March 24: Updated Notification Regarding COVID 19 – Volleyball Manitoba Cancels 2020 Provincial Championships
In further response to the on-going uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Volleyball Manitoba has made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 Provincial Championships. Our Provincial Championships were scheduled over the weekends of April 18/19 through May 9/10 with events in Winnipeg, Brandon and Niverville.
As you may have also read, Volleyball Canada made the decision this afternoon to cancel their 2020 National Championships that were scheduled for May. Read their notification HERE.
Although our office is currently closed, our staff continues to work remotely and we will be in communication with all teams regarding Provincial Championship refunds within the next week.
We are all extremely disappointed that the club season has been prematurely cut short, but this decision was made in consideration of the ongoing health and safety of our members and of the community at large. All indications related to this pandemic show that public health restrictions will continue for a while to come.
We sincerely commend and applaud the efforts made by all athletes and coaches during this shortened club season, and we all look forward to when we can take to the court again with our friends and teammates. But until then, and as we remain hopeful that the situation starts to resolve as quickly as possible, let’s all continue to do our part to reduce the spread and chances of exposure to COVID-19.
As we move forward we will continue to monitor all appropriate medical and public safety advice and will resume our next programs, including beach leagues & tournaments and provincial team camps and training, as soon as it is appropriate and prudent.
We thank everyone again for your patience, commitment and support during this time.
Stay safe
March 20: Updated COVID-19 Statement to Club Coaches & Directors
During this unprecedented and extremely difficult situation surrounding COVID-19, we wanted to take another opportunity to connect with you to keep you updated and informed as things develop during this crisis.
First, as you’re aware, all club and volleyball program activity continues to be suspended until further notice. No activity is sanctioned during this period, including competitions, training and other team activities and we recognize and appreciate the sacrifices the clubs are making by respecting these guidelines as set out by the health authorities.
Further, with the 30 day State of Emergency declaration made today by the Province of Manitoba, the Provincial Championships (14U) scheduled for April 18/19 will be postponed for the time being.
Volleyball Manitoba will continue to monitor and pay attention to the situation as it evolves and develops. Our Board of Directors will be meeting again on Sunday, March 29 and we will provide another update on the status of our Provincial Championships by March 30, if not earlier.
For the teams that were registered for the cancelled 15U Premier Tournament on March 13/14, refunds will all be issued by next week.
A Volleyball Canada Update on their programs, including Nationals, can be found on their website HERE. VC has indicated that the status of Nationals will be decided by April 15, if not earlier.
During this pause, it could be a good time and opportunity for coaches to get caught up on all their Screening, Respect in Sport, and NCCP requirements, either for later this season, or for next year.
Our office will generally be closed during this period but our staff continues to work remotely, so if you require anything please contact us by email. STAFF DIRECTORY
Thank you all for your ongoing cooperation, understanding and support during this time.
The following resources are available for further information:
Public Health Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living
https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/coronavirus/
March 13: COVID-19 Update - All Club Volleyball And Program Activity Suspended Until Further Notice
In further response to the ongoing concern resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and in support of suggested recommendations from public health authorities, effectively immediately Volleyball Manitoba is advising all clubs and programs to suspend volleyball activities until further notice. No activity will be sanctioned during this period, including competitions, training and other team activities.
Volleyball Manitoba will continue to monitor the situation daily and provide updates relating to resumption of play as the health situation develops.
We feel this decision is in the best interest of protecting the health and safety of our athletes, coaches, referees and the health of all of our fellow Manitobans.
An update on Volleyball Canada Nationals and other programs can also be found here: https://volleyball.ca/en/news/volleyball-canada-update-covid-19
We thank you all for your cooperation, understanding and support during this time.
The following resources are available for further information:
Public Health Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living
https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/coronavirus/
March 12: COVID-19 Update - 15U Premier Tournament 2 Cancelled
In light of the ongoing concern resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19), and in support of suggested recommendations from health authorities regarding avoiding large group and crowded public activities, we have decided to cancel the 15U Premier 2 Tournament this upcoming weekend.
Additionally, we are recommending that any other sanctioned events this weekend also be cancelled, and will not be sanctioned if they do proceed. Tournament Sanction Fees will be refunded where necessary.
We apologize for the inconvenience, however we feel this decision is in the best interest of protecting the health and safety of our athletes, coaches, referees and the health of all of our fellow Manitobans.
Volleyball Manitoba will reassess the situation as it relates to the club volleyball season over the upcoming days and communicate any updates on this situation as they develop.
The following resources are available for further information:
Public Health Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living
https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/coronavirus/
March 11: COVID-19 Memo
March 11, 2020 – Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Communication
Volleyball Manitoba is actively monitoring the ongoing public health situation surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19). We have received inquiries from our membership and we want to stress that we understand their concerns and the significance of this situation. We are committed to helping protect the health and safety of the public, as well as our athletes, coaches, referees and others associated with our sport.
Public health agencies in Manitoba state that the risk for individuals in the province is currently low. We will proceed with our upcoming scheduled events as planned, including our 15U Premier Tournaments this weekend and our 2020 Provincial Championships next month. However, given how quickly things can change, we will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the circumstances require.
For those registered for Nationals in May, Volleyball Canada has recently communicated that no change in the schedule or location is currently planned and there is no intention of cancelling at this point. A ‘Special Advisory’ section has been added to the Nationals website which includes this information and will also carry any updates moving forward: https://volleyball.ca/en/competitions/2020-volleyball-canada-nationals
Updated Match Protocols:
To assist with containing or slowing down the spread of the Novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we are temporarily instituting the following match procedures immediately:
- Prior to the match, captains will not shake hands with each other, or with assigned officials.
- At the beginning of the match, teams will not meet at the net to wish each other good luck and shake hands.
- At the conclusion of the match, teams will not meet at the net to shake hands with the opposing team.
- At the conclusion of the match, teams will not shake hands with the officials.
- Alternative options include acknowledging opponents and officials via applause, waves, head nod or other means.
Preventing further spread:
To further assist with containing the spread of the Novel coronavirus, we also stress and emphasize the following behaviours:
- Regularly and thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water an alcohol-based hand rub, including before and after matches.
- Do not share waterbottles.
- Limit or avoid contact during matches within your own team (hand slaps, team huddles, etc).
- Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention early and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
- Follow good respiratory hygiene – cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the used tissue immediately.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
- Maintain social distancing – maintain at least 1 metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Additional updates regarding our events and programs will be updated as they become available.
The following resources are available for further information:
Public Health Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living
https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/coronavirus/