Re-Opening Update (July 20, 2020)

With the recent announcement allowing many regions in Ontario to move into Stage 3 of the Re-opening Plan for Ontario, Badminton Canada and Badminton Ontario would like to advise all affiliated clubs in Ontario on some changes to the Provincial Sport Organization’s (PSO’s) return to sport guidelines.

The changes outlined in A Framework for Reopening the Province – Stage 3 have been made public in O.Reg 364/20, under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and will take effect on July 17, 2020 for many regions in Ontario.  Please note that all club operators must independently identify the regional healthy authority in which they are located to determine whether they are remaining in Stage 2 or moving into Stage 3. All cities have different by-laws that may require different compliance.  Club operators must pay attention to the requirements in their jurisdiction and follow the by-laws in their city.

In addition, facilities under Stage 3 jurisdiction may open if they comply with the following conditions (O.Reg 364/20, Schedule 2, Section 8):

1. The Government of Ontario  has issued a list of regions in stage 3 on page 6 and a list of regions still in stage 2 on page 7 of the following document https://files.ontario.ca/mof-framework-reopening-province-stage-3-en-2020-07-13.pdf
2. Every person who engages in badminton activities at the club, must maintain a physical distance of at least two meters from every other person at all times during the activity.
3. The total number of members of the public permitted to be in the club at any one time must be limited to the number that can maintain a physical distance of at least two meters from other persons in the facility, and in any event cannot exceed 50 persons indoors and 100 outdoors.
4. The total number of spectators (parents) permitted to at the club at any one time must be limited to the number that can maintain a physical distance of at least two meters from every other person in the facility (players included), and in any event cannot exceed 50 persons (total) indoors and 100 (total) outdoors.
   1. Example #1 – indoor training – 40 players + 5 coaches + 5 parents = no issue
   2. Example #2 – indoor training – 40 players + 5 coaches + 20 parents = VIOLATION of stage 3 protocols
5. Doubles practice and play is allowed within the club. However, all efforts must be made to avoid physical contact between members of the same pair.
6. Any equipment that is rented to, provided to or provided for the use of players at the club must be cleaned and disinfected between each user.
7. Club operator must clean and disinfect all badminton equipment
   between each user.

With the advancement into Stage 3 of the Re-opening Plan for Ontario, we continue to advise the following in addition to previous guidelines:

• Each club operator is responsible to confirm in which Regional Health Authority they operate in order to confirm if they remain in Stage 2 or can move into Stage 3 of the Ontario re-opening plan.  At which time, they should inquire about the operating restrictions and allowances.
• The only persons permitted to use the facility are athletes who are members of the affiliated club for the 2019-2020 season.

The amendment to the Emergency Order outlines specific regulations that must be followed by every person, facility and organization that chooses to return to sport before their club resumes.  Badminton Ontario also requires that all Club and Facility operators are required to put in place health and safety protocols that comply with the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s recommendations. We encourage you to work with your local public health offices to develop these protocols. These plans and protocols should be submitted to Badminton Ontario for review at jean.wong@badmintonontario.ca.

Ultimately, it is up to each club to determine whether they can reopen under the required conditions as set out by the Emergency Order. As Ontario gradually reopens, it is more important than ever to follow public health advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Badminton Canada and Badminton Ontario also reminds all member clubs and registered individuals, that all activities must adhere to the Quarantine Act (Canada), Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (Ontario), as well as any municipal bylaws and facility rules in place related to COVID-19 physical distancing and public or private gatherings.  Failure to abide by these federal, provincial, or municipal requirements may result in legal prosecution by government as well as denial of insurance coverage by Badminton Ontario and possible Badminton Canada and Badminton Ontario disciplinary measures.

Ontario is committed to ensuring our athletes play safe when it is safe to play.

Badminton Canada and Badminton Ontario will continue to provide updates as part of our commitment to a safe return to play and training for all.