May 13, 2020 – In our last update on May 5th, we reported that the BC government had asked the provincial sport organizations (PSOs) to develop a Return to Play strategy to be approved by the Provincial Health Officer/Ministry of Health. With the COVID-19 situation constantly evolving in this unprecedented time, we have since received further clarity on the process we are to follow for a return to sport.
Under the most recent plan, viaSport, Cycling BC’s link to the provincial government, will be drafting and submitting a sector-wide Return to Sport Guidelines that will be reviewed by a panel composed of public health officials and WorkSafe BC.
Once the Return to Sport Guidelines is approved, Cycling BC will be able to finalize the development of our sport-specific return to sport plan; however, these will not require government approval but the approval of the Cycling BC Board of Directors. At that time, clubs will be asked to adopt or adapt/develop their own return to play guidelines for approval by their own club’s board and move forward to implementation. In all cases, the overarching sector-wide Return to Sport Guidelines must be included in all plans for organized sport.
We would also like to take this opportunity to distinguish between “active play” and “organized sport”. Active play includes activities British Columbians are currently engaged in, as recommended by Dr. Bonnie Henry, which include activities such as a ride with your family members, riding alone, or riding with a trusted friend – Cycling BC does not sanction these actives. Organized sport includes all sanctioned activities, including club rides, programs, training camps and the like, which are insured by Cycling BC. In this context, Cycling BC is working with our sport partners toward an opening up of organized sport.
Cycling BC is eager to support our clubs in the return to activities and we appreciate your continued patience as we await approval of the sector-wide Return to Sport Guidelines. First and foremost, we want to ensure that our members stay safe and healthy. Club boards will have to determine their appetite for risk as they implement a return to organized sport and we intend to provide you with clarity and guidance where possible.
In the meantime, stay healthy and enjoy the ride.