Sept 9 - Member Update

SSA has been monitoring the advancement of COVID province wide with growing concern. We have been working to gather key information so that we can provide guidance to members to allow you to make informed choices.

 

This week, Sask Sport hosted a member meeting with representatives from the Business Response Team (BRT) and the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport in attendance. The BRT made it clear that we have not had a province wide health order since July 11 and it is not likely new guidelines for sport will be introduced. The Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport provided no comment during the meeting.

 

While BRT offered support, they stressed that they cannot provide legal guidance due to the unique circumstances for each organization. It was stressed that the legal and human rights complexities of denying a person access to play, or requesting and storing private medical information, have yet to be challenged in court. They also indicated that privacy legislation is not clear cut and can be difficult to navigate. For further details on the government’s position and for a FAQ for Businesses and Workers, click here.

 

While many groups may be considering vaccinations or proof of a clear COVID test to participate, there are significant legal and logistical challenges to work out. This is uncharted territory from a legal perspective, and it is likely that decisions, in either direction, will be challenged, possibly in court. BRT also said we cannot be confident that there will be a readily available system to monitor and track vaccination status, and with provincial staffing cuts we are unsure of the available support for contact tracing in the future. While the government is working on QR Codes to confirm vaccination status, we were advised there is no timeline for this release. People will be challenged to provide printed verification of their vaccination status, with only 30% of the adult population having enrolled in MySaskHealthRecord, and very few youth (under 18) on the system; the means to properly verify and manage health information is still very much in question. However, with large groups like the Roughriders tackling the issue, this is one area where we may see progress in the weeks ahead.

 

SSA and our sport colleagues have asked for direction and guidance to clarify the many very complex issues we face, but to date the only guidance we have received is that each group needs to consult with legal counsel and make their own informed decisions. While more businesses, municipalities and groups are mandating masking and vaccinations, there is still no clear direction on the many questions that need answering. Some of our sports colleagues are moving forward with mandatory vaccinations, while others have stated they will not restrict participation.

 

Some municipalities are reacting to the increasing cases with mask and/or vaccination mandates and the impact will be inconsistent across the province for some time. Some of our Member Organizations have had to respond to directives from their municipalities to follow enhanced safety protocols, while others have made public statements that they will be taking their lead from the provincial government.

 

The challenge volunteers and staff will face must also be carefully considered. Because this is such a polarizing issue - the response from individuals, on either side of the debate, when a decision is made, one way or the other, will be a challenge for all sports to manage. What we will insist on is respectful behaviour at all times.

 

SSA is currently working with our Risk Management Committee, legal counsel, and Board, and will engage with SSA Member Organizations and other sports to share knowledge, identify common concerns and begin to better understand the complexities of the issues that are in front of us.

 

To summarize: the message that was reinforced in the Sask Sport meeting is that each organization needs to do their own risk assessment and get their own legal guidance to understand what should be done. Each Member Organization should determine what is best for their membership. SSA is working diligently to assemble relevant information so that we can provide guidance so that Member Organizations can make informed decisions.

 

Until we are able to provide more clarity, we encourage all Members to continue to put safety first. Basic COVID-19 transmission prevention measures have proven to be effective and are always available to you (even if you are fully vaccinated):

Encourage all eligible participants, volunteers, parents, spectators to be fully vaccinated

Insist that all interactions are respectful to keep organizers supported, engaged and safe.

Enforce that all self-monitor for symptoms, stay home if sick and seek a COVID-19 test. The Know Your Risk checklist can help you with that personal assessment. People who are fully vaccinated are no longer considered a close contact.

Encourage masks indoors when not active on the pitch; remind participants that masks remain an option during activity.

Reduce gathering sizes and minimize access to indoor facilities before and after activity.

Continue to stress health protocols:

Wash your hands often and encourage good cough and sneeze etiquette.

If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer approved by Health Canada.

Routinely clean common surfaces.

Increase ventilation by opening windows in summer and increasing fresh air intake and air exchange of heating and cooling systems.

 

For more information go to the Government of Saskatchewan COVID 19 website.

We are working to be in a better position to help all Member Organizations to understand the current issues surrounding COVID-19 and come up with solutions. To that end, we will be hosting a Member Discussion on September 28^th. In the interim, please reach out to us via cms@sasksoccer.com if you have any concerns, or to share your local decisions, experiences, and questions.

 

In order to ensure we can accommodate as many Member Organizations as possible please let us know the time that works best for your organization. Please respond on this Doodle Poll to all the times you are able to attend to allow for maximum participation.

 

While we understand the urgent need for further clarity, we ask for your patience.

 

Be Safe! Be the Solution! Stick it to COVID!

Upcoming Important Deadlines - September 30

Club Licensing Update

Do you know someone that goes above and beyond, on or off the field? SSA extends the invitation to nominate players, teams, coaches, referees, and volunteers that exemplify the Values, Vision, and Mission of the organization! Award nominees and winners will be celebrated during the Recognition Celebration, date to be announced.

The deadline to submit nomination forms for the Saskatchewan Soccer Association Technical and Recognition Awards is on December 15.

 

To submit a nomination and for further information about the Awards and Recognition process, please visit the SSA website or email: cms@sasksoccer.com.

 

Award Categories include the following:

 

·    Female Youth Player of the Year

·    Male Youth Player of the Year

·    Female Adult Player of the Year

·    Male Adult Player of the Year

·    Adult Futsal Player of the Year

·    Soccer for Life Player of the Year

·    Competitive for Life Award

·    Multisport Athlete Award

·    Youth Coach of the Year

·    Coaching Dedication Award

·    Soccer For Life Coach of the Year

·    Youth Team of the Year

·    Referee of the Year

·    Member Organization of the Year

·    Soccer for Life Team of the Year

·    Volunteer of the Year

·    David Newsham Award

 

Futsal

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Canadian Men’s National Team World Cup Qualifying

SSA Calendar of Events & Deadlines