Ottawa, ON (September 11, 2021) – All athletes, coaches, officials, fans, volunteers, media, event staff and contractors aged 12 and above will have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to participate in, and attend, Squash Canada national and international events, it was announced today.
The Squash Canada COVID-19 Vaccination Policy will be implemented effective beginning October 6th and will be extended to all events put on by Squash Canada, including in-person meetings, clinics, national championships, and for athletes representing Canada at international events, regardless of location. The Policy can be viewed HERE.
Athletes aged 12 and above wishing to participate in Squash Canada championships must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to the start of the event or activity. They will be required to submit government issued vaccination documents 14 days in advance of the competition in order to remain in the event.
For the upcoming 2021 Oxford Properties Canadian Squash Championships presented by Slaight Music (which includes the Canadian Junior Championships) scheduled for October 20-24, that translates to a second vaccination dose having been administered by October 6th, with proof of full vaccination being submitted to Squash Canada by that same deadline of October 6th.
Coaches, staff, volunteers, officials and spectators, and anyone looking to enter the host squash facility must also provide proof of full vaccination that took place a minimum 14 days before the start of the event they are attending. Provisions are being made for such attendees to provide proof of a government issued vaccination document in advance or upon entry to the facility as supported by government issued photo identification.
“Not only has the Government of Ontario, the province in which our next three championships will be held, mandated these COVID-19 measures, we believe this is essential to provide the safest possible environment for everyone who participates in our events,” said Dan Wolfenden, Executive Director of Squash Canada. “There’s absolutely no question that vaccinations work and significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. We want our athletes, our coaches, and all attendees to feel as safe as possible at our events, and we believe this is a necessary step toward that goal.”
“Squash Canada’s Board of Directors unequivocally supports the position that the organization is taking,” added Squash Canada President, Sandra Thompson. “We have asked that our staff provide environments that are safe for everyone — for athletes to compete, coaches to support their athletes, officials to referee, and supporters and fans to enjoy squash. We firmly believe that the health and safety guidance that they will implement is in the best interests of all.”
Athletes and spectators who decline to be vaccinated will have the opportunity to get full refunds (where applicable). Further details on how this policy will be implemented will be available at a later date.
