September 25, 2020
AMENDMENT NOTIFICATION RE:
GUIDELINES FROM THE ONTARIO GOVERNMENTS
A FRAMWORK FOR REOPENING OUR PROVINCE – STAGE 3
WITH THE BADMINTON ONTARIO 2020-2021 SEASON RENEWALS
To all Ontario Badminton Clubs:
Given that the Province of Ontario continues to be in Stage 3 of the Re-opening Plan for Ontario, Badminton Ontario would like to update the District Member Associations, their affiliate clubs, and the general badminton community of Ontario on a few items.
In the previous Notice to Clubs published on July 17, 2020, Badminton Ontario has outlined several guidelines for club operations under the Stage 3 Framework. We continue to expect that our member clubs operate under the regulations outlined in the Ontario Legislature and in the guidelines in the Notice to Clubs published on July 17, 2020. One amendment to the Notice is as follows:
Stated in the Notice on July 17, 2020:
The only persons permitted to use the facility are athletes who are members of the affiliated club for the 2019-2020 season.
Amendment on September 25, 2020:
The only persons permitted to use the facility are athletes who are members of the affiliated club for the 2020-2021 season as identified by the PSO beginning in September 2020; this may also include those who are members of the affiliated club for the 2019-2020 season where their individual club membership extends into the 2020-2021 season.
As previously announced, Badminton Ontario believes that it is in the best interest and safety of the athletes, officials, coaches, volunteers, staff, and sport to delay the start of the 2020-2021 Competition Season due to the developments surrounding COVID-19. Traditionally, the competition season begins in the month of September, however, the current tentative competition calendar has tournaments scheduled to begin in November 2020. We will continue to monitor the situation and address the ability to deliver tournament events on a month by month basis.
Finally, the Badminton Ontario Athlete Card along with the Coach and Official Accreditation renewal process for the 2020-2021 Season has been put on temporary hold with the decision of a delayed season start. Badminton Ontario has been working on several waivers, agreements, and forms that will be introduced to the badminton community when the renewal process resumes in the near future.
We continue to remind the badminton community that the Ontario 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.
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 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 disciplinary measures.
Badminton Ontario is committed to ensuring our athletes play safe when it is safe to play.
Badminton Ontario will continue to provide updates as part of our commitment to a safe return to play and training for all.
Respectfully,
Jean Wong
Technical Director
Badminton Ontario
2020-09-25 Notice to Ontario Clubs Re Stage 3 with 20-21 Season Renewals
