Ontario Soccer, in consultation with Canada Soccer and the Government of Ontario, continues to monitor the most recent developments surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the resulting public health crisis and now the province’s Return to Play.

Ontario Soccer has received additional questions from membership, since the first COVID-19 frequently asked questions (FAQ) was released on March 16, 2020. This was followed by FAQ #2 on March 23, 2020, FAQ #3 on April 3, FAQ #4 on May 12,  FAQ #5 on June 16, FAQ #6 on July 6, FAQ #7 on July 28 and FAQ #8 on Sept. 2.

Ontario Soccer has prepared the following additional FAQ #9 in response to the recent expansion of modified competition in the Return to Play – Phase 2 and questions brought forward by membership.

This FAQ has a specific focus on those questions relevant to the Ontario Soccer’s Return to Play Guide and Plan - Phase 2 expansion.

My District is not allowing teams to play in or District teams to play out of District at this time. This contradicts Ontario Soccer’s position on Return to Play. Which is correct?

Ontario Soccer is following all Government Health and Sport directives as they relate to Return to Play.  However, during this time Districts will engage their Public Health Unit to determine if any recommendations specific to their area are to be considered.  In the Ontario Soccer structure, District Associations govern Clubs and Academies within their boundaries and are entitled to make decisions that they feel is in the best for their membership.

Ontario Soccer will continue to monitor Government of Ontario directives when it comes to Health and Sport and will update the membership when and if there is any change.

The Government of Ontario recently announced a reduction in gathering limits for the province. Is soccer impacted by this decision?

Effective September 19, 2020, the Government of Ontario reduced the gathering limits to 25 people for outdoor, private gatherings and 10 people for indoor, private gatherings, for cities and regions across Ontario.

The Government of Ontario has also stated that the new limits will not apply to events or gatherings held in staffed businesses and facilities, such as bars, restaurants, cinemas, convention centres or banquet halls, gyms, and recreational sporting or performing art events.

Member organizations are encouraged to stay up to date with their local Public Health Unit to discuss if any restrictions the PHU has in place may impact their soccer operations.

Ontario Soccer is not making any changes to the Return to Play – Phase 2 at this time.

My local Public Health Unit has referred me to Ontario Soccer regarding questions of safety in sport. Who do I contact at Ontario Soccer with these questions?

If you have specific questions about Return to Play, members can contact HelpDesk@ontariosoccer.net and their question will be directed appropriately.

Additionally, if member organizations are getting contradictory or incomplete information from their Public Health Unit regarding the Government of Ontario directives on Health and Sport, these Public Health Units can be referred to Patty Forbes, Director, Administration at Ontario Soccer for further discussion and information.

I am from a club/academy and am not sure where I should register my players and at which level. Competitive or Recreational?

Without exception, all participants taking part in outdoor or indoor competition must be registered in OSCAR, Ontario Soccer’s official registry at the competition level they are entering.

Can a team compete in more than one 50 participant competitive bubble (league)?

Yes, teams can compete in multiple competitive bubbles (league) so long as they observe the two-week team isolation period before changing bubbles. However, due to health and safety, participants cannot play on multiple teams (multiple bubbles) at the same time.

Some of the modified rules have been confusing and creating more contact than intended. Is Ontario Soccer going to amend these?

Ontario Soccer is constantly assessing the developments surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and receiving feedback from membership in order to assure the Return to Play Guide and Plan is up to date.

As more feedback is collected and assessed Ontario Soccer will consider further changes and will update the membership at that time. 

I would like to get a refund for my registration fees from my Club or Academy. They have directed me to contact Ontario Soccer. How do I go about getting a refund?

All refunds for registration payments are managed by Clubs and Academies. If you are seeking a refund, please contact your Club or Academy about their refund policy. Ontario Soccer does not manage the refund process. If you have ongoing concerns with your organization and their refund policy please contact your District Association for more assistance.

How do I stay connected with Ontario Soccer?

Subscribe to INSIDE THE 18 – Ontario Soccer’s weekly newsletter. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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