RETURN TO PLAY GUIDELINES (COVID-19)
Please note: Activities/Programming were suspended in 2020 and again in spring 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions in Manitoba. We plan to resume activities in Fall 2021 in a modified way but please know that, due to the ever changing Public Health Guidelines/Orders, we may need to make modifications or even suspend the program on very short notice. We will keep our families updated as soon as information is available.
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MANITOBA CHALLENGER BASEBALL
RETURN TO PLAY SUMMARY
lease continue to be patient with us. Programming will look drastically different than what we have seen in the past. We are excited to reconnect with players in the safest way possible. As Manitoba Public Health and Baseball Manitoba develop guidelines to lift some restrictions on gathering and playing in a responsible way, Manitoba Challenger Baseball and all divisions are working to understand the recommendations and how they best apply to our sport.
We will strictly be following Manitoba’s Public Health Orders and Baseball Manitoba’s Return To Play Guidelines. Please familiarize yourself with them and continually check for updates. In addition, we will be following recommendations by Challenger Baseball Canada, Jays Care Foundation, Baseball Canada AND Little League Canada.
While we are all doing our best to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19, it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk. Everyone must make their own decision as to whether it is in their best interest to resume in-person participation at this time. For those who choose to stay home, and also those players who attend our in-person sessions who want extra baseball instruction and connections through the week, players are invited to participate in our virtual program. Please take into account your own circumstances and make the decision that is right for your child and family. Should you choose to join us, we require your full cooperation.
We will be working to ensure that:
In order to ensure the health and safety of everyone, all athletes and families will need to follow the following guidelines if choosing to participate in In-Person programming (click here to view the full version in PDF format):
TEAM COHORTS
Players will be organized into teams, led by coaches and their Division Coordinator and includes their Buddies. This is their “cohort”. We would hope that teams would play on their scheduled field only.
Please note that visitors, including parents or caregivers, are not allowed on the field UNLESS they are the player’s designated Buddy or a volunteer.
TEAM HEALTH AND SAFETY COORDINATORS
Each team will designate a Team Health and Safety Coordinator who will ensure that the RTP Guidelines are being adhered to.
Everyone is responsible to make sure they are helping keep our players safe, therefore, the Team Health and Safety Coordinator WILL designate parents and volunteers to help them perform their duties.
SCREENING AND CONTRACT TRACING
Every participant will complete a COVID screening upon arrival to the field. Participants who answer ‘Yes’ to any questions will not be eligible to proceed to the field. Please contact your Team Health and Safety Coordinator for more information.
In addition, all attendees (Coaches, Players, Buddies, Volunteers and Spectators) must check-in and provide their name, phone number and email address for the purpose of contact tracing. The Team Health and Safety Coordinator will write this information on your behalf on a designated form. The information collected on this form will be kept on record for 21 days and is confidential, except in the case where a participant who tests positive for COVID-19 and is identified as a close contact, Manitoba Challenger Baseball is obligated to provide this information to Baseball Manitoba and Manitoba Public Health.
PERSONAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE – HAND SANITIZATION
All participants will be required to sanitize their hands prior to field entry, throughout sessions, and at the end of sessions. Manitoba Challenger Baseball has provided sanitizer for this purpose but you may use your own (the Health and Safety Coordinator must see you use it).
MASKS
All Volunteers, Coaches, Buddies and Spectators MUST wear non-medical masks during Challenger Baseball in-person activities. It is recommended that players wear one, as well, when not engaged in activities. Each Player and Coach will be provided with a non-medical reusable mask. Otherwise, please bring your own.
Please refer to the A Guide to Facemasks for more information on how to properly fit/wear a mask.
REDUCING SHARING OF EQUIPMENT BETWEEN HOUSEHOLDS
Players are being provided with personal equipment kits to reduce the amount of sharing between players. In addition, Jerseys, Hats and Non-Medical masks are non-returnable this year. This does not include a baseball glove, helmet or water bottle (players will need to bring their own). Families are responsible for sanitizing their own equipment after each use. Please refer to “Sanitize Your Equipment” for our sanitization suggestions. Minimal “multi-touch” equipment will be used on the field and shall be sanitized between uses and/or at the end of each session.
BUDDIES
Buddies are responsible for ensuring that players are following direction from the Team Health and Safety Coordinator, their coach and also this document. Families will be encouraged to designate a Buddy that is already a member of their family bubble. This may be a parent, sibling, respite worker, etc. Designated Buddies MUST register with their division and sign all waivers.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
All participants will be expected to practice physical distancing by staying a minimum of two (2) meters of 6 feet away from other people, if possible, except for brief exchanges). Where it is not possible to social distance, participants will be directed to wear a mask.
ARRIVAL TO THE BALLPARK
Upon arrival, attendees will need to stop by our “Check-In Station” to do their screening, contact tracing, sanitize their hands, review any signage or guidelines, Spectators will then proceed directly to the viewing area. Team Health and Safety Coordinators will direct players and their buddies to put their equipment bag in the designated location and proceed to their dedicated “Starting Zone”.
Attendees are instructed to not loiter in the parking lot or other locations.
IN PERSON SESSIONS
Where possible, activities will be planned to limit multi-contact equipment. To ensure players are social distancing, coaches MAY designate a Dedicated Zone for each player and their Buddy as much as possible. Where group activities are planned, limited short engagements (brief exchanges) are possible. Procedures will be put in place to ensure this is a “brief” exchange. Session focus will include skills & drills and modified group game play (where Baseball Manitoba’s RTP and MB Public Health Guidelines allow).
SPECTATORS
While we normally encourage filling “the stands” to celebrate our players, due to gathering limits set forth by Manitoba Public Health, we may limit the amount of spectators in the stands. Families must ensure that they are being respectful when attending our sessions by leaving room for other families and practice physical distancing.
Spectators will be directed to sit with only their family members and socially distanced from others. Spectators must wear a mask at all times and check in complete our Screening Form & provide their information for Contact Tracing.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACTION PLAN
In the case of a participant testing positive on a COVID-19 test, and that player was in attendance within 14 days of that result, Manitoba Challenger Baseball will work closely with Baseball Manitoba and Manitoba Public Health to determine our next course of action. Please see “COVID-19 NOTIFICATION PROCESS”.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
There is absolutely no room for non-compliance. Persons not following the guidelines set forth in this document, Baseball Manitoba’s RTP document and/or Public Health Orders shall immediately be educated on the importance of adhering to the guidelines/orders for the health and safety of our players. Individuals who refuse to correct their actions will be immediately asked to leave the field, considered in violation of our Code of Conduct and may face further disciplinary action by Manitoba Challenger Baseball Inc, Baseball MB or Local Authorities. No refunds will be given to families who cannot participate due to this violation.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING KEEP OUR PLAYERS HEALTHY AND SAFE!!
We will strictly be following Manitoba’s Public Health Orders and Baseball Manitoba’s Return To Play Guidelines. Please familiarize yourself with them and continually check for updates. In addition, we will be following recommendations by Challenger Baseball Canada, Jays Care Foundation, Baseball Canada AND Little League Canada.
While we are all doing our best to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19, it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk. Everyone must make their own decision as to whether it is in their best interest to resume in-person participation at this time. For those who choose to stay home, and also those players who attend our in-person sessions who want extra baseball instruction and connections through the week, players are invited to participate in our virtual program. Please take into account your own circumstances and make the decision that is right for your child and family. Should you choose to join us, we require your full cooperation.
We will be working to ensure that:
- health and safety of all individuals is a priority
- activities are in alignment with provincial health recommendations
- modifications to activities are in place in order to reduce the risks to each sport organization and its participants
In order to ensure the health and safety of everyone, all athletes and families will need to follow the following guidelines if choosing to participate in In-Person programming (click here to view the full version in PDF format):
TEAM COHORTS
Players will be organized into teams, led by coaches and their Division Coordinator and includes their Buddies. This is their “cohort”. We would hope that teams would play on their scheduled field only.
Please note that visitors, including parents or caregivers, are not allowed on the field UNLESS they are the player’s designated Buddy or a volunteer.
TEAM HEALTH AND SAFETY COORDINATORS
Each team will designate a Team Health and Safety Coordinator who will ensure that the RTP Guidelines are being adhered to.
Everyone is responsible to make sure they are helping keep our players safe, therefore, the Team Health and Safety Coordinator WILL designate parents and volunteers to help them perform their duties.
SCREENING AND CONTRACT TRACING
Every participant will complete a COVID screening upon arrival to the field. Participants who answer ‘Yes’ to any questions will not be eligible to proceed to the field. Please contact your Team Health and Safety Coordinator for more information.
In addition, all attendees (Coaches, Players, Buddies, Volunteers and Spectators) must check-in and provide their name, phone number and email address for the purpose of contact tracing. The Team Health and Safety Coordinator will write this information on your behalf on a designated form. The information collected on this form will be kept on record for 21 days and is confidential, except in the case where a participant who tests positive for COVID-19 and is identified as a close contact, Manitoba Challenger Baseball is obligated to provide this information to Baseball Manitoba and Manitoba Public Health.
PERSONAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE – HAND SANITIZATION
All participants will be required to sanitize their hands prior to field entry, throughout sessions, and at the end of sessions. Manitoba Challenger Baseball has provided sanitizer for this purpose but you may use your own (the Health and Safety Coordinator must see you use it).
MASKS
All Volunteers, Coaches, Buddies and Spectators MUST wear non-medical masks during Challenger Baseball in-person activities. It is recommended that players wear one, as well, when not engaged in activities. Each Player and Coach will be provided with a non-medical reusable mask. Otherwise, please bring your own.
Please refer to the A Guide to Facemasks for more information on how to properly fit/wear a mask.
REDUCING SHARING OF EQUIPMENT BETWEEN HOUSEHOLDS
Players are being provided with personal equipment kits to reduce the amount of sharing between players. In addition, Jerseys, Hats and Non-Medical masks are non-returnable this year. This does not include a baseball glove, helmet or water bottle (players will need to bring their own). Families are responsible for sanitizing their own equipment after each use. Please refer to “Sanitize Your Equipment” for our sanitization suggestions. Minimal “multi-touch” equipment will be used on the field and shall be sanitized between uses and/or at the end of each session.
BUDDIES
Buddies are responsible for ensuring that players are following direction from the Team Health and Safety Coordinator, their coach and also this document. Families will be encouraged to designate a Buddy that is already a member of their family bubble. This may be a parent, sibling, respite worker, etc. Designated Buddies MUST register with their division and sign all waivers.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
All participants will be expected to practice physical distancing by staying a minimum of two (2) meters of 6 feet away from other people, if possible, except for brief exchanges). Where it is not possible to social distance, participants will be directed to wear a mask.
ARRIVAL TO THE BALLPARK
Upon arrival, attendees will need to stop by our “Check-In Station” to do their screening, contact tracing, sanitize their hands, review any signage or guidelines, Spectators will then proceed directly to the viewing area. Team Health and Safety Coordinators will direct players and their buddies to put their equipment bag in the designated location and proceed to their dedicated “Starting Zone”.
Attendees are instructed to not loiter in the parking lot or other locations.
IN PERSON SESSIONS
Where possible, activities will be planned to limit multi-contact equipment. To ensure players are social distancing, coaches MAY designate a Dedicated Zone for each player and their Buddy as much as possible. Where group activities are planned, limited short engagements (brief exchanges) are possible. Procedures will be put in place to ensure this is a “brief” exchange. Session focus will include skills & drills and modified group game play (where Baseball Manitoba’s RTP and MB Public Health Guidelines allow).
SPECTATORS
While we normally encourage filling “the stands” to celebrate our players, due to gathering limits set forth by Manitoba Public Health, we may limit the amount of spectators in the stands. Families must ensure that they are being respectful when attending our sessions by leaving room for other families and practice physical distancing.
Spectators will be directed to sit with only their family members and socially distanced from others. Spectators must wear a mask at all times and check in complete our Screening Form & provide their information for Contact Tracing.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACTION PLAN
In the case of a participant testing positive on a COVID-19 test, and that player was in attendance within 14 days of that result, Manitoba Challenger Baseball will work closely with Baseball Manitoba and Manitoba Public Health to determine our next course of action. Please see “COVID-19 NOTIFICATION PROCESS”.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
There is absolutely no room for non-compliance. Persons not following the guidelines set forth in this document, Baseball Manitoba’s RTP document and/or Public Health Orders shall immediately be educated on the importance of adhering to the guidelines/orders for the health and safety of our players. Individuals who refuse to correct their actions will be immediately asked to leave the field, considered in violation of our Code of Conduct and may face further disciplinary action by Manitoba Challenger Baseball Inc, Baseball MB or Local Authorities. No refunds will be given to families who cannot participate due to this violation.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING KEEP OUR PLAYERS HEALTHY AND SAFE!!
FAQ
DO WE NEED TO SHOW PROOF OF OUR DOUBLE VACCINATION STATUS TO ATTEND OR PARTICIPATE?
We understand that the topic of vaccines and their requirement to participate in certain activities can be confusing. To clarify Manitoba Challenger Baseball’s position at this time: It is our understanding that Manitoba Public Health currently has no defined mandates concerning vaccinations for outdoor youth sport for players, coaches and volunteers or spectators (or other participants), nor do our Provincial Sport Organization (Baseball Manitoba), or our National bodies (Challenger Baseball Canada/Jays Care Foundation). Therefore, as it stands currently, Manitoba Challenger Baseballs directs its divisions to NOT require proof of vaccination status for any participant during outdoor activities unless the aforementioned governing bodies indicate that it is a requirement.
However, it is important to note that requirements for social distancing, wearing masks when physical distancing is not possible, personal and equipment sanitization, staying home when sick or generally unwell, etc are all still in place. Please refer to the RTP guidelines for more information.
As we know, orders, policies and guidelines change very quickly so please note that this may also change quickly. All participants will be advised as soon as new information is available. We do encourage families to assess their own personal risks when considering returning to In-Person play and support any decisions you make.
WHAT IF I AM UNABLE TO WEAR A MASK DUE TO AGE OR MEDICAL REASONS?
While we encourage everyone to wear a mask if they are able to limit risk factors, we understand and sympathize with your situation. Please discuss this with your Team Health and Safety Coordinator or the Provincial Coordinator. Exemptions to this mandate for these reasons are acceptable; we just need to be made aware that there is a legitimate reason.
We understand that the topic of vaccines and their requirement to participate in certain activities can be confusing. To clarify Manitoba Challenger Baseball’s position at this time: It is our understanding that Manitoba Public Health currently has no defined mandates concerning vaccinations for outdoor youth sport for players, coaches and volunteers or spectators (or other participants), nor do our Provincial Sport Organization (Baseball Manitoba), or our National bodies (Challenger Baseball Canada/Jays Care Foundation). Therefore, as it stands currently, Manitoba Challenger Baseballs directs its divisions to NOT require proof of vaccination status for any participant during outdoor activities unless the aforementioned governing bodies indicate that it is a requirement.
However, it is important to note that requirements for social distancing, wearing masks when physical distancing is not possible, personal and equipment sanitization, staying home when sick or generally unwell, etc are all still in place. Please refer to the RTP guidelines for more information.
As we know, orders, policies and guidelines change very quickly so please note that this may also change quickly. All participants will be advised as soon as new information is available. We do encourage families to assess their own personal risks when considering returning to In-Person play and support any decisions you make.
WHAT IF I AM UNABLE TO WEAR A MASK DUE TO AGE OR MEDICAL REASONS?
While we encourage everyone to wear a mask if they are able to limit risk factors, we understand and sympathize with your situation. Please discuss this with your Team Health and Safety Coordinator or the Provincial Coordinator. Exemptions to this mandate for these reasons are acceptable; we just need to be made aware that there is a legitimate reason.