Information Bulletin

Bulletin #:   I2020-025

Date:           Mar. 16, 2020

To:               Club Membership

CC:              Ontario Soccer Board of Directors, Staff

From:          Johnny Misley, Chief Executive Officer 

Subject:      Updates on COVID-19 Impacted Activities and FAQ

Ontario Soccer, in consultation with Canada Soccer, continues to monitor the most recent developments with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the emerging public health crisis.

Following discussions with our national governing body, input from relevant government agencies and medical experts, Ontario Soccer made the difficult decision last week to immediately suspend all sanctioned soccer events and activities in the province until further notice.

Ontario Soccer has received a number of questions from membership since our notice of March 12. We have prepared the following frequently asked questions (FAQ) based on inquires received.

How did Ontario Soccer decide to suspend all sanctioned soccer events and activities indefinitely?

Since the outbreak began, Ontario Soccer has been in consultation with our national governing body, input from relevant government agencies and medical experts. Ontario Soccer closely monitored the situation daily and the steps other organizations were taking. The Ontario Soccer Board of Directors made the decision based on the health and well-being of our membership, including players, coaches, match officials, administrators, fans, staff and volunteers.

What does suspended indefinitely mean?

Ontario Soccer will continue following the guidelines set forth by the public health authorities, government agencies and soccer governing bodies. We have assembled a crisis management team and meet daily to review and act accordingly while in communication with our Board of Directors and the District Presidents’ Forum. We will issue membership updates as appropriate and will include further details as warranted.

What are “Ontario Soccer sanctioned events and activities”?

Ontario Soccer membership sanctioned events and activities include soccer training and matches at all levels in Ontario, trials, camps, team activities, provincial championships and programming events.

Does this affect all soccer participants in Ontario?

No, it only affects all participants and organizations that are registered and sanctioned through Ontario Soccer and/or our 21 member District Associations, Regional and Provincial Leagues.

What is the affect on the Ontario Soccer Centre?

The Ontario Soccer Centre located in Vaughan, ON is now closed. All rentals scheduled at the facility have been suspended indefinitely. The Ontario Soccer offices within the facility are closed. Staff are accessible by email and telephone.

Does the suspension of all sanctioned events and activities mean our team cannot practice?

Yes, all training is suspended.

Which events or activities have been postponed, cancelled in-person or moving to an online learning environment?

Ontario Soccer Coaching, Match Official, High Performance and Competition and Events programs are creating detailed lists of upcoming courses or events that will be cancelled in-person, postponed or moving to an online learning environment.

A notice on the status of the OPDL and OASL seasons will be sent to the membership by March 20, 2020.

For all other information on postponed or cancelled events, please contact your local District, Club and Academy for more information.

If you have any general questions, please contact Patty Forbes, Director, Administration.