The AFA thanks all clubs and members for their patience and cooperation as we navigate the changing climate of the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 27th, 2021 Update
The announcement yesterday has provided a new pathway for reopening of the province. I have included some highlights below but please refer to the Stronger Public Health Measures on the Alberta website for the most current information (link below).
We are currently waiting on further clarity from Alberta Health.
https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx
Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan includes three stages based on vaccination thresholds and hospitalizations:
- Stage 1: Two weeks after 50 per cent of Albertans age 12-plus have received at least one dose of vaccine and COVID-19 hospitalizations are below 800 and declining.
- Stage 2: Two weeks after 60 per cent of Albertans age 12-plus have received at least one dose of vaccine and COVID-19 hospitalizations are below 500 and declining.
- Stage 3: Two weeks after 70 per cent of Albertans age 12-plus have received at least one dose of vaccine.
Since Alberta reached the 50 per cent threshold for one-dose vaccination on May 18, and with hospitalizations well below 800, Alberta will enter Stage 1 on June 1. Based on the current pace of vaccinations, Alberta is projected to enter Stage 2 in mid-June and Stage 3 in late June or early July. These are estimates only and rely on all Albertans continuing to drive down our hospitalizations while increasing vaccination numbers.
February 8th, 2021 Update
The Alberta Government has proposed new restrictions effective February 1, 2021. These mandatory restrictions apply provincewide and will be in place at least 3 weeks after Step 1 and re-evaluated at this point in time.
Effective February 8 at 12:01am, fencing clubs may resume individual private training as specified under STEP 1 Changes at your own discretion. This means a 1 on 1 interaction is permitted. Please review the link below for more details for rules regarding this new update.
- Sessions have to be scheduled or by appointment. No drop-in or groups allowed under this rule.
Rule 2) Fencing Clubs are also allowed a max group class of 10. This means a ratio of athletes UNDER the age of 18 to coaches must equal 10 total participants. Athletes can have footwork or some sort of training session that does not include direct bouting against each other. Please use your best judgement and have athletes try and stay within their same group class as much as possible. That being said, as long as the 3 meter rule is being implemented, they may participate in multiple classes a week.
- The exception is a coach is allowed to “briefly” correct form for the athletes. This does not means spending several minutes with 1 athlete in the group.
December 8th, 2020 Update
The Alberta Government has proposed new restrictions effective December 13, 2020. These mandatory restrictions apply provincewide and will be in place at least until January 12, 2021.
November 24th, 2020 Update
The Alberta Government has proposed new restrictions effective November 14, 2020 until December 15, 2020.
November 13, 2020 Update
The Alberta Government has proposed new restrictions effective November 13, 2020 until November 27, 2020.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Order 37-2020
June 12, 2020 Update
As Alberta moved to Stage 2 of relaunch on June 12, 2020, more businesses can reopen and some events and gatherings can be larger.
The Board of Directors of Alberta Fencing is very pleased to provide the Phase 2 – “Return to Play” documentation to the Alberta Fencing Membership. Please read the accompanying documentation very thoroughly as the information is important to assist the Membership to return to the sport we are all so passionate about. For further information please click on links below:
AFA Return to Play Plan- Phase 2- Updated as of June 19, 2020
Appendix D- COVID Waiver and Release
Alberta Health Services Website
CFF Return to Play Notice
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each club to provide a safe space for their athletes to train in.
What does this all mean?
Although restrictions have loosened, it still means a little more patience and proper protocol care. If all goes according to plan, clubs will be able to host training and mini camps throughout the full summer. We will, with cautious optimism, await the news whether our official 2020/2021 tournament season will begin in time in September. This will most likely coincide with a Phase 3 news release from the government.
I understand that you may still have questions, and to address those questions, I will be in close contact with our Health and Medical Committee to have your questions answered. You can send any questions to info@fencing.ab.ca.
