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OVA Releases first version of Outdoor Volleyball Return to Play Protocols

By Ontario Volleyball, 06/12/20, 10:30AM EDT

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On Monday June 8, 2020, Premier Doug Ford announced that certain outdoor team training activities (no scrimmages, game play or competitions allowed) would be allowed to restart on June 12th as of 12:01am in Stage 2 approved communities.  
 
To coincide with the Premier’s announcement, the Ontario Volleyball Association is excited to release the approved Outdoor Volleyball Return to Play Protocols – Version 1.1.  These Protocols will provide Clubs and beach volleyball service providers in Stage 2 communities with the tools necessary to help bring back volleyball in our province.  
 
The documents include: 
• Outdoor Volleyball Return to Play Protocols Version 1.1 
• Return to Play Protocol Acknowledgement Form 
• Daily Health Screening Questionnaire 
• Session Participation and Health Screening Tracking 
• Ontario Volleyball COVID-19 Waiver 
• Club Assessment Risk and Mitigation Tool 
• OVA Return to Play - Training Drills   
 
We appreciate that after reviewing the documents there may be some questions, so we will be holding a Townhall live on our Facebook page next week, more information to follow soon, If you are unable to attend, we will be posting the video recording to our Facebook page and YouTube Channel. 
 
These Protocols and supporting documents are necessary in order to support a safe return to the sport and are based on current Ontario statutes and regulations, current public health requirements and directives, and OVA’s desire to make our sport safe for all. These Protocols are subject to all federal, provincial and municipal laws, regulations, by-laws and orders as they may exist from time to time. 
 
Return to Play Protocols and documents may be updated at any time; please be sure that you are referring to the most recent version which will be posted from time to time on Ontario Volleyball’s website at https://www.ontariovolleyball.org/ova-return-to-play.  
 
The OVA’s Outdoor Volleyball Return to Play Protocols – Version 1.1.  must be followed by all member clubs, athletes, coaches, or service providers offering outdoor/beach volleyball programming.   Failure to follow these protocols will result in your activities not being covered by OVA insurance and potential fines and other penalties from local bylaw authorities.  
 
As a part of the protocols, the following must be completed prior to delivering outdoor volleyball programming in your community: 
 
1. Review the Outdoor Volleyball Return to Play Protocols – Version 1.1. 
2. Complete the Club Assessment Risk and Mitigation Tool 
3. Fill out the OVA Return to Play Protocol Acknowledgement form and email it back to the OVA office via info@ontariovolleyball.org.  
4. Draft and implement all required plans, policies and mitigation strategies required per the Protocols 
5. Follow physical distancing government regulations at all times 
6. Be aware of which stage your Club or program falls in within Ontario’s Re-opening plan
7. Follow all Government and public health protocols and laws for a safe return to sport.
 
The OVA staff are continuing to work diligently on the creation of the Indoor Volleyball Return to Play/Activity Protocols and hope to have those approved and published in the coming weeks.  We appreciate your patience as we work through these unprecedented times. 
 
In order to continue to offer safe training opportunities that respect current public health rules, many procedures and mitigation strategies will have to be put in place by clubs, coaches and organizers running outdoor volleyball activities as of June 12th.  Physical distancing must be respected, and all individuals must always stay at a minimum of 2-metres apart.  
 
The OVA believes that sport is an essential ingredient for the physical and mental health of all participants. The 12,000+ members of the OVA are excited to start playing their favourite sport, even if volleyball must be modified to respect the current government orders.  
 
Please continue to check the  Ontario Volleyball COVID-19 page on our website dedicated to resources, communication and Return to Play information