Ontario enters Stage 2 of Re-opening (June 12)

June 12, 2020

NOTIFICATION RE:

MOVING TO STAGE 2 OF REOPENING IN ONTARIO

Loosening restrictions on Return to Sport for Badminton in Ontario

To all Ontario Badminton Clubs:

As most of Ontario regions outside the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area will be moving into Stage 2 of the Re-opening Plan for Ontario, Badminton Canada and Badminton Ontario would like to advise all affiliated clubs in Ontario on some changes to the Provincial Sport Organization’s (PSO’s) return to sport guidelines.

In the month of May following the amendment to the Emergency Order allowing for the opening and controlled use of sporting facilities, Badminton Ontario had permitted all Affiliated Clubs of the 2019-2020 season to resume operations under strict modified conditions which included only permitting singles play; no doubles play.

With the advancement into Stage 2 of the Re-opening Plan for Ontario, we are advising the following in addition to previous guidelines:

– Each club operator is responsible to confirm in which Regional Health Authority they operate in order to confirm if they are in Stage 2 or Stage 1 of the Ontario re-opening plan.

– The only persons permitted to use the facility are athletes who are members of the affiliated club for the 2019-2020 season.

– If a club is considering to allow doubles play, they should first consult with their local Regional Health Authority. Badminton Ontario and Badminton Canada strongly recommend that only pairs from the same household may play on the same side of the court and pairs should not switch sides during the match.

The amendment to the Emergency Order outlines specific regulations that must be followed by every person, facility and organization that chooses to return to sport before their club resumes.  Badminton Ontario also requires that all Club and Facility operators are required to put in place health and safety protocols that comply with the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s recommendations. We encourage you to work with your local public health offices to develop these protocols. These plans and protocols should be submitted to Badminton Ontario for review at jean.wong@badmintonontario.ca.

Ultimately, it is up to each club to determine whether they can reopen under the required conditions as set out by the Emergency Order. As Ontario gradually reopens, it is more important than ever to follow public health advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. 

Badminton Canada and Badminton Ontario also reminds all member clubs and registered individuals, that all activities must adhere to the Quarantine Act (Canada), Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (Ontario), as well as any municipal bylaws and facility rules in place related to COVID-19 physical distancing and public or private gatherings.  Failure to abide by these federal, provincial, or municipal requirements may result in legal prosecution by government as well as denial of insurance coverage by Badminton Ontario and possible Badminton Canada and Badminton Ontario disciplinary measures.

Ontario is committed to ensuring our athletes play safe when it is safe to play.

Badminton Canada and Badminton Ontario will continue to provide updates as part of our commitment to a safe return to play and training for all.

Respectfully,

Joe Morissette                                                                 Jean Wong

Executive Director                                                           Technical Director

Badminton Canada                                                          Badminton Ontario

Appendix A – List of Affiliated Clubs of Badminton Ontario

 ** End of list