COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Updates

Lifting of Rowing Canada Aviron Sanctioned Activity and Event COVID-19 Requirements

Updated: April 13, 2022

The Canadian rowing community has remained safe and healthy overall throughout the pandemic. The low numbers of reported cases to Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) thus far is a testament to the strong leadership and oversight of key individuals from within our member organizations and the conscientiousness of all our participants.

Under the guidance of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mike Wilkinson, and in alignment with provincial guidelines RCA is lifting our COVID-19 restrictions and expectations for sanctioned activity and events.

RCA encourages our member organizations to continue applying diligence in their planning. Sport related guidelines and expectations vary across the country and may evolve at different intervals. Member organizations must abide by their local, provincial and federal public health guidelines when making decisions and assessments related to the programming they offer. 

What does this mean?

Effective April 15, 2022 there will no longer be RCA COVID-19 specific restrictions for sanctioned activity and events. For instance, the completion of a COVID-19 Risk Assessment and Mitigation Checklist and Event COVID-19 Safety Plans will no longer be required.

Our requirement that member organizations abide by their local, provincial and federal public health guidelines remains in place.  

Recommendations and Additional Considerations

Our protocols and behaviours have served us well and at this stage of the pandemic and we want to reinforce the need to remain diligent and to continue to apply best practices. Accordingly, we have the following recommendations:

  • Member organizations should be prepared to respond to modified phases/stages as announced by local and provincial governments and health agencies. 
    • Depending on the evolution of the pandemic, RCA’s response may include re-instating former or adding new restrictions and expectations.
  • Our participants and stakeholders have different levels of comfort and risk tolerance related to lifting of restrictions.
    • Member organizations should strive to understand how to create a welcoming and safe atmosphere for their membership/competitors. Some individuals are immunocompromised and will have unique needs.
    • Clear communication from Clubs/regatta organizers about what to expect while in the respective environment is essential.
  • Masks in enclosed spaces are recommended.
  • Symptomatic individuals should refrain from taking part in activities.
  • Member organizations should ensure that refund policies are clearly communicated in all advertisements for new programming. Due to COVID-19, RCA fees will be refunded for programs that are cancelled prior to the start date. 
  • Member organizations with employees should seek legal advice when developing a vaccination policy as an employer. Workplace health and safety and employees’ interests must be addressed in addition to consideration of labour and employment issues in the relevant province.

Rowing Canada Aviron COVID-19 Updates 

April 13, 2022 –Return to Rowing #8
February 15, 2022 – Return to Events (Indoor Events)
September 14, 2021 Return to Rowing #7 (Vaccine Requirements)
July 8, 2021 Return to Events
October 23, 2020 Return to Rowing #6 (Group Indoor Activity)
September 11, 2020 Return to Rowing #5
September 4, 2020 Return to Rowing #4

July 31, 2020 – Indoor Activity/Use or Ergometers
Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) permits the use of ergometers outdoors with appropriate spacing in placing (at minimum 2m). RCA permits the use of ergometers indoors for individual use only. Indoor group erg training is not advised.

As some re-opening phases across Canada will now allow indoor activity, we strongly advise that clubs avoid the use of ergometers indoors for group training until the risks are further evaluated. RCA will continue to provide updates and recommendations based on the medical advice of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mike Wilkinson.

July 10, 2020 2020 National Rowing Championships and Canada Cup Cancelled
July 9, 2020 Return to Rowing #3
June 26, 2020 Return to Rowing #2
May 15, 2020 Return to Rowing #1
April 29, 2020 2020 Cascadia RCA Masters Championships Cancelled
April 16, 2020 – Member Update
April 9, 2020 – International Event Cancellations
April 2, 2020 – Member Update and Support
March 23, 2020 – Statement of Support
March 17, 2020 – Guidance for RCA Member Organizations 
March 10, 2020 

General Resources

Health Canada 
World Health Organization 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
FISA Sports Medicine Commission

Return to Rowing Planning

Risk Assessment and Mitigation Checklist Tool
RCA Webinar: Return to Rowing Planning [webinar recording] [slides]
RCA Webinar: “New to Rowing” Programs [webinar recording] [Argonaut RC resources] [Calgary RC resources]

Posters

Cleaning and disinfecting (8.5×11)
Frequency of cleaning and disinfecting (8.5×11)
Get In – Row – Get Out (small, 8.5×11)
Get In – Row – Get Out (large, 11×17)

Financial Assistance

RCA COVID-19 Relief Funding Phase 2 Application
RCA COVID-19 Relief Funding Application
Sport Law and Strategy Group – Summary of available financial support for sport organizations
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Federal Assistance Information

Organization Management

Sport Law and Strategy Group – Managing your sport organization in the COVID-19 environment
RCA Webinar: Managing your organization in the COVID-19 environment
Changes to Canada Summer Jobs program
Template: Informed Consent and Assumption of Risk Agreement (Updated – COVID-19 and online programming included)
Template: Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims and Indemnity Agreement (Updated – COVID-19 and online programming included)

Sport Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) Advisories 

July 15
June 30
June 17
June 3
May 21
May 6
April 29
April 22
April 15
April 8
April 1
March 25
March 23
March 21
March 19 
March 17 
March 15 
March 13 
March 11 
March 8 

For questions or concerns, contact Rowing Canada Aviron Chief Executive Officer, Terry Dillon.