|
|
WE ARE LIMITED TO PLAYING SINGLES AND DRILLING FOR THE MOST PART. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?
The COVID -19 pandemic has highlighted the role of the viaSport organization. ViaSport is a provincially funded, non-profit sport organization and is government's lead delivery agency for sport programs in BC. It is to viaSport that Pickleball BC has sent their application to become a Provincial Sport Organization (PSO). We are waiting for them to complete their review. When a Provincial Health Order (PHO) is written, it is written at a very high level and written in legal terminology. The PHO is then communicated by Dr Henry in terms that can be understood and also puts the order into context. Her communication however does not include all the details of the PHO. It is viaSport together with Provincial Health Officers that then interpret the order into language we can all understand and applies the order to sport in BC. BC and municipal Parks and Recreation as well as all the various sport organizations then look to viaSport to clarify and reconcile any outstanding questions and concerns. Based on the information that is provided by viaSport to PBC, we are better able to answer any questions you have raised.
WHAT IS THE LATEST PHO ORDER THAT WE NEED TO BE COGNIZANT OF? WHAT IS THE VIASPORT TRANSLATION WITH RESPECT TO SPORTS LIKE FOR PICKLEBALL?
The PHO Order titled GATHERINGS AND EVENTS - DECEMBER 24, 2020 is the latest Order relevant to all sports. It also addresses other events as well. The viaSport website was updated Dec 28th and includes the following changes and additions:
Some of the definitions have been revised, some wording has changed and some adaptions have been made:
Adult is now defined as someone 22 or over.
Adult team sport has now been changed to group sport.
Travel is allowed to a home club for the purpose of sport. Sport club is an organization where a person is registered for sport.
Adult indoor sport is still limited to 2 players and a minimum of 3 meters (10’) is required between players.
Adult outdoor sport is limited to 4 players with the same 3 meters (10’) separation from all players required.
EXCEPTION – outdoors – if all players are from the same household, the 3 meters separation is not required.
Some of the definitions have been revised, some wording has changed and some adaptions have been made:
Adult is now defined as someone 22 or over.
Adult team sport has now been changed to group sport.
Travel is allowed to a home club for the purpose of sport. Sport club is an organization where a person is registered for sport.
Adult indoor sport is still limited to 2 players and a minimum of 3 meters (10’) is required between players.
Adult outdoor sport is limited to 4 players with the same 3 meters (10’) separation from all players required.
EXCEPTION – outdoors – if all players are from the same household, the 3 meters separation is not required.
WHAT DOES THE DEC 24TH ORDER MEAN FOR PICKLEBALL
Indoor Pickleball has not changed. It remains singles only.
PBC Clarification of outdoors doubles – same household exemptions
A pickleball doubles team is not able to maintain the required 3 metres separation so outdoor pickleball is limited to singles only play as well.
EXCEPTION
- Outdoor pickleball can be played by four members of the same household without the need for 3 metres separation
- Three members of the same household cannot play doubles as one of the players would be teamed up with someone outside their household and 3 metres distancing would not be possible.
- Two members of the same household can play against 2 members of another household as the 3 metres distancing requirement is controlled /maintained by the non-volley zone.
PBC Clarification of outdoors doubles – same household exemptions
A pickleball doubles team is not able to maintain the required 3 metres separation so outdoor pickleball is limited to singles only play as well.
EXCEPTION
- Outdoor pickleball can be played by four members of the same household without the need for 3 metres separation
- Three members of the same household cannot play doubles as one of the players would be teamed up with someone outside their household and 3 metres distancing would not be possible.
- Two members of the same household can play against 2 members of another household as the 3 metres distancing requirement is controlled /maintained by the non-volley zone.
Why are there differences in the information? Why are the websites not always current?
Remember that viaSport has the responsibility and authority to assist and guide ALL sport agencies manage their way through the Orders and implementation of them. They are doing this for more than 60 sports, 60 diverse sports. The transition from PHO Order to detailed implementation information takes time to prepare and time to post - as many cross checks must be carried out.
Why do the PHO Orders not match the implementation directives?
When an Order is actually written there are certain legal terms, wording etc that must be in place. This at times unfortunately, changes or clouds the intent. This is where viaSport come in to help us understand and work within the intent.
There are at times such a divergence in the Order and the intent with respect to sport - why?
Many of the Orders are written to cover more than just sport making a specific wording difficult to achieve for all target audiences.
NEITHER THE PHO NOR VIASPORT MENTION PICKLEBALL IN THEIR LIST OF SPORTS. WHY ARE YOU PUTTING PICKLEBALL INTO OR UNDER THESE ORDERS?
The Order as written is not a comprehensive list - there are more than 60 identified sports in the general scope. The list is a short sample.
The wording 'all sports' covers ALL SPORTS?
Yes!
Is there a real identifiable intent to THESE ORDERS
The intent of the Order is to reduce all opportunities for socializing pre and post-game time. This is expanded to include breaks in play action as well. While the sport of pickleball itself has not been associated with transmission of COVID-19 , the socializing around sports has been identified as spreader situations.
Pickleball has operated with minimal socializing for several months. Why target pickleball now?
Evidence shows that even small groups in sporting circles are causes of COVID spread. When 20 pickleball players come to play on 4 courts - there are too many opportunities and circumstances of more than a few gathering in too close proximity.
We have no COVID in our area, why are we included in the restrictions?
Six months ago, the BC new case rate was less than 10 per day. Over the last couple of months, the case rate has risen significantly. With the growth rate you cannot be certain there is zero COVID in your community.
Why is the limit 2 people not 4 or 6?
Pickleball is still limited to singles play but most recently an exception has been made.
Outdoors, four adults can play as long as they maintain 3 metres of separation between all players. We know this is not possible but there is another exception for household members where they are not required to maintain the 3 metres separation
Outdoors, four adults can play as long as they maintain 3 metres of separation between all players. We know this is not possible but there is another exception for household members where they are not required to maintain the 3 metres separation
WHAT ABOUT TWO HOUSEHOLDS OR THE SAME HOUSEHOLD PLAYING DOUBLES?
The most recent revision of the Order now allows members of the same household to play doubles with each other and against 2 members of another household.
What about singles where the two players are from different households?
This is permitted in the same way as individual workouts in gymnasiums. Two players have not been seen as a risk to transmission and are not considered a group/team activity.
WHAT ABOUT 3 PLAYERS PLAYING SINGLES AND SWITCHING OUT WHEN A PLAYER NEEDS A BREAK?
ViaSport does not provide any direction here. Just remember that it is socialization that is problematic and a group of 3 is not allowed.
PBC recommends that:
- there is only one substitute player
- the substitute is not near the court during play.
PBC recommends that:
- there is only one substitute player
- the substitute is not near the court during play.
Does this order apply to children?
No, the Order applies to those 22 years of age and older.
What about two adults playing with 2 players under the age of 22?
The order of not being able to play in a group of 3 or more still applies to the adults unless the group is outdoors and the players live in the same household.
Why is tennis different?
Tennis isn’t different. Tennis play has limitations to their play as well
How long will this last?
At this time there is no end date. The Dec 24th Order has not been written with a timeline.
What phase of viaSport’s Return to Play Guidelines are we in?
We are in between Phase 2 and Phase 3. ViaSport is developing Phase 2.5 Guidelines that will come out when the current limitations to play are changed and/or lifted.
Who is high LEVEL/performance?
Quote from a PHO Order: " .....identified by Canadian Sports Institute Pacific as a high performance athlete affiliated with an accredited provincial or national sports organization...."
I SEE THAT THERE IS A NEW EXPECTATION OF 3 METRES OF PHYSICAL DISTANCING. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
We are not sure. At this time, 3 metres distancing is expected for children, youth and adults for both indoor and outdoor play. The only exception is for outdoor play where members of the same family are not required to self distance. There should be more detail coming in the next PHO Order.
WHERE ARE YOU GETTING YOUR INFORMATION FROM?
Our information comes from the Public Health Order(s) and viaSport. Provincial Health has tasked viaSport to interpret and implement the PHO(s) for amateur sport.
WOULD PLAYING WITH MASKS ON ALLOW FOR DOUBLES PLAY?
No, unfortunately, there is no exception for playing with masks.
WHO SHOULD WE LISTEN TO? GOVERNMENT ELECTED OFFICIALS, DR. HENRY, VIASPORT, NEWS REPORTERS?
One must realize who has the expertise, who writes the Orders and who participates and guides the implementation. It is not the Government spokesperson and not the news reporters. Dr. Henry and viaSport are the authorities at this time. Local governments, Parks and Recreation as well as PBC all recognize the PHO as the authority of what the current limitations to play are. It is within the PHO where the more detailed and accurate legal wording of the Order(s) reside. The 'translation' from the PHO’s legal wording and what Dr. Henry verbalizes into sport specific application is where viaSport comes into play. This translation communicates the nuances and intent of the Orders
