Hello Storm Families,

As our continued commitment to the safety of our players and volunteers, we would like to update you about COVID-19 requirements that will affect our operations this winter.

In order to comply with Nova Scotia’s Proof of Vaccine Policy, HRCE COVID-19 Vaccine Policy, and the Soccer Nova Scotia COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, as of October 4th, 2021, all those 12 years of age or older involved in Storm Soccer Club programs will be required to provide proof of vaccination.

The requirements are clarified as follows:

• Storm Soccer Club players, coaches, volunteers and team staff over the age of 12.
• Storm Soccer Club players who turned 12 (born in 2009) between January 1, 2021 and Oct 4, 2021 have until December 31, 2021 to get vaccinated.
• Storm Soccer Club players who turn 12 after October 4, 2021 will have 3 months from their birthday to get vaccinated.
• Storm Soccer Club members who are 13 to 18 (born between 2008 and 2004) and have proof that they received 1 dose of vaccine can start participating in sport, recreation, arts and culture programming. You have until November 9 to show proof of full vaccination. That means you need to get their second dose by October 26.
• If applicable, proof of exemptions can produced by a physician and presented to the Club. See Section 7 of the Soccer Nova Scotia COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for further information regarding exemptions.

Proof of vaccination is required by law to participate in soccer games, training and all team related activities. Proof of vaccination will also be required for spectators if allowed at the venue and approved by the Club. At this time, Storm Soccer Club will not be allowing spectators.

Without proof of vaccination, Storm Soccer Club can not allow participation in all Club related activities.

 

Providing Proof of Vaccination

All affected Storm Soccer Club members, coaches and team staff will need to provide Public Health-approved proof of vaccination to their Team Coach or Team Manager at their first practice. The Coach or Team Manager will record that they have been shown proof of their vaccination status. Without demonstration proof of vaccination, participants will not be allowed into the practice area.

Members are to provide proof of vaccination by a showing paper or digital formats, or clear photos , screenshots or photocopy of their record. The record should indicate:

• the persons name
• the brand(s) of vaccine
• an indication that required number of doses have been received
• the date when the final dose was administered.

Storm Soccer Club will not request or keep a copy of any medical records or vaccination records on file as we are not authorized to do so. Storm Soccer Club will only maintain a list of all members who have shown proof of vaccination.

 

Consent

In order to maintain a list of all affected persons verified vaccination records, Storm Soccer Club must have your consent from the individual. If the person is under the age of majority, the consent is required from the parent or guardian. All players, coaches, managers and team staff will be required to complete the attached consent form. Please provide a copy of the consent form to the Coach or Team Manager at the first practice. The consent form will allow us to record that we have verified status only and date of vaccination. No other records are being kept. A copy of the consent form is attached.

 

REMINDER: Only doubled vaccinated players and team staff who meet the vaccination requirements outlined above will be added to a roster. We will not assign players and team staff to rosters unless they are double vaccinated or have a valid medical exemption. 

Phase 5 Update

Phase 5 started on October 4 with a cautious approach. Most restrictions will be lifted while some will remain in place.

• There will no longer be a requirement for physical distance. 
• There will no longer be gathering limits for events hosted by a business organization. The informal gathering limits of 25 people indoors and 50 outdoors will remain in place. 
• Masks will still be required in indoor public places.
• As noted above, the proof of full vaccination requirement will start October 4th . 
• Otherwise, the only restrictions that will remain in place for the general population are those related to the management of COVID-19 cases. For example, people with symptoms must still get tested, isolate while they wait for results and continue to isolate if they test positive.
• Storm Soccer will no longer be requesting a Health Questionnaire prior to each practice, game or event. It will be the responsibility of the member to evaluate their health and  complete their own COVID-19 screening.

Please be kind and patient with the volunteers that need to check your proof of full vaccination. This is a new process for all of us and we are required by law to do it.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Your Storm Soccer Club Board

 

Additional Resources:

How to access Nova Scotia COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination

Soccer Nova Scotia COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

SNS Vaccination Consent Form