The
BCMSL participants’ Health & Safety is our priority. After a lengthy review
of the COVID19 and ViaSport requirements/recommendations of Phase 2/3, the
committee has adopted the following but not limited to when performing the game
activities
Game
Protocols
Game
Changes:
A. Players
may only be registered on one soccer team and in only one league
(This will help
minimize the spread of the virus – ViaSport and PHO requirement)
B. Players
should come dressed, arriving at the facility no more than 15 minutes before
game time.
C. Players
must leave the facility promptly at the end of the game. (No social gathering)
D.
Each
team will occupy one side of the field (sidelines) while maintaining Social
Distancing or wearing a mask at all time
E.
Each
team will designate two (2) staff members to handle their equipment (Nets,
Balls, Corner Flags etc.)
F.
Each
team will provide two (2) sanitized game balls, re-sanitized repeatedly for
re-use
G.
Each
team will provide hand sanitizer and sanitizing/disinfectant agents for the
sanitization of the balls
H.
Once
the ball is out of play on any side of the field, it will be replaced by a
sanitized one
I.
There
will be no throw-ins (Handled as an indirect free kick from the sideline)
J.
The
sideline free kick will be considered as a normal free kick with the offside
rules in effect
K.
Player
can not run to the ball for a sideline free kick, just one (1) step back and is allowed to kick/move the ball only once
L.
The
“wall” for the sideline free kick will be maintained by only one (1) player at a
distance of 5m (15ft)
M.
The Direct free kick will be played as per FIFA rules (Voluntary Wall at 10m (30ft)
N.
Players
are not allowed to handle the ball in the field of play except for the Keeper
O.
Goalkeepers must wear gloves and should sanitize them at half-time
P.
Confrontation between players is prohibited and will result in the
players suspension
Q.
If
a replacement ball is needed, it must be sanitized before it is brought into
play.
R.
Spitting
is prohibited. Spitting in the field of play will result in a ten (10) minutes suspension
S.
When
a substitution is made the player exiting will maintain Social Distancing or
wear a mask on the sideline
T.
There
will be no equipment or beverages sharing
U.
Spectators
are not permitted within 15m (50ft) of the game participants
League
Scheduling Changes:
·
Games
to be played in a round robin format in a “Group/Co-hort)” of 4 teams or less
to a maximum of 50 Players per game (Co-hort) and to a maximum of 100 players
per Group
·
There
will be 2 weeks break (Quarantine) after the 1st. round robin is
over (6 Games)
·
After
2 weeks break (Quarantine), teams will change to a newly-formed “Group/Co-hort”
·
The
cycle will repeat until the end of the season.
If
things improve during and after the 1st. try (1st. 2 weeks break),
BC Soccer indicated that they may eliminate the “Group/Co-hort” but
participants will still have to remain within their League.