The Canadian rowing community has remained safe and healthy overall throughout the pandemic. The low numbers of reported cases to 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.