Volleyball Manitoba Return to Play Updates: Vaccinations / Testing and Try-Out Numbers
As the school volleyball season comes to a conclusion over the next couple weeks, and with the club season starting with try-outs on December 11, Volleyball Manitoba will be updating our Return to Play protocols with the following adjustments:
Vaccination / Testing Requirements
Volleyball Manitoba’s Return to Play protocols align with the health orders which currently includes anyone 18+ involved in sport to be fully vaccinated. As most are also likely aware, as of December 6 all youth aged 12-17 involved in sport will be required to have at least one vaccine dose or provide regular negative tests. For 18+ there is no testing option, proof of full vaccination will still be required to participate.
While there is still some details being worked out relating to this, the following is what has currently been shared with us from the province through Sport Manitoba:
- If a child 12-17 is fully immunized, they can receive the provincial immunization card that contains a QR code (digital or physical).
- Proof of a single dose of vaccination will be provided with a print-out or web view of the individual’s immunization record. Only the portion attesting to the single dose of COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the identification on the record is required for proof of a single dose. How to obtain proof of a single dose of vaccination can be found on the Shared Health website: https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/test-results/
- Government-issued identification will be required to verify the individual’s identity – and can include a school student ID card.
- For those choosing the testing option, proof of a negative antigen test must come from a participating pharmacy and be confirmed by a pharmacist within the 72 hour window of sport participation. Proof of an individual’s identity will be required – with school student ID being acceptable.
- Although medical exemptions are rare and are only granted by Manitoba Health and Seniors Care, individuals who have been granted a medical exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine will be able to request a digital or physical Manitoba immunization card approximately seven to 14 business days after the exemption is submitted. The card and the display shown after scanning the QR code will be identical to those currently used by fully immunized people.
- At this time, we are also in the understanding that responsibility to check vaccination or negative tests confirmations will fall on the facility owner. However, it is recommended that clubs support this process by communicating and ensuring their participants are fully aware of the restrictions and are prepared to present acceptable documentation upon entering a facility. If facilities are not checking vaccination or testing upon entry, clubs should take the responsibility to ensure all participants are compliant.
While these will be Volleyball Manitoba’s requirements, some clubs and facilities have gone above and beyond these restrictions and are requiring proof of full vaccination for all participants aged 12 and older. With this it is important to note that for any programs or events that might be scheduled at these venues (which currently include the University of Manitoba and Brandon University), all participants would be bound by the terms of the facility restrictions which would include full vaccination status. This would include club teams attending a club tournament at UM IGAC or BU HLC, for instance.
Try-Out Numbers
As clubs prepare for the try-out period starting on December 11 for 16U and younger and on December 12 for 17U & 18U, please be advised that the Return to Play Protocol will be adjusted slightly. For the duration of the tryout period only, a club may have up to 20 athletes per court when participating in a tryout provided all other public health orders are being followed.
As gym time has been difficult to access, clubs have not been able to secure as much gym time as normally used for the try out process so this will potentially allow more athletes a try-out opportunity. Clubs are encouraged though to consider whether the increase is needed or advisable in their specific situation, for example in smaller gyms where free space is limited clubs should consider remaining below the allowable number of participants. Athletes may be attending multiple tryout sessions on the same day, potentially increasing the risk of exposure. More athletes on a court will also make evaluation more difficult. We also encourage all clubs and teams to be diligent throughout the try-out process in considering other elements of the Return to Play Protocols, including management of drills to allow appropriate spacing between athletes while on the court or off, management of players and coaches when waiting to participate in a drill, hand sanitization and mask use upon entry and exit to the facilities. Mask use while participating in the tryout could also be an additional tool to mitigate risk.
We would ask all clubs to make safety a priority during the tryout season. The ultimate goal is to provide a safe environment where we can start and finish the 2022 club season.
The full updates within the Return to Play documents will be completed next week.
