KELOWNA MEN’S SOCCER LEAGUE RETURN TO PLAY PLAN

OVERVIEW:

The Kelowna Men’s Soccer League has reviewed all of the protocols and plans suggested by our governing bodies which include Canada Soccer, BC Soccer and Via Sports, as well as the guidelines and protocols suggested by Health Canada, BC Health and Interior Health.

By adhering to their suggested action methods, the KMSL is confident all members of the league which includes participants, game officials, volunteer administration as well as spectators can return to the game of soccer in a safe and healthy fashion.

The KMSLs overriding goal is to ensure participant safety and as such we have developed the following return to Sport plan for the 2021 soccer outdoor season.

AS STANDARD PRACTICE:

The Kelowna Men’s Soccer League will not permit anyone to attend a KMSL sanctioned event on or off the field who:

·         Has had symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days. Symptoms include fever, chills, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and new muscle aches or headache.

·         Anyone directed by Public Health to self-isolate.

·         Anyone who has arrived from outside of Canada or who has had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case within the last 14 days.

Any players, managers, coaches or game officials that may start to feel ill, or develop symptoms while participating, must leave the KMSL sanctioned event and immediately and go directly home.  They are asked to consult the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool or call 811 for further guidance related to testing and self-isolation.]
If a participant is severely ill (e.g., difficulty breathing, chest pain), call 911. Clean and disinfect any surfaces that the ill participant has come into contact with.

 In addition, the KMSL requires members not to participate if they:

·         Exhibit any coronavirus symptoms, such as a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms identified by health experts.

·         Are considered vulnerable or at risk (elderly individuals, immunosuppressed persons, individuals suffering from serious health problems, notably high blood pressure, pulmonary diseases, diabetes, obesity and asthma).

THE KMSL REQUIRES PARTICPANTS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST INFECTIONS BY ADHEARING TO THE FOLLOWING PROTOCALLS:

PREPARATION:

·         Wash your hands with disinfectant soap and water for at least 20 seconds before going to the soccer activity.

·         Bring hand sanitizer to the field and use liberally.

·         Bring your own soccer ball for practice.

·         Bring your own water bottle.

·         Make sure you have enough water before leaving the house to avoid having to touch a tap or water fountain handle.

·         Clean your equipment before and after use, including your water bottle.

·         Do not share equipment.

·         Change into your soccer apparel at home (not at the field location).

·         Consider wearing a mask or gloves while playing.

·         If you cough or sneeze, do so in a tissue or in your sleeve.

·         Avoid touching, gates, benches and all other objects where the virus could survive.

·         If you touch something, make sure to wash your hands and disinfect the surface you have touched as quickly as possible.

WHILE PLAYING:

·         Comply with the distancing measures and recommendations issued by the provincial government health authorities.

·         Adhere to warm up locations and bench location as identified by the coach or manager.

·         As much as possible, keep a 2-meter distance with other players.

·         Avoid physical contact with other players.

·         Do not shake hands or do fist bumps, with other players.

·         Avoid touching the ball and other equipment with your hands.

·         Goalkeeper must not share gloves.

AFTER PLAYING:

·         Wash your hands carefully with water and disinfectant soap or with hand sanitizer.

·         Do not use locker rooms or changing areas.

·         Leave the field as quickly as possible after you finish playing.

·         Remove all personal items and garbage from the field and dispose of safely.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW:

Should any participants and/or individuals fail to follow these recommendations and guidelines may result in removal from participation. 

League registration(UPDATED APR 23RD)