plan – Recommendation and Guidelines" were updated and provided to BC Soccer Members and Affiliated Clubs and released publicly. CLICK HERE to view.
The October 14, 2020 memo accompanying the updated document also provides added clarification on cohorts.
November 23, 2020 Update - providing more clarification re: Provincial Health Authority Announcement
Currently, there is no indication when soccer will be able to move beyond what is within "BC Soccer’s Return to Play Phase 2 Plan – Recommendations and Guidelines". Sport including soccer continues to be in the "Progressively Loosening" phase within the below Sport Activity Chart. The health authorities in BC will determine how quickly sport (and soccer) may be able to move to the final phase.
Of importance: Phase 3 ("Progressively Loosen") in the below chart is Phase 2 for Soccer.
CLICK HERE to view Via Sport's updated Return to Sport Guidelines.
Return to Play FAQs
CLICK HERE to view BC Soccer's Phase 2 FAQ document, updated September 4, 2020.
Return to Play Phase 2 - Referee FAQ
On September 3, 2020 BC Soccer was pleased to host a Return to Play - Phase 2 Plan Question & Answer Session with Members and Affiliated Clubs that chose to attend. To view a recording of this webinar, click here.
Currently, there is no indication when soccer will be able to move beyond what is within BC Soccer’s Return to Play Phase 2 Plan – Recommendations and Guidelines. As of August 24, 2020, sport including soccer is in the "Progressively Loosening" phase. The health authorities in BC will determine how quickly sport (and soccer) may be able to move to the final phase.
Of importance: Phase 3 ("Progressively Loosen") in the below chart is Phase 2 for Soccer.
CLICK HERE to view Via Sport's updated Return to Sport Guidelines.
ViaSport's UPDATED Return to Sport Guidelines
The Recreation and Parks Sector – Guidelines for Restarting Operations (June 2020)
BC Soccer Youth Participant Waiver
BC Soccer Adult Participant Waiver
Contagion Exclusion Notice - On March 19, 2020 BC Soccer was informed by our Insurance Broker (SBC Insurance Agencies Ltd.) that Markel Canada (insurance underwriter) has issued a Contagion Exclusion which basically states that effective April 1, 2020 there is an exclusion on covering claims related to COVID-19. CLICK HERE to read the notice received.
CLICK HERE for more information on Insurance
Canada Soccer Sample Response Action Plan Guide
Canada Soccer Return to Traing for Referees
End