This coming Tuesday, the BC Rugby Board will meet and consider approving a COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy to be in effect as of October 27, 2021. The draft policy proposes that all participants aged 12 and over must be fully vaccinated to participate in any in-person rugby activity. This will apply to players, coaches, officials, team staff and volunteers but excludes spectators. A process will be provided for people wishing to apply for an exemption to be fully vaccinated based on medical or religious belief or creed grounds.
This policy is being considered to ensure the safety of both the rugby community and the general public. It also supports the practical adherence to the variety of vaccination mandates for indoor and outdoor activities that are being introduced and modified at the provincial, regional and sub-regional level. Additionally, should the Board approve this policy, we will be able to review BC's Return to Rugby policy and reduce some of the processes and restrictions imposed with all 12yrs+ participants being fully vaccinated.
We have worked with Rugby Canada and Sportlomo to provide several options for Clubs and participants to comply with this policy. To learn more about how this policy will be implemented, BC Rugby will host two, 90-min Zoom townhalls on Wednesday, October 13 at 4pm, and again at 7pm. Club registrars/administrators and Clubs' COVID Safety Officers are strongly encouraged to attend. The meeting will be recorded and distributed.
Please register in advance to attend:
- Vaccine Mandate Townhall #1 - Wednesday, October 13 @ 4pm: Zoom registration link
- Vaccine Mandate Townhall #2 - Wednesday, October 13 @ 7pm: Zoom registration link
Ultimately, any 12yr+ participant who has not provided proof of being fully vaccinated by October 27 will have their registration status switched to 'approval pending' and will not be permitted to participate until they can comply with policy or receive an exemption.
Glen O - President Ebb Tide RFC
Phone: 250-813-2281
