It’s a big win for youth amateur sports and volunteers in British Columbia today.
The B.C. Government has passed an order protecting sports associations and their volunteers from any potential litigation brought on by COVID-19, provided they are complying with public health orders and provincial sport guidelines.
Kamloops Minor Baseball President Chris Balison tells NL Sports the move is a good step.
“It helps. We still have to do our due diligence with respect to all the guidelines, plans, policies, and protocols,” he said. “But it is a welcome announcement that came out today.”
In announcing the move, Premier John Horgan says it will help over 800,000 youth and adults get back to sports this summer. That’s as many insurance companies would not providing coverage for COVID-19 related damages, as the province moves into the next phase of its COVID-19 restart plan.
“We want to make sure children and their families can get the benefits of physical activity and get back to playing the sports they love,” added Lisa Beare, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “Many sports organizations are run by volunteers who need to make sure they are protected for risks related to COVID-19.”
“This order will help cover that risk so people can safely get back to playing sports sooner in their communities.”
Charlene Krepiakevich, the CEO of viaSport, says they are thrilled by the move.
“Today’s announcement is welcome news for our partners in the amateur sport sector,” she said. “This coordinated response to address concerns around volunteer and staff liability means that these not-for-profit organizations can focus on delivering safe, high-quality sport experiences for the people in their communities.”