Coronavirus & Gymnastics in bc
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted the entire sports industry. Together, we will navigate these unprecedented times and continue prioritizing the health and safety of our members and community.
Please stay up-to-date on all related information by bookmarking this page and visiting regularly for updates.
Return to Sport
GBC’s Return to Sport Plan outlines requirements and rules clubs must follow in order to resume operations.
A list of resources clubs can use to guide their transition back to operations is provided below:
 Return to Sport Plan |  Club COVID-19 Safety Plan Template |  Return to Sport Media Kit |
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Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement |
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What Clubs Must Do Before Reopening
In order to reopen, each club must first:
- Develop a club-specific COVID-19 Safety Plan which complies with all requirements set out in GBC’s Return to Sport Plan.
- Have the club Board of Directors or Owner formally approve their club’s COVID-19 Safety Plan.
- Complete and send the approved club-specific COVID-19 Safety Plan to info@gymbc.org, including its date of approval. Please note: GBC is NOT approving club plans, but will be filing them with club declarations.
- Identify a COVID-19 Club Representative. The COVID-19 Club Representative will act as the main point of contact with GBC, should issues or complaints arise.
- Submit a completed COVID-19 Club Declaration to info@gymbc.org.
Risk Management
Risk Management Forms
On June 10, GBC distributed three risk management forms that all member clubs must implement immediately.
- Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement
Each individual member (parent/guardian if participant is under age 19) must complete a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement. Clubs must file and retain this form in long-term storage. Scan it and save electronically or physically file it.
- Participant Declaration of Compliance Form
Each individual member must complete a Participant Declaration of Compliance form (following each club’s COVID-19 Safety Plan requirements). This document acts as each participant’s commitment to comply with club requirements. This document must be signed by each participant and their parent/guardian if the participant is under 19 years of age. Clubs must file and retain this form in long-term storage. Scan it and save electronically or physically file it.
- Editable version available here (word doc)
- Club Declaration of Compliance Form
Each club Owner/Board Chair must complete and submit a Club Declaration of Compliance form to info@gymbc.org. This document acts as each club’s commitment to comply with the requirements set out by GBC, viaSport, BC’s PHO, and WorkSafeBC.
Compliance Process
If severe and/or repeated offences and allegations arise about a club not complying with provincial requirements (including GBC Return to Sport Plan, viaSport Return to Sport Guidelines, PHO orders and recommendations, and government orders, bans, and recommendations) GBC requirements or not adhering to their own COVID-19 Safety Plan, GBC’s Board of Directors may take a variety of actions to manage and address compliance.
Coronavirus Updates
- November 7, 2020 (Return to Sport Plan Updates)
- November 7, 2020 (New Provincial Order)
- September 14, 2020 (RTS Plan Updates and Corrections)
- August 26, 2020 (RTS Plan Corrections)
- August 25, 2020 (Revised RTS Plan – Phase 3)
- August 13, 2020
- June 29, 2020
- June 10, 2020 (Risk Management Forms)
- June 5, 2020 (Return to Sport Plan Release)
- June 3, 2020 (Return to Sport Draft and Cleaning Products)
- May 15, 2020 (Return to Play Draft #1)
- May 7, 2020
- April 16, 2020
- April 7, 2020
- March 26, 2020 (Remote Training and Insurance)
- March 12, 2020 Update
- March 13, 2020 Update
- March 16, 2020 Update
- March 17, 2020 Update
- March 18, 2020 Update #1
- March 18, 2020 Update #2 – CLOSURE NOTICE
- March 26, 2020 Update – Remote Training and Insurance
- April 16, 2020 Update
Online Learning
Just because we’re apart doesn’t mean we can’t stay connected.
Gymnastics BC has gone virtual; we’re offering FREE online learning webinars for club staff and coaches. To view upcoming webinars and register, please view our events calendar!
FAQ’s
In order to reopen, each club must first:
- Develop a club-specific COVID-19 Safety Plan which complies with all requirements set out in GBC’s Return to Sport Plan.
- Have the club Board of Directors or Owner formally approve their club’s COVID-19 Safety Plan.
- Complete and send the approved club-specific COVID-19 Safety Plan to info@gymbc.org, including its date of approval. Please note: GBC is NOT approving club plans, but will be filing them with club declarations.
- Identify a COVID-19 Club Representative. The COVID-19 Club Representative will act as the main point of contact with GBC, should issues or complaints arise.
- Submit a completed COVID-19 Club Declaration to info@gymbc.org.
Questions regarding the status of club events should be directed to host clubs. Gymnastics BC will post status updates of upcoming events on gymbc.org as information becomes available.
Clubs are advised to email ceo@gymbc.org with status updates on their events.
Yes, most clubs are running some types of recreational programming and programming for young children (preschool, toddlers, etc.).
No. Drop-in programming and unstructured play programming (such as birthday parties) are not permitted.
Birthday parties are not currently permitted.
Similar to birthday parties, all types of public access programs are not permitted.
Not at this time. The definition of UNSTRUCTURED non-instructional means that activities are NOT LED BY A COACH. Approved activities must involve significant structure and supervision.
Yes. As long as the programming is structured in nature, pre-booked, and all GBC Return to Sport requirements are followed.
Yes, as long as the programming is structured in nature, pre-booked, and all GBC Return to Sport requirements are followed. Assessments will not involve coaches and athletes who are in the same cohorts. Therefore, physical distancing should be adhered to, and no spotting should take place.
GBC must follow all requirements set out by the Government of BC and ViaSport. GBC implemented requirements that provide its member clubs with liability coverage through viaSport. Other industries have different channels to remain compliant with the Government of BC.
Only one form per individual in your facility since GBC member clubs reopened (early June 2020).
GBC has carefully created Return to Sport Requirements that come directly from viaSport’s amateur sport requirements. GBC’s requirements are not appropriate for other industries such as preschools or day cares. Those industries have their own standards that should be adhered to.
GBC has created a new communication tool to help clubs calculate occupancy. Please review GBC’s Addendum (October 1) to see detailed examples of occupancy calculations.
No. Screening can be completed in any format, and it does not need to be documented.
Yes, all children of essential workers (medical professionals, travel professionals, and other individuals approved by the Government of Canada) who are asymptomatic may attend member club programming.
Yes, as long as they approved to do so by public health officials.
No, not at this time. However, they must adhere to your club’s safety plan.
GBC member clubs should refer to their safety plan to determine if individuals who have someone ill in their household can participate in programming. Clubs must update their safety plans and obtain approval from their boards/owners.
In cohorts, spotting is allowed. Coaches are permitted to spot athletes who are learning new skills, or when spotting is required for safety. Coaches must wear masks when spotting athletes, and coaches must also sanitize their hands between spotting different athletes.