As a part of Step 3 of the Government of BC’s Restart Plan, GBC has updated its Return to Sport Plan to help guide all of its member clubs in maintaining safe environments while transitioning back to normal life following the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes described in this article are to be implemented on or after July 1, 2021.

This update was guided by changes to the Government of BC’s Restart Plan. Please note that these updates may only be in place for the summer as the Government of BC is looking to progress to Step 4 of the Restart Plan as soon as September 7, 2021. A large amount of the requirements have been eliminated in this version of GBC’s Return to Sport Plan. All GBC member clubs are required to read the updated Return to Sport Plan and begin transitioning from their COVID-19 Safety Plan to a longer term WorkSafeBC Communicable Disease Plan.

A template for GBC Member clubs to create their WorkSafeBC Communicable Disease Plan is included in the updated version of GBC’s Return to Sport Plan

• viaSport’s Information and FAQs about the Sport Sector Restart Plan are available here.

Key Requirements and Changes for Indoor Sporting Activities as of July 1^st, 2021 for Step 3 of the BC Restart Plan Include:

• All clubs are required to develop and implement a Communicable Disease Plan instead of a COVID-19 Safety Plan. Each member club’s Board of Directors or Owner must approve the plan and the date of approval should be noted on the front page of the Plan. Communicable Disease Plans do not need to be publicly posted or shared with GBC.
• Interprovincial travel is allowed. International travel must follow federal restrictions and guidance.
• Physical distancing does not need to be maintained on or off the field of play.
• All spaces within facilities can be used – this includes change rooms, locker rooms, foam pits, and shared chalk stations. Regular facility entries and exits can be used as well.
• There is no maximum group size (occupancy limit) for participants, coaches, volunteers, staff and officials.
• Spectators are allowed with a capacity of up to 50 or 50% of regular spectator capacity, whichever is greater.
• Socializing before and after sport activities is now acceptable.
• Hand sanitizing stations are no longer required but may be maintained as per your club’s Communicable Disease Plan.
• Floor markings to direct traffic flow and physical distancing are no longer required but may be maintained.
• Contact tracing and screening requirements are no longer required. However, GBC Member clubs should maintain attendance records.
• Masks are recommended for those 12 and over who have not received both COVID-19 immunizations when off the field of play.
• Consistent cleaning processes must be included in your club’s Communicable Disease Plan.

If you have any questions, please contact GBC’s Safety Officer, Nathan Kindrachuk at safety@gymbc.org.