BC Soccer Operations and Logistics Update

We are all experiencing challenging times right now with much uncertainty. BC Soccer is here and committed to providing information and updates as more information becomes available.

The health and safety of the community is of the utmost importance. By working together as a collective community and following the direction from the appropriate health authorities, including the Public Health Agency of Canada and BC’s Ministry of Health, we can all help.

Current Situation (as it related to soccer in BC)
Currently, sanctioned soccer activity has been suspended by Canada Soccer. At this time, we do not know the length of the suspension, however, Canada Soccer will be keeping us updated and informed on an ongoing basis.

As a reminder, sanctioned soccer activities include, but are not limited to, all competitions, training, practices, matches, coach and referee education and team building activities. The intent of this suspension is to limit situations of physical contact. 

BC Soccer understands that the longer the suspension is in place, the collective soccer community level of concern will rise. At the organizational level (clubs, districts, leagues, etc.), we understand the suspension has, and will continue, to impact soccer operations. Everything from canceling Spring Break programing to concerns over when the suspension is lifted and being able to fulfill league schedule, playdowns, and start up of interior season of play. BC Soccer is also directly impacted by the suspension of soccer activity.

Therefore, we want to take this opportunity to inform the members and affiliated clubs on the steps BC Soccer is currently taking to work within Canada Soccer’s suspension. We will be working under a two-week review and decision-making process to cancel and/or postpone programs and activity (that BC Soccer directly operates) as more information in known on the current situation.

Short-term (March and April)

• We have canceled/postponed programs and activity BC Soccer directly operates/facilitates for the rest of March 2020.
• We are currently not scheduling programs and activity BC Soccer directly operates/facilitates for April 2020.
• For any programs and activity BC Soccer directly operates/facilitates that is already scheduled to occur in April 2020, we have sent communications to those groups/individuals advising them of the current situation and that there is a chance activity may be canceled/postponed if the suspension has not been lifted by the time the activity is set to occur.
• BC Soccer is also working to deliver Referee Refresher Clinics online and exploring (with Canada Soccer) on how and when coaching courses can also be delivered in the same way.

Medium-term (May plus)

• For programs and activity BC Soccer directly operates/facilitates that is scheduled to occur in May 2020 and beyond, at this time, we are continuing to work and plan as if that activity will proceed.
• Closer to the time, if the suspension is still in place we will adjust accordingly.
• Of importance, we understand there is activity in the Spring that is required to occur to support larger activity (i.e. regional league playdowns leading into Provincial Championships). For these types of situations, the appropriate BC Soccer personnel are working to develop contingency plans depending on the situation/activity. More communication will come from those individuals directly to the impacted groups/individuals. 

BC Soccer Office and Contacts
Please do not come to the BC Soccer office and look to connect with BC Soccer personnel via phone and e-mail.

Safety Precautions
As a reminder, please follow the BC Centre for Disease Control recommendations for reducing the risk of exposure to novel coronavirus, which are:

• Wash your hands frequently (it is the single most effective way of reducing infection spread).
• Practice other good hygiene habits: do not touch your face/eyes/mouth with your hands and cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough (ideally with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow).
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched workspace surfaces.
• Maintain good general health (eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, exercise in moderation).
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Contact 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) or your health care provider for questions about your personal health situation.

March 13, 2020 Announcements

CLICK HERE to view Canada Soccer’s March 13, 2020 announcement and CLICK HERE to view BC Soccer’s subsequent announcement.

About BC Soccer

BC Soccer is the provincial sport governing body with the mission to govern, promote and develop the game of soccer in British Columbia in a professional and progressive manner. Established in 1907, BC Soccer is the largest provincial sports organization (PSO) in BC and the third largest soccer-specific PSO in Canada with over 150,000 participants.  As a professional not-for-profit society and a member of Canada Soccer, BC Soccer is committed to providing the widest opportunities for existing and potential participants, as well as provide support in the most effective and appropriate way for current players, parents, volunteers, member clubs, leagues, and districts.

BC Soccer is comprised of more than 120,000 registered players, over 2,200 registered referees, and thousands of volunteer coaches, administrators, and soccer leaders. Working with its 40 member Youth Districts and 11 Adult Leagues as well as their affiliate member clubs, BC Soccer operates under the guiding principles of Professional Leadership, Passionate Service and Progressive Collaboration. In managing its relationships throughout the larger soccer community, BC Soccer’s vision is to ensure every British Columbian has the opportunity to be involved in soccer as part of a lifelong commitment to an active, healthy and involved lifestyle.