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CLARIFICATION – regarding bulletin I2020-53

By Staff, 05/19/20, 2:00AM EDT

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The interpretation of the government’s recent advisory (format of 1 coach and 4 players participating in skills development on soccer fields) which was in keeping with provincial guidelines was in error.

Play. Inspire. Unite. 

This morning, May 20, 2020, Ontario Soccer distributed information bulletin I2020-053, regarding the provincial governments opening of soccer fields and movement of virtual training from indoors to outdoors for physical conditioning and skills based training.

In response to the significant feedback from this bulletin Ontario Soccer wishes to clarify the statements made.

In consultation with Canada Soccer, we want to emphasize Ontario Soccer is not lifting the suspension of organized sanctioned soccer activities, as amateur sport has not yet received permission from the relevant Province of Ontario Public Health Authorities and our National Governing Body (Canada Soccer) at this time. Our interpretation of the government’s recent advisory (format of 1 coach and 4 players participating in skills development on soccer fields) which was in keeping with provincial guidelines was in error.

However, players who wish to partake in informal soccer outside and NOT organized by their registered Club or Academy and at their own behest, and who do not gather in greater numbers of five and abide by social distancing standards of two metres as per current government directives, are permitted to do so according to the government advisory of yesterday.                     

At the present time, Ontario Soccer is working with Canada Soccer on a Return to Play protocol, which includes safety measures in a phased in approach. Once Canada Soccer has approved our Return to Play plan and we have received Province of Ontario clearance, we will be advising membership with further details.

If your membership has further questions, please refer them to the latest bulletin and the COVID-19 Updates page, which has all the latest information from Ontario Soccer. As well as resources for your members to better inform themselves please consider placing a dedicated link to the COVID-19 Updates on the homepage on your website.

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If you have any questions, please contact, Patty Forbes, Director of Administration.