COVID-19
Letter to North Langley Baseball families - Emailed November 2020
With the rise of cases, we want to take the opportunity to ensure that our community is aware of our response to COVID, in particular, registration fee's.
We will handle any potential cancellation of the season the same way that we did in the Spring - we will issue FULL refunds, minus a few dollars to cover our paypal expenses. This would not exceed 7.00.
We are aware that not all youth sport organizations/clubs have had the same approach and we wanted to alleviate any concerns that we would not refund your fee's back.
We have our full return to play plan on our website that we encourage our members to read. We have had a successful fall season adapting to our new rules. We feel confident that as we move into Spring, we will be able to continue to offer a program that will allow the families and players to feel comfortable.
Our community has been fortunate to have the Township be rather conservative in allowing the use of our parks and facilities. We support and understand this approach, as difficult as it can be at times. We know that the health and welfare of our communities is their first priority.
We encourage you to register for the Spring season now, to take advantage of the early bird pricing and also to avoid potential wait lists.
COVID 19 - North Langley "Return to Play" Plan
Before Activity Begins
Attendance Tracker and Screener (we suggest that they are the same person) arrives at the park first and sets up the ingress point.
- Screen every person who arrives and record their information on the Attendance Tracker sheet
Sanitation Champion checks in with Attendance Tracker and Screener then heads to the sea can to gather disinfecting supplies.
- Disinfect any high-touch surfaces, including posts, bases, equipment bin.
- Hang 2 hand sanitizer bottles on outfield fence for spectators.
- Make sure team/activity hand sanitizer is in a visible spot for easy use.
In Charge Person (Injury Attendant) makes sure that they have gloves and masks available in case of injury.
During Activity
- Attendance Tracker and Screener continues to monitor for new participants and spectators. There can be no more than 50 people in attendance.
- Sanitation Champion continues to make sure participants are using hand sanitizer on a regular basis.
- Distancing monitor makes sure participants are maintaining their distance from each other.
After Activity
- Attendance Tracker takes a photo of Attendance sheet for the activity and emails it to the NL Attendance Coordinator at vp1@nlbaseball.ca.
- Sanitation Champion uses diamond disinfectant to clean high touch surfaces, including team equipment. Gathers diamond hand sanitizer and puts back into bin, makes sure team hand sanitizer is put back with team equipment.
- Sanitation Champion emails fields@nlbaseball.ca if any of the items in the Sanitation Bucket are running low.
Attendance Tracker (can be same person as Screener)
- Tracks attendance at each game/practice
- The Attendance Tracker MUST ensure that attendance sheets are submitted to the Attendance Coordinator (Marla Clark) at the completion of EVERY baseball activity. Simply photograph and email to: vp1@nbaseball.ca
- Attendance may be tracked either on paper or electronically. Standard forms for your use are available here:
https://cdn3.sportngin.com/attachments/document/458e-2184772/COVID-19_Event_Attendee_Tracking_Form_-_Fillable_PDF.pdf#_ga=2.16131454.938377365.1593206157-324738091.1592536550
Attendance information will only be provided to an authorized health authority or local government representative who has the legal right to obtain such information, or to Softball BC staff, for the purpose of contact tracing in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19. All records are to be destroyed after the 90-day period.
Screener (can be same person as Attendance Tracker)
- Responsible for pre-screening of all participants and spectators attending a Facility (excluding casual park users or those attending the park for purposes other than baseball)
- The Attendance Tracker MUST ensure that everyone in attendance for baseball is screened to determine if they are permitted entry. Anyone answering “yes” to any of the screening questions must be instructed to return home and/or seek medical attention. They are NOT allowed to attend the baseball activity.
SCREENING QUESTIONS:
-
- Are you exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, dry cough, chest or respiratory pain)?
- Has any member of your household exhibited any symptoms of COVID -19 within the last 14 days?
- Have you or any member of your household arrived from outside of Canada in the past 14 days?
Sanitizing Champion
Responsible for maintaining the “Sanitizing Station” bucket provided to the team, including bringing it to and from ALL team activities and manning it while there. Each bucket should contain hand sanitizer, equipment sanitizer, garbage bags with clips and label, packaged mask and glove sets. If any supplies are running low, contact Fields Coordinator to replenish; fields@nlbaseball.ca
Upon arrival at field, after checking in with Screener and Attendance Monitor, set up “Sanitization Station” at the end of the closed dugout. Use labelled clips to attach garbage bag to the fence and remember to dispose of it at the end of the baseball activity. Sanitize all high-touch areas. Set up hand sanitizer on the clearly labelled “Sanitization Station” bucket and make team aware of its location.
Once the team’s organized activity has ended, ensure the team cleans and sanitizes the area used, including, but not limited to bases, pitching machines, tees, latches and all shared equipment. Tie and dispose of garbage bag in the enclosed Township garbage bins.
Distancing Monitor
Person assigned by each team to monitor the physical distancing of their team’s players, coaches, and spectators on and off the field.
In-Charge Person (Injury Attendant) (may be a member of Coaching staff)
A person designated to go on the field in case of injury. Where possible, this person should have first aid training. This person MUST wear a face mask and gloves whenever attending to an injury. These supplies can be found in the Sanitization Station bucket.
Attendance Tracker (can be same person as Screener)
- Tracks attendance at each game/practice
- The Attendance Tracker MUST ensure that attendance sheets are submitted to the Attendance Coordinator (Marla Clark) at the completion of EVERY baseball activity. Simply photograph and email to: vp1@nbaseball.ca
- Attendance may be tracked either on paper or electronically. COVID-19_Event_Attendee_Tracking_Form_-_COVER_w_Instructions
Attendance information will only be provided to an authorized health authority or local government representative who has the legal right to obtain such information, or to Baseball BC staff, for the purpose of contact tracing in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19. All records are to be destroyed after the 90-day period.
- Confirm your exact scheduled time and location for your baseball activity – communicate with your parents/players
- Delegate the following roles:
o Attendance Tracker
o Screener(can be same person as Attendance Tracker)
o Distance Monitor
o In-Charge Attendant (First Aid)–can be a member of Coaching staff
o Sanitizing Champion – put this person in charge of maintaining
“Sanitization Station” bucket provided by the league
Unless otherwise noted, these roles cannot be filled by Coaching staff
- Remember to bring a face mask with you to all activities in case it is needed
- Ensure First Aid kit is fully stocked and includes gloves and masks for In-Charge
Attendant. ONLY In-Charge Attendant is to handle First Aid Kit.
- Ensure area to be used has been sanitized and Sanitization Station is set up and
available for everyone to use before beginning activity
- Direct team members to your assigned area for practice or games (NO scrimmages or games to take place before directed by notice of the League)
- Maintain minimum of two metres distance whenever possible
- Fill out line-up card for games but do not share copies – allow photos of your line up
- Be sure your area has been cleaned, sanitized, all garbage and refuse has been cleaned up before leaving the park
- No huddles and no post-game meetings. Leave the park promptly as soon as cleanup is complete.
Person assigned by each team to monitor the physical distancing of their team’s players, coaches, and spectators on and off the field.
In-Charge Person (Injury Attendant) (may be a member of Coaching staff)
A person designated to go on the field in case of injury. Where possible, this person should have first aid training. This person MUST wear a face mask and gloves whenever attending to an injury. These supplies can be found in the Sanitization Station bucket.
- Make sure your personal equipment is clean and sanitized before going to the park and keep it together in your bag
- Do not share your personal equipment.
- Bring at least one face covering mask with you to the park
- Bring a fold out camping chair or bucket to mark your equipment location properly distanced from others
- Have your own clearly marked water bottle and snack
- Arrive at the park fully dressed for softball activity
- Check in with the attendance tracker/screener immediately upon arrival at park
- Go to your designated area and wait for direction from your coach
- NO SPITS, NO GUM, NO SUNFLOWER SEEDS, etc....NO SPITTING
- No getting close, no screaming
- No high-fives, handshakes or hugs – wave and thank the coaches, umpires, teammates, opponents, and fans after practice/game
- Sanitize your hands frequently – after every inning or between drills.
- After the game or practice is over, leave park promptly. No meetings and no visiting
Sanitizing Champion
Responsible for maintaining the “Sanitizing Station” bucket provided to the team, including bringing it to and from ALL team activities and manning it while there. Each bucket should contain hand sanitizer, equipment sanitizer, garbage bags with clips and label, packaged mask and glove sets. If any supplies are running low, contact Fields Coordinator to replenish; fields@nlbaseball.ca
Upon arrival at field, after checking in with Screener and Attendance Monitor, set up “Sanitization Station” at the end of the closed dugout. Use labelled clips to attach garbage bag to the fence and remember to dispose of it at the end of the baseball activity. Sanitize all high-touch areas. Set up hand sanitizer on the clearly labelled “Sanitization Station” bucket and make team aware of its location.
Once the team’s organized activity has ended, ensure the team cleans and sanitizes the area used, including, but not limited to bases, pitching machines, tees, latches and all shared equipment. Tie and dispose of garbage bag in the enclosed Township garbage bins.
Screener (can be same person as Attendance Tracker)
- Responsible for pre-screening of all participants and spectators attending a Facility (excluding casual park users or those attending the park for purposes other than baseball)
- The Attendance Tracker MUST ensure that everyone in attendance for baseball is screened to determine if they are permitted entry. Anyone answering “yes” to any of the screening questions must be instructed to return home and/or seek medical attention. They are NOT allowed to attend the baseball activity.
SCREENING QUESTIONS:
-
- Are you exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, dry cough, chest or respiratory pain)?
- Has any member of your household exhibited any symptoms of COVID -19 within the last 14 days?
- Have you or any member of your household arrived from outside of Canada in the past 14 days?
- Bring something to sit on at a distance from those outside of your household. BLEACHERS WILL REMAIN CLOSED.
- Do not go onto the field until it has been completely vacated by previous users.
- Upon arrival at the park, check in with the Attendance Tracker and Screener
- Go to the designated Spectator Area (outfield) while maintaining proper physical distancing
- NO SPITS. NO GUM. NO Sunflower seeds, no spitting, etc.
- No yelling
- In the event of extreme weather, causing delay of game or practice, return to your vehicle until resumption of activity.
- After the game or practice is over, leave the park promptly, taking all refuse with you. No meetings or visiting following team activities.
COVID 19 - Maps of Diamonds and Enter and Exit Plans
Communications from League Regarding COVID-19
Hi Trappers
With our season fast approaching, the executive has made the decision to prepare to potentially delay the start of our season. We will reassess the situation by March 31st.
The safety and health of our community is our priority. We have already made the decision to cancel our upcoming plans for our Opening Ceremonies which was to be held on April 18th.
While for some people it may be seen as being too cautious, we as an board of volunteers need to put the safety of our community ahead of this game that we are all so passionate about. It has not been an easy decision, and we have consulted our neighboring associations as well as BC Minor. Baseball is a sport that although it is outside, balls are thrown and caught, bats are shared and equipment is handled.
We do not have any time lines to what will happen except that we will reassess the start of the season by the end of March.
Any practices or team training for ALL AGE GROUPS have been cancelled until further notice.
If you have any clinics through Nicholson Baseball training, we will update those people ASAP.
We appreciate the disappointment that comes along with this potential decision and thank you in advance for your understanding in this uncertain time.
We want to give an update regarding our baseball season.
Currently, there is no definite end to social distancing. For these reasons, Langley Township has notified us that our baseball parks are closed until further notice.
We are delaying our season, officially, until there are any further updates. Baseball BC, as well as BC Minor, continue to support our Government health officials and the mandatory social distancing expectations of each citizen.
It is our intention to try to have some sort of season, and we are working with other executives to come up with Plan B (and potentially C and D) for when this is "over".
We can't speculate on any details of a potential season until we know more.
If you have any financial concerns regarding your registration, please contact us and we can discuss alternate arrangements.
Again, as of today, we are only postponing the season until further notice. The Township will continue to review their closures, and will give us an update by May 3rd if not sooner.
North Langley Baseball continues to be supported by local sponsors in our community. If you can, please continue to show these businesses your support during these difficult times.
Please visit our Sponsors Page to find out more details.
https://nldiamondsports.ca/north-langley-sponsors/
For further information regarding Township closures, please visit their website:
https://www.tol.ca/covid19/
Hi everyone
I wanted to reach out to everyone and give an update on our season.
As of today, there has still been no confirmed plans about social distancing and how this will impact any team sports. Dr. Henry will be giving an update again today, as we all know, and hopefully she will be able to announce if any decisions have been made.
There have been a few other associations (not ours) that have made the decision to cancel their seasons all together. North Langley, Aldergrove Minor and a few other associations, have decided to wait it out.
BC Minor is putting in a "Plan B" IF we are allowed to have a season. If we are, they are hopeful that the Spring season will be in June & July, and then the traditional "Summer" season will be in August.
We do not have any confirmed information/plan until a decision is made by the Ministry.
The Township has closed all fields until May 30th.
If your family has been impacted financially, or, you know that you will not be able to play in those months, please contact Tanya and she will be able to refund you fully for the season. Tanya's email is registrar@nlbaseball.ca.
On a much lighter note, if your child/children is/are celebrating a birthday, we are happy to announce it on our Facebook page. Please PM Lindsay on the North Langley Trappers page, along with some pictures, and we will happily help celebrate your child.
Visit our website to learn more about our local sponsors. It would be amazing if we can help support their business, as they have supported our children's sports.
All the best to everyone.
As of today, there is still no update regarding our season. We want to address some questions that have come forward to us since Premier Horgan's announcement of the four phase plan to re-open B.C.
All governing sports associations, in our case BC Minor and BC Baseball, need to create a plan for how they will adjust the game to respect the social distancing measures and guidelines. Once a plan has been made and submitted to viaSport, they will then make a decision if the plan meets the new safety standards.
We do not want to speculate on how anything will change for the game and will wait to be told specifics from BC Minor. We can almost guarantee though that the game will look different than before. It is not up to North Langley to make any adjustments and we will 100% support the direction given to us to ensure that our players are safe.
As of today, we also know that the Township parks are closed until May 31. Despite any potential changes for social distancing in the next week, there should be NO training in preparation for a potential season.
We are as anxious as everyone to hear the news. IF a ruling is made to allow us to go ahead, please give the executive time to get our plans together. It will be a "all hands on deck" approach to get the season ready. Once we get plans in place, we will update the various coaches etc as soon as we can. We are ready with our LONG list of tasks and we are (hopefully) up for the challenge.
So, again, there is no update on the season.
As we have communicated before, if there is any reason why you would need to be refunded, please contact Tanya at registrar@nlbaseball.ca and she will be able to help you. As well, we can safely say that any potential season will run during the summer months. If this is no longer an option for your family, please contact Tanya and she will 100 % refund your registration fee.
Baseball B.C released a statement yesterday regarding the status of the Return to Play process.
Baseball BC COVID 19 Update - June 1, 2020
We welcome the Return to Play guidelines released today by viaSport (https://www.viasport.ca/sites/default/files/ReturntoSportGuidelines.pdf ). We've been in dialogue with viaSport while these were being developed, and will soon release our Return to Play guidelines for baseball that are consistent with the viaSport approach.
We caution baseball stakeholders that several things still need to happen before any on-field activity can begin. This will take some time. With the viaSport guidelines released, our Return to Play Committee will conclude their work and submit the Plan to the Baseball BC Board for review and approval. This step is required by viaSport.
Once approved, Baseball BC will lift the suspension of baseball, subject to the Guidelines. Again, the baseball community is reminded that getting back to activities on the field may not happen right away. Even after the suspension is lifted, organizations will still need to comply with all Guidelines (Federal, Provincial, Municipal, viaSport, Baseball B.C., etc.) and abide by directions from their governing body (B.C. Minor, Little League, PBL, etc.), if applicable.
As always, we will continue to keep our community updated as information comes to us. Any information that we share will be confirmed through Baseball B.C and B.C Minor before we communicate it. We will continue to not entertain any speculation about the our season to avoid misinformation, uncertainty and rumors.
Neither Baseball BC or BC Minor have made any official statements about how our game will "look" for this season.
We still do not have any permission to engage in ANY team activities (training, in person meetings).
If you have any questions about registration, please contact Tanya and she will be happy to help. Registrar@nlbaseball.ca
Hello everyone,
I am sure most of you are aware that the ViaSport “Return to Sport” Guidelines rolled out last week, which is a very positive sign. That being said, I have to caution all associations that a return to organized, contracted play has not yet occurred in the Township of Langley.
While you may see in the coming days/weeks, that municipalities are beginning to open up their sport fields to some form of organized play, it could be on different timelines for each. Prior to an official opening, all provincial sport bodies, leagues, etc. will be required to submit a “return to sport” plan/protocols, addressing issues such as, social distancing, personnel egress and ingress, etc. As well, a mutual understanding of risk assessment, in regards to issues such as contagion coverage, etc. between local and provincial governments, PSO’s will be addressed. When organized play does occur in the Township of Langley, all teams, leagues and associations will be notified accordingly.
Until that time, please be patient with the process and remind your players, coaches and parents that any organized practice, training, etc., whether actual or perceived by the public to be actual, can not yet occur. Thank you all for your support and understanding,
| Scott Johnson | Parks Services Coordinator | ||
| Administration and Business Services | Parks and Amenities
Engineering Division |
||
The executive board met last night and we made the very difficult decision to officially cancel the Spring season. It goes without saying that we are disappointed. We would like to offer some insight into our unanimous decision.
Baseball BC has implemented a 4 phase return to play plan. We are currently in what is called Phase Two which be in effect potentially until September. In Phase Two, we are not allowed to have games with any other associations, and any “in house” games will have a limited amount of players.
Rules for Phase Two include:
Small groups – 10 athletes and 2 coaches at any event
Spectators – none to limited
Personal Equipment – No shared personal equipment (bats, catchers gear, helmets etc)
Team Equipment – Disinfect all equipment before, during and after each game. Limited number of plays per ball.
Activity – Small group (10 athletes) training only.
Inside Training – No batting cages or inside facilities
For our 4 – 7 year old players, we believe that they would have the hardest time trying to keep separated or not share equipment.
In our Tadpole, Mosquito Pee Wee and Bantam A divisions, we no longer have the right ratio of players to coaches.
Our AA and AAA teams in Pee Wee, Bantam, Midget and College Prep only play other associations, and that is not permitted until potentially September. Once we have the Covid Safety plan in place, and the Township releases the fields to us, we hope to allow those teams to practice together for a potential fall season.
For our older divisions (Tadpole and up), we are working towards offering training during the summer, either in house or with a paid coach. In order to offer this, we need to draft and implement a Covid-19 safety plan which will take time by the executive members that have volunteered to lead this for us. We appreciate your patience during this process.
Please note that because the 2020 Spring season has been cancelled, none of our players or coaches are insured through BC Minor or Baseball BC. We are reviewing our insurance needs prior to any summer training or potential fall season.
We share your disappointment but continue to be committed to the safety of our players and families. In the coming weeks, each players registration fee (including raffle and volunteer opt out fee if applicable) will be 100% refunded. We will keep everyone updated as we work through this process.
We sincerely hope that your child(ren) will return to play in the 2021 season. We are certainly going to miss seeing everyone at the park, and for most of the executive board, to see our children play this game that we are all so passionate about.
Thank you for your understanding. We hope that you and yours enjoy a safe summer.