Updated December 13, 2021
The OFA thanks all clubs and members for their patience and cooperation as we navigate the changing climate of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This page was created to house the OFA Return To Play Protocol(V8), the OFA Return To Competition Protocol, as well as supporting documentation that allows for returning to club activities while following the guidelines provided by the Provincial and National Health and Sport organizations to prevent community spread of COVID-19. This Protocol is a live document, and the OFA reserves the right to amend the document to reflect current advice from Health Canada(HC), Ontario Health(OH), Sports Canada (SC), Own The Podium (OTP), Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO), and the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries (MHSTCI). Any amendments to this document will be communicated to clubs and members in a timely manner.
Ontario COVID-19 Response (Roadmap to Reopen/Summary)
Ontario Proof of Vaccination Requirement
Ontario’s proof of vaccination requirement came into effect as of September 22, 2021. Based on the Proof of Vaccination Guidelines published by the Ontario Ministry of Health, all who enter club premises including parents, guardians, and spectators must show proof of vaccination or medical exemption prior to entry. Groups exempt from this requirement include:
- Children under 12 years of age.
- Athletes under 18 years of age who are there specifically for training purposes.
- Individuals under 18 years of age who are spectating or not actively training require proof of vaccination.
- Workers or volunteers, including coaches and officials.
The Ontario government announced on December 10, 2021 that, beginning December 20, 2021, proof of vaccination is required for youth aged 12 to 17 years participating in organized sports at recreational facilities.
Several local health units have issued increased vaccination requirements for sports facilities. For a summary of health units and proof of vaccination requirements, please refer to this chart. The OFA will make every effort to maintain up to date information, however clubs are reminded to always follow their most recent local health authority directives at all times.
The Ontario Human Rights Commission policy on COVID-19 vaccine mandate and proof of vaccine certificates can be found here.
The OFA reminds all clubs that masks should still be worn indoors by all individuals. Athletes may be exempt from wearing masks when actively training, but are strongly recommended to don a mask at all other times.
The OFA strongly recommends clubs and members to:
- Abide by regulations set out by national, provincial, and municipal public health authorities. The directives by these authorities will always take precedence.
- Follow the steps in the Risk Assessment and Mitigating Checklist Tool from Own The Podium (Appendix B).
- Read the OFA Return To Play Protocol(V8) to be informed about the risks and mitigating steps that all members can take to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Daily Checklists: Club / Athlete
Fencing Lesson Risk Mitigation: Protocol / Infographic
Sample Sign-In Sheet
Sample Combined Facility/Remote Training Waiver
COVID-19 Daily Declaration of Health Attestation and Agreement
Fasken (COC legal partner) Limiting Liability Resources (EN/FR)
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each club to provide a safe space for their athletes to train in.
Day Camps
All day camps must follow regulations set out in the OFA Return to Competition version 6 as well as the COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for: Day Camps published by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Longterm Care. Additionally, clubs should follow guidelines set out in the OFA Return To Play Protocol(V8).
Should a camp include competitions with external participants, clubs should consult the OFA Return to Competition Protocol (in progress) for further guidelines.
Return to Competition
The OFA has also provided a Return To Competition Protocol for clubs hosting events that include members of other clubs. Please refer to the OFA Event Sanctioning Process page for more information and to apply for OFA Sanction for your event.
French/Chinese Translations
The OFA recognizes that our membership is diverse. As such, we have attempted to translate the Protocol as well as Checklists into both French and Chinese. Please note that the official version is still the English one above. Any amendments will be reflected in the translated documents in a timely manner.
The OFA thanks Alexandrea (Xiaohan) Chen and Ada Liu for their aid in the Chinese translations. The OFA thanks Manuel Guittet and Maxime Brinck-Croteau for generating the French translation.
Français
Stratégie de Retour au Jeu(V8)
Lignes directrices pour l’atténuation des risques des leçons individuelles: Stratégie / Infographie
中文
安省重返比赛策略(V8)
日常清单：俱乐部 / 运动员
击剑小课风险：缓解指南 / 资料图
FAQs
This section provides some of the commonly asked questions we have received so far. We will add to this list as we proceed into further phases, and as the
1. Is everyone supposed to sign in?
Yes. Every person who enters and exits the facility must sign in/out. This allows clubs to keep track of individuals inside the facilities, and to expedite communication to members and provincial healthcare authorities In the case that a positive case arises within the club.
There should be a designated individual recording all relevant information outlined in the Return to Fencing Section of the Protocol, to both maintain record consistency, as well as aid in communication and contact tracing should a positive case occur.
2. Is there a limit to the total number in the club?
The maximum number of individuals inside the club at any given time is dependent on the maximum gathering size permitted in the current Step in the Roadmap to Reopen framework. This includes athletes, coaches, staff, and parents.
3. Can my club have communal equipment to offer athletes in beginner classes?
Gloves should not be shared. Fencing jackets must be allowed to dry for at least 24 hours prior to being used by another individual. Fencing masks should be wiped down with a sanitizing wipe after use, and allowed to dry at least 24 hours prior to being used by another individual. Weapons and body/mask wires may be shared only after being wiped down with a sanitizing wipe and dried.
5. Can I hold outdoor classes if I have the space?
Yes starting in Step 1! Please refer to the gathering size limits for each Step in the Roadmap to Reopen framework to determine the size and scope of outdoor classes. Classes should also be scheduled to allow designated training groups to enter/exit without overlapping at any given time.
External Links
Province of Ontario COVID-19 Response Page
Reopening Ontario – Roadmap to Reopen
O. 82/20 – Rules for areas in shutdown zones and at Step 1
O. 263/20 – Rules for areas in Step 2
O. 520/21 – Rules for areas in Step 3 (Amendment of O. 364/20)
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for: Day Camps
Public Health Units in Ontario
Canadian Sport Institute Ontario
Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries
