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Update on Government vaccine regulations and guidance

By Ontario Volleyball, 09/21/21, 3:45PM EDT

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The Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) would like to provide updated information regarding how the Provincially mandated Proof of Vaccination and Identification rules will impact member clubs and membership, as the regulations come into effect as of September 22, 2021.  

The OVA does not have a mandatory vaccine policy to participate in OVA programs and events; however, the OVA and its members are responsible for following the Ontario government regulations, Public Health mandates and facilities rules and regulations.  

As per Ontario Government regulations, “The person responsible for a business or an organization that is open...shall require each patron who enters an area of the premises of the business or organization...at the point of entry, proof of identification and of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.” 

This “applies with respect to the following areas of the premises of the following businesses and organizations

  • The indoor areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities, including waterparks and personal physical fitness trainers, including, for greater certainty, the indoor areas of facilities where spectators watch events...” 
     
Facilities information

Per Government of Ontario regulations:

  • The Ontario Guidance document sets out baseline requirements that specified businesses and organizations must comply with in accordance with section 2.1 of Schedule 1 of O Reg. 364/20. It does not preclude businesses or organizations from establishing their own additional policies or requirements pertaining to their patrons” (p1) 
  • If a facility requires proof of vaccination and identification, a person must be fully vaccinated and have received their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14-days before providing the proof of being fully vaccinated.  
  • Should an individual choose not to share the required information with a facility, unless the Re-Opening Ontario Act (ROA) otherwise exempts them from this requirement, they will not be permitted to enter those businesses or organizations that require proof. 
  • If a patron is looking for an exemption due to creed/religious beliefs, confirm what steps and documents the facility requires of those patrons to gain access.  
The OVA and its member Clubs must follow facility regulations. If a facility requires proof of vaccination and identification, or valid medical exemption letter, individuals must provide those documents upon entry to access the facility. 
 

*Please ensure to discuss vaccine requirements with each facility that is booked for Club activities*  

Participants under 18 (pg 13)

Per Government of Ontario regulations:

  • Youth under 18 years of age actively participating in an organized sport, including training, practices, games and competitions are not required to provide proof of vaccines and identification.
    Examples include: sports leagues, organized pick-up sports, dance classes, martial arts, swimming classes 
  • Youth under 18 years of age that are spectating, including at sporting events are required to provide proof of vaccines and identification, or proof of a medical exemption. 
  • Youth under 18 years of age using a gym or other area with exercise equipment or weights are required to provide proof of vaccines and identification, or proof of a medical exemption.  

The regulations do not prevent businesses or organizations from  establishing their own additional policies or requirements pertaining to their patrons, including having a mandatory vaccine requirement to enter. 
 

Participants over 18

Per Government of Ontario regulations:

  • As of Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021, “Adult (18+) patrons accessing the facility for any purpose, including parents or guardians of youth participating in an organized sport” (p. 13), are required to show proof of vaccination (pp. 6-8) and identification (pp. 8-9), unless they have proof of a medical exemption (p.6, h).  
  • Athletes 18 years of age or older that are participating in an organized sport are required to show proof of vaccination and identification, unless they have proof of a medical exemption to any facility that requires it 
  • Proof of vaccination (or proof of being entitled to an exemption) is not required for workers or volunteers, including coaches and officials (p 13). 

The regulations do not preclude businesses or organizations from establishing their own additional policies or requirements pertaining to their patrons. 
 

Should an individual choose not to share the required information then, unless the ROA otherwise exempts them from this requirement, they will not be permitted to enter those businesses or organizations that require proof. There is no grace period in the Ontario regulations for sport.  

The most recent OVA virtual Town Hall discussing the Government’s Proof of Vaccination has been uploaded to the OVA YouTube channel. To view the recording, please click here. The presentation slides are also available for download on the OVA’s Town Hall webpage

The OVA and its clubs and members are legally required to follow the Government of Ontario’s regulations. 

Any OVA-specific questions can be directed to: info@ontariovolleyball.org 

Any complaints and/or questions about the regulations should be directed to the Ministry of Health

Thank you for your ongoing patience and support as we continue to navigate this ongoing pandemic. 

Take care, stay healthy and we hope to see you back on the courts soon.