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Post by nopopups on Jun 17, 2020 16:57:01 GMT -5
www.softball.ca Google www.softball.ca and at top of home page click on Resources and then on Drop Down click on Return to Play
3 PDF articles are listed
1) SB Canada CanPitch Fact Sheet Recommended Safeguards for Restarting SB Activity in Canada
2) SB Canada Return to Play Guidelines Version 3 June 10 2020
3) SB Canada Timbits SB Modified Program - Physical Distancing Activities May 2020
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Post by nopopups on Jun 24, 2020 6:51:38 GMT -5
Now added info on Return To Softball NCCP Guidelines
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Post by softballfan5 on Jun 24, 2020 7:21:06 GMT -5
Good grief!!
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Post by bucketdad on Jun 24, 2020 14:02:13 GMT -5
Unless I am misreading the document it looks like they have done away with the mask requirement for players. That would be a good thing for catchers.
Not sure if this means the Ontario one will be revised or not.
Given that we get our insurance from BC we may want to follow what they are doing as a fair chance that's where we end up. Their return to play is a scant 37 pages so a little light reading if you are bored.
Somewhere between Trump's slow down testing have less cases approach and our 37-page manuals on how to play catch there is likely a common-sense approach we could follow but I'm not optimistic we find it.
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JohnT
Rookie Team Member
Posts: 18
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Post by JohnT on Jun 25, 2020 10:22:42 GMT -5
I have heard that teams that didn't stay with PWSA here in the area are now practicing with other insurance coverage they obtained in Ontario. Is that true? Was there another option? My daughter's coach said they can't do anything right now until possibly first week of July  |
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Post by letsplayball on Jun 25, 2020 10:41:08 GMT -5
I have heard that teams that didn't stay with PWSA here in the area are now practicing with other insurance coverage they obtained in Ontario. Is that true? Was there another option? My daughter's coach said they can't do anything right now until possibly first week of July Yes! Apparently, Palmerston has been on the field with OASA insurance for two weeks now! And the RTP documents of the PWSA are considered by many municipalities to be too onerous and beyond what Public Health advises, so don't count on even the first week of July. Municipalities are not going to take on liability that is way beyond the scope of their responsibility. The PWSA seems to be doing everything they can to STOP the girls from playing. How are the insurance companies okay with the boys playing baseball, but not the girls playing softball?!? Our coaches are getting "reminders" from the PWSA, threatening them with suspension if they take players to the fields. This goes beyond ridiculous! There needs to be some effective leadership and immediate change. |
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Post by Forum Admin on Jun 25, 2020 11:03:31 GMT -5
Hi there. I support return to play, and I also support the gathering limits imposed by the Ontario government. As I mentioned previously I think insurance provider is a factor... I also think that the Ministry of Sport is causing some of this. The petition Tom put forward, that we piggybacked on called for relief from liability. PWSA has to want the same for their volunteers too! I would love to see all athletes that want to get back practicing do so as soon as they are able. I just think there are more factors in play that perhaps we all don't know about, and that's why it can be so darn frustrating for everyone. We are having a hard time getting the township here to approve the back to play document. They're citing that it requires way more of them and their employees, than public health mandates. Hence they are very reluctant (rightfully so) because they don't want to assume the liability (there is that word yet again) 100% doesn't help to see or hear that teams are on the fields. But if organizations found a way to do so, I don't begrudge them at all. Let's just hope we don't extend past June 30th |
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Post by girlsrule on Jun 25, 2020 11:32:51 GMT -5
I have heard that teams that didn't stay with PWSA here in the area are now practicing with other insurance coverage they obtained in Ontario. Is that true? Was there another option? My daughter's coach said they can't do anything right now until possibly first week of July Yes! Apparently, Palmerston has been on the field with OASA insurance for two weeks now! And the RTP documents of the PWSA are considered by many municipalities to be too onerous and beyond what Public Health advises, so don't count on even the first week of July. Municipalities are not going to take on liability that is way beyond the scope of their responsibility. The PWSA seems to be doing everything they can to STOP the girls from playing. How are the insurance companies okay with the boys playing baseball, but not the girls playing softball?!? Our coaches are getting "reminders" from the PWSA, threatening them with suspension if they take players to the fields. This goes beyond ridiculous! There needs to be some effective leadership and immediate change. I'm not going to discuss if the girls should be back on the field etc as it has already all been said. But I will address the comment about Palmerston being on the field for 2 weeks now. This is indeed inaccurate. True, Palmerston did secure insurance outside of PWSA but by no means have we been given the green light to hit the diamonds. Like everyone else we are waiting for the Town to approve the RTP protocol and Public Health to even know what to do with our RTP package, they had no idea they were to approve these protocols. We also had to quickly incorporate the association to limit personal financial risk to our BOD and coaches. Palmerston is in limbo with everyone else, we are getting our ducks all in a row to be sure our teams can hit the diamonds with the safety of our Marlins families at the forefront. I understand everyone's frustration but please fact check before you post an action to a Clubs name. |
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Post by Athletics 1 on Jun 25, 2020 12:10:10 GMT -5
And you have to wonder what effect the latest extension of the State of Emergency to July 15th will bring? It could be mid-July until some teams are allowed to hit the field, so maybe a 6 week season is all we are looking at??
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Post by softballfan5 on Jun 25, 2020 12:41:43 GMT -5
I don't have it in front of me but what does PWSA say about coaches and players on a diamond at this time? The exact wording please.
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Post by tripleplay on Jun 25, 2020 12:55:33 GMT -5
The hard part is getting the local health units to understand what a return to play document is and they dont exactly have max resources to review these documents asap..
I recently gave them all the info required and they sent me back a no reply general email stating how to avoid Covid 19 and symptoms etc..
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Post by jasper1968 on Jun 25, 2020 12:59:47 GMT -5
softballfan5- Is this what you're looking for? Comes from PWSA's June 22 COVID Update:
We remind everyone we suspended all activities on March 12, 2020 until further notice. This includes sanctioned tournaments, practice, exhibition games essentially any activity. Please note as agreed in the acknowledgement any team found to be in violation of this will be suspended for the season and there will not be any refunds. I ask you to respect your fellow competitors/associations etc. as violations of our policy simply delays this for everyone and frankly is causing a great deal of concern for those in authority. To date I have received 3 formal complaints of individuals/teams in violation of our mandate. Makes it very hard to make a compelling case that we as a sport will do the “right” thing and follow the rules.
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Post by fastpitchcoach on Jun 25, 2020 13:24:05 GMT -5
If you are part of a baseball association that is a part of Baseball Ontario, you can get insurance now, through them.
From their RTP FAQ's:
Q – How do I ensure that my insurance is in place to resume in person activities?
A ‐ In order to ensure your insurance is in place, your local must:
- ensure that all players are registered and have completed Rowan's Law and other regular waivers
- ensure that all players, parents coaches and umpires have completed (1) the Declaration of
Compliance and (2) either Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims and Indemnity Agreement (if 18
or older at time of signing) OR Informed Consent and Assumption of Risk Agreement (if younger
than 18 at the time of signing)
- have been an association in good standing and with OBA insurance in 2019.
Just like in previous years, associations can start activities before insurance is finalized. Our usual deadline
for insurance is June 15th, but we know teams start as early as January with activities. This year we’re
looking at an August 1st deadline for insurance, and that is one of the things we need to finalize.
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Post by softballfan5 on Jun 25, 2020 13:42:39 GMT -5
softballfan5- Is this what you're looking for? Comes from PWSA's June 22 COVID Update: We remind everyone we suspended all activities on March 12, 2020 until further notice. This includes sanctioned tournaments, practice, exhibition games essentially any activity. Please note as agreed in the acknowledgement any team found to be in violation of this will be suspended for the season and there will not be any refunds. I ask you to respect your fellow competitors/associations etc. as violations of our policy simply delays this for everyone and frankly is causing a great deal of concern for those in authority. To date I have received 3 formal complaints of individuals/teams in violation of our mandate. Makes it very hard to make a compelling case that we as a sport will do the “right” thing and follow the rules. Thank you jasperartt. A lot of gray area in that statement! "any activity"......pretty sure they don't have the power to do that?? "any team"......?? "complaints of individuals"........again no power to do that?? As far as I know they are not the Ontario government! |
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Post by inthestands on Jun 25, 2020 13:53:49 GMT -5
softballfan5- Is this what you're looking for? Comes from PWSA's June 22 COVID Update: We remind everyone we suspended all activities on March 12, 2020 until further notice. This includes sanctioned tournaments, practice, exhibition games essentially any activity. Please note as agreed in the acknowledgement any team found to be in violation of this will be suspended for the season and there will not be any refunds. I ask you to respect your fellow competitors/associations etc. as violations of our policy simply delays this for everyone and frankly is causing a great deal of concern for those in authority. To date I have received 3 formal complaints of individuals/teams in violation of our mandate. Makes it very hard to make a compelling case that we as a sport will do the “right” thing and follow the rules.
A lot of gray area in that statement! "any activity"......pretty sure they don't have the power to do that?? "any team"......?? "complaints of individuals"........again no power to do that?? As far as I know they are not the Ontario government! SBF5.....very good and very valid statements/questions
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Post by 1sofyballmom on Jun 25, 2020 17:56:03 GMT -5
This sport is already declining in Ontario. I really wonder how many of the older girls will be done with the sport after this is all said and done. Let's be honest, there will be no season if these PWSA restrictions continue period. No municipality will want the hassle.
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Post by tripleplay on Jun 25, 2020 18:38:25 GMT -5
What should have happened is to have 1 return to play document sent to Provincial health for approval- for ALL teams per division...Calculate how many teams that are going to be sending these RTP docs to their local health unit and let's just say it will be put on the bottom of their desk pile... or you might get a no reply email back like I did with suggestions how to avoid Covid.
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Post by Forum Admin on Jun 26, 2020 11:12:43 GMT -5
Must be nice to only have to provide this waiver, and get kids back on the softball field.
This is a boys OASA organization in Ontario. I have deleted the association info, as I don't have any ill will of this group whatsoever.
I will also point out this group does appear to be 100% complying with the 10 person max gathering for all their age classes.
Waiver of liability
As a Volunteer (coach, assistant, parent rep) with XXXXX Minor Softball, I agree to the following:
I will apply due diligence to implement Return to play regulations/guildelines/best practices in my capacity of a coach/assistant to reduce transmission of COVID 19;
I declare that I have no Criminal Record entries that have not been previously disclosed to XXXX Minor Softball Executive;
I Waive any right to pursue legal action against XXXXX Minor Softball as an organization, as well as any participant or their families, any volunteer or executive member involved with XXXXX Minor Softball activities.
As a parent/guardian of a child participating, I waive the right of any legal action against XXXXX Minor Softball, their executive, the Municipality of XXXXXXX, as well as any participant involved with XXXXXX Minor Softball
I have read and agree to all terms and conditions above (Y/N)
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Post by xcaddis on Jun 26, 2020 11:19:44 GMT -5
Are you kidding me?  ? My head is going to explode. Must be nice to only have to provide this waiver, and get kids back on the softball field. This is a boys OASA organization in Ontario. I have deleted the association info, as I don't have any ill will of this group whatsoever. I will also point out this group does appear to be 100% complying with the 10 person max gathering for all their age classes. Waiver of liability
As a Volunteer (coach, assistant, parent rep) with XXXXX Minor Softball, I agree to the following: I will apply due diligence to implement Return to play regulations/guildelines/best practices in my capacity of a coach/assistant to reduce transmission of COVID 19; I declare that I have no Criminal Record entries that have not been previously disclosed to XXXX Minor Softball Executive; I Waive any right to pursue legal action against XXXXX Minor Softball as an organization, as well as any participant or their families, any volunteer or executive member involved with XXXXX Minor Softball activities. As a parent/guardian of a child participating, I waive the right of any legal action against XXXXX Minor Softball, their executive, the Municipality of XXXXXXX, as well as any participant involved with XXXXXX Minor Softball I have read and agree to all terms and conditions above (Y/N) |
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Post by inthestands on Jun 26, 2020 13:11:24 GMT -5
Are you kidding me? ? My head is going to explode. Must be nice to only have to provide this waiver, and get kids back on the softball field. This is a boys OASA organization in Ontario. I have deleted the association info, as I don't have any ill will of this group whatsoever. I will also point out this group does appear to be 100% complying with the 10 person max gathering for all their age classes. Waiver of liability
As a Volunteer (coach, assistant, parent rep) with XXXXX Minor Softball, I agree to the following: I will apply due diligence to implement Return to play regulations/guildelines/best practices in my capacity of a coach/assistant to reduce transmission of COVID 19; I declare that I have no Criminal Record entries that have not been previously disclosed to XXXX Minor Softball Executive; I Waive any right to pursue legal action against XXXXX Minor Softball as an organization, as well as any participant or their families, any volunteer or executive member involved with XXXXX Minor Softball activities. As a parent/guardian of a child participating, I waive the right of any legal action against XXXXX Minor Softball, their executive, the Municipality of XXXXXXX, as well as any participant involved with XXXXXX Minor Softball I have read and agree to all terms and conditions above (Y/N) Pretty straight forward stuff....uncomplicated....easy to understand and follow...sensible. |
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Post by jasper1968 on Jun 26, 2020 13:31:34 GMT -5
What a joke! I wish leaders would do everything in their power to get our daughters back on the diamonds to continue with their development. My daughter has asked, "Why boys baseball teams are allowed to return to play but girls teams are not?". She feels like, as a girl, she is being discriminated against. Get the girls back on the diamond to prepare for provincials or at least to be ready for tryouts come the fall
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Post by xcaddis on Jun 26, 2020 14:03:44 GMT -5
Yes the health authorities seem to be telling everyone to follow the rules and move on. Has anyone got signoff from any health authority? The hard part is getting the local health units to understand what a return to play document is and they dont exactly have max resources to review these documents asap.. I recently gave them all the info required and they sent me back a no reply general email stating how to avoid Covid 19 and symptoms etc.. |
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Post by inthestands on Jun 26, 2020 15:37:52 GMT -5
Yes the health authorities seem to be telling everyone to follow the rules and move on. Has anyone got signoff from any health authority? The hard part is getting the local health units to understand what a return to play document is and they dont exactly have max resources to review these documents asap.. I recently gave them all the info required and they sent me back a no reply general email stating how to avoid Covid 19 and symptoms etc.. No of course not....and why would any one expect them to. The provincial government laid out the guidelines and that is what the local health authorities will follow...full stop. |
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Post by Forum Admin on Jun 26, 2020 15:45:37 GMT -5
Yes, approvals are slowly coming in. Milton, Chatham, and I believe Oakville have gotten approval of some nature from the Health Unit folks in their respective areas.
That is good news! Hopefully more will follow... definitely a challenge to get past for sure. Agreed these folks like so many others are very busy right now.
Full on summer season is now here... a spike in gatherings or cases could render us all shuttered at nothing more than 10 for a gathering limit.
Have a great weekend everyone!
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Post by justamom73 on Jun 26, 2020 17:54:32 GMT -5
It was pretty clear to any who watched some of the town halls that there was no enthusiasm at the exec level to get the kids back out playing. There was an odd comment made on one of them about "male coaches" equating covid to a sprained ankle. Some of their reaction was undoubtedly from the aggressive calls and emails they received from membership scolding them for even considering allowing the kids to play. Have to be careful about being too judgy if you haven't been on the receiving end of some of these nutty calls.
Many of the decisions we are complaining about didn't come from our exec level. Much of this is driven by insurance folks and ministry decisions. OASA uses a big multi national for insurance we have a BC co-op backing ours. Not surprising ours is a lot more timid in the face of a new virus threat. Not much we can do at this stage about much of this beyond grin and bear it, but it wouldn't be unreasonable to raise it as a discussion point at the AGM.
Suspect we might be directing 100% of our frustration at the people who deserve only a little of it. Sort of like yelling at the poor person at Bell because you don't like the bill you got.
Hopefully Juy 1st sees a lot of centres back out a little bit.
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Post by xcaddis on Jun 26, 2020 18:09:46 GMT -5
Sorry, I don't buy it. From what I understand OASA uses the same carrier as PWSA. Regardless...I will get my own insurance if thats the issue. The fact is, boys hardball teams are ON THE FIELD NOW. Period. Public health has no interest in signing off on the return to play protocol and are directing most to follow public guidelines. Again, if it comes down to insurance, we can arrange our own. Let's move on. This is not acceptable. It was pretty clear to any who watched some of the town halls that there was no enthusiasm at the exec level to get the kids back out playing. There was an odd comment made on one of them about "male coaches" equating covid to a sprained ankle. Some of their reaction was undoubtedly from the aggressive calls and emails they received from membership scolding them for even considering allowing the kids to play. Have to be careful about being too judgy if you haven't been on the receiving end of some of these nutty calls. Many of the decisions we are complaining about didn't come from our exec level. Much of this is driven by insurance folks and ministry decisions. OASA uses a big multi national for insurance we have a BC co-op backing ours. Not surprising ours is a lot more timid in the face of a new virus threat. Not much we can do at this stage about much of this beyond grin and bear it, but it wouldn't be unreasonable to raise it as a discussion point at the AGM. Suspect we might be directing 100% of our frustration at the people who deserve only a little of it. Sort of like yelling at the poor person at Bell because you don't like the bill you got. Hopefully Juy 1st sees a lot of centres back out a little bit. |
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Post by tripleplay on Jun 26, 2020 19:08:01 GMT -5
It was pretty clear to any who watched some of the town halls that there was no enthusiasm at the exec level to get the kids back out playing. There was an odd comment made on one of them about "male coaches" equating covid to a sprained ankle. Some of their reaction was undoubtedly from the aggressive calls and emails they received from membership scolding them for even considering allowing the kids to play. Have to be careful about being too judgy if you haven't been on the receiving end of some of these nutty calls. Many of the decisions we are complaining about didn't come from our exec level. Much of this is driven by insurance folks and ministry decisions. OASA uses a big multi national for insurance we have a BC co-op backing ours. Not surprising ours is a lot more timid in the face of a new virus threat. Not much we can do at this stage about much of this beyond grin and bear it, but it wouldn't be unreasonable to raise it as a discussion point at the AGM. Suspect we might be directing 100% of our frustration at the people who deserve only a little of it. Sort of like yelling at the poor person at Bell because you don't like the bill you got. Hopefully Juy 1st sees a lot of centres back out a little bit. This is a major issue for everyone involved, from coaches, players, parents, umpires or anyone invested in the game... My fear is there is undeniable frustration and it could lead to players choosing another sport as their #1 and leaving the game. The game IMO wont be the same.. To be clear, in MOST cases, the restrictions have driven many of these teams and keep players away from the park - No matter who is administering those decisions, it's really unfortunate. You have teams not playing at all, some not knowing if or when they can provide all the documents to even practice, and others worrying if they can play a game before provincials.. Some are losing sleep worrying that they or their volunteers will be personally sued and lose everything or their organization might fold because of the requirements. This is major stuff here people are dealing with.. All of this while MANY other sports open up with safe measures at the forefront including boys baseball and indoor sports.. They have figured things out and sorted out the liabilities and safety procedures and risks in short order. There needs to be concern for players, who have been through a TERRIBLE year and everything needs to be done to assist them getting back on the field.. |
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Post by blueman on Jun 26, 2020 22:04:38 GMT -5
Has anyone seen a formal boy's baseball practice or game? I've got 4 close friends/family involved with the OBA in the GTA and 3 of them had their teams dissolved. The other is a part of the Mets, who have their own agenda, as a for profit team.
The other coaches chose to dissolve the team, and therefore aren't part of the OBA now and can do whatever they want... like get together with 8 or 9 other 14 year olds and throw the ball around on a non-permitted field.
I think the issue here is that even though the boys opened it up, most packed it in when they realized that there weren't going to be any games. If you want to get the girls back on the diamond, fold the team, and then you are just a dad or mom with a daughter and a few of her friends. And there is nothing the PWSA can do to stop you.
And in September, or April, rejoin the PWSA for 2021.
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Post by fastpitchcoach on Jun 27, 2020 6:08:53 GMT -5
On Friday night, Baseball Ontario updated to their RTP protocol to allow 2 different groups, of not more than 10 each, to participate in separate practices on the same field. Everyone must stay in their own group and there can be no players, coaches or other persons participating in both events.
There are other details, of course, but the fact is that they have got permission to move to another stage in the RTP process, while softball seems to be lingering at the start line.
Question is still why did baseball & softball in this province not synch their RTP protocols?
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Post by overthehill on Jun 27, 2020 13:03:58 GMT -5
Triple Play, I think softball is pretty much in the same boat as most other team sports. All team sports risk losing kids because of COVID...whether it be because some kids will move on and find something else...or realize they enjoy not doing anything, or because they may have parents who have lost their jobs and can no longer afford the cost of a rep sport (they predict that this is going to be a real problem in the hockey world). If certain team sports like baseball have returned to play...they have likely returned a few weeks before softball have. There has not been a team sport in Ontario that wasn't suspended for a significant amount of time and significantly negatively effected by COVID. Some sports actually cancelled their seasons back in May. I think that we need to keep perspective on all of this despite our frustration.
We are going to see many of the same issues when September rolls around and Fall/Winter sports are effected. All sports are being effected. All kids who play team sports are losing out.
For the most part, all sports have lost their season and there is going to be some fallout from that... whether we get back on the field now or in 2 weeks or never. I'm not sure that we need to lose our minds because one sport starts practicing a week or so before another. At the end of the day, not sure it will make that much of a difference. It's frustrating for everyone, any way you slice it.
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