Dear NSBA Players and Families,
Here is the latest baseball update from Baseball BC.
Effective immediately Baseball BC is lifting the suspension of in person baseball activities subject to the Return to Play Guidelines.Please read this memo thoroughly, along with the accompanying documents as there is important Return to Play information within.
Planning a Return to Baseball Activity
Attached to this notice is the Baseball BC Return to Play Guidelines that apply to all organizations (Members, Affiliated Clubs, Associations, Teams, etc.) who wish to return to sanctioned baseball activity.
These Guidelines are aligned with ViaSport’s Return to Sport Guidelines for B.C, which have been approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, public health authorities and WorkSafe BC.
With a situation that evolves daily and may differ by area, Baseball BC requires all organizations to follow the guidance from all levels of government and the BC health authorities. We also understand that each municipality has potentially different restrictions and limitations, therefore, we advise organizations to work with all the stakeholders relevant to your own organization. This includes ensuring parent organizations (BC Minor, PBL, Little League, etc.) have authorized your return to play, if applicable.
For those organizations that choose to return to sanctioned baseball activity, the Guidelines note several administrative steps that are pre-conditions to starting activity, including:
- Preparing a COVID-19 Safety Plan and other policies;
- Ensuring your parent organization (BC Minor, PBL, Little League, etc.) have authorized your return to play;
- Board (or equivalent decision maker) authorization of your plans and policies.
Restarting is not mandatory – each organization must assess and decide for itself whether and when it is appropriate to restart. When determining if your organization is ready to resume, it is important to note that while Baseball BC insurance is in place for sanctioned activity in accordance with the guidelines, it will not cover any claims relating to communicable diseases or pandemics and that most policies, including Directors and Officers Insurance, now include specific pandemic exclusions.
Phases to a Return to Baseball Activity
We are currently in Phase 2. For those organizations that want to start baseball activity, that activity must comply with the Baseball BC Phase 2 guidelines (which are aligned with the viaSport Phase “Transition Measures – May to Sept”).
The timelines for any next phases will be aligned with directions from viaSport and the BC health authorities. Baseball BC has not received any indication on when activity beyond what is currently in Phase 2 may commence.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff at Baseball BC, we would like to thank the member organizations and the entire baseball community for their patience throughout this process.
Baseball BC Return to Play Guidelines
As we learn more about the coming weeks, we’ll send updates to all members.
Stay healthy and thanks again for your support and understanding.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
North Shore Baseball Association