Return to Play Information

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.

In September 2020 we took steps forward with the introduction of soccer's Phase 2 recommendations and guidelines allowing for contact in training and limited game-play in a cohorts model.  Both phase 1 and phase 2 guidelines have received the needed support from Canada Soccer, and our Provincial Government through ViaSport.

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. These restrictions were extended in early January 2021 and again on February 5, 2021.

Adult indoor and outdoor soccer is suspended.

Youth indoor and outdoor soccer can occur under Phase 1 Soccer Guidelines with the following restrictions:
- Physical distance is now classified as 3 metres.
- No spectators.
- Players may travel to their home club/team.

CLICK HERE to view the December 2020 memo, CLICK HERE to view the January memo and CLICK HERE to view the February 2021 memo.

On this page, we’ll do our best to share all the relevant documents and information you’ll need, regardless of your role.

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. These restrictions were extended in early January 2021 and again on February 5, 2021.

Adult indoor and outdoor soccer is suspended.

Youth indoor and outdoor soccer can occur under Phase 1 Soccer Guidelines with the following restrictions:
- Physical distance is now classified as 3 metres.
- No spectators.
- Players may travel to their home club/team.

CLICK HERE to view the December 2020 memo, CLICK HERE to view the January memo and CLICK HERE to view the February 2021 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 - working timelines, recommendations and guidelines for all members and affiliated clubs.

BC Soccer Return to Play Plan – Phase 1 - sample sessions designed to work within the recommendations and guidelines, and we encourage our members and affiliated clubs to use, tailor as appropriate, and share with each other to support soccer activity for your organizations.

BC Soccer Return to Play Plan – Phase 1 - timelines, recommendations and guidelines for participants.

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):

  1. Review BC Soccer’s Return to Play Plan Phase 1 – Recommendations and Guidelines and ViaSport’s Return to Sport Guidelines for B.C.
  2. Fully complete Canada Soccer’s “Return to Soccer Assessment Tool” which requires the organization to commit to offer soccer activity under the terms in BC Soccer’s Return to Play Plan Phase 1 – Recommendations and Guidelines.
  3. Pass a board motion supporting the soccer activity that the organization is choosing to offer under the terms.
  4. Establish the training program(s) and offer the safest possible environment for all participants that choose to participate.

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. These restrictions were extended in early January 2021 and again on February 5, 2021.

Adult indoor and outdoor soccer is suspended.

Youth indoor and outdoor soccer can occur under Phase 1 Soccer Guidelines with the following restrictions:
- Physical distance is now classified as 3 metres.
- No spectators.
- Players may travel to their home club/team.

CLICK HERE to view the December 2020 memo, CLICK HERE to view the January memo and CLICK HERE to view the February 2021 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

Return to Play Phase 2 - Kick Ins Clarifications & Considerations (for Technical Directors and Coaches)

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.

Date TBA - Return to the Regular Type Training and Games/Competition Structure
 

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.

 

 

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