Can my team or club start immediately?
Community based teams, clubs or associations can start taking registrations immediately but must have an assigned RESPONSIBLE PERSON to ensure they are compliant with the conditions within the Football Alberta Reopening Document before handing out equipment and going on field.
What extra things need to be done to meet the requirements of Stage 2?
There will be a lot more monitoring and sanitizing of equipment, plus a whole new list of general safety guidelines that will have to be complied with. Please check out the Football Alberta Return to Play Guidelines for complete details
Is there any difference between high school and minor football?
Yes. Community based minor football teams can go forward following the guidelines in Football Alberta’s Reopening Document immediately. High School football must refer to the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association’s Seasons of Play Policies, their School Boards, Superintendents, and Principals for guidance in this matter.
What about Physical Distancing?
The Physical Distancing barrier is an effective weapon in flattening the curve and stopping the spread of COVID-19. Football Alberta actively encourages all Albertan’s to continue this practice in their daily lives. What Alberta Health Services has determined is that in most team sports it is impossible to conduct the activity without some breaking of that barrier. Therefore, by keeping the cohorts of 50 people or lower they are creating contact tracing systems for each sports group should the need arise. Physical fitness and sports are key components of the mental and physical health of Albertans and that has been recognized in this compromise.
What about shared equipment?
All communal equipment including footballs, blocking bags, pylons, etc. will have to be wiped down and disinfected at the conclusion of each session. Stage 2 allows them with increased sanitation.
Can we play games vs. other teams or clubs?
There will be no official league play or competitions against other team/cohorts in Stage 2. Any competition will have to be inter-squad or mini-games within the assigned cohort. It is hoped that with continued vigilance of Albertans in the fight against COVID-19 that potentially league play may be considered in future Stages.
What if I don’t feel comfortable sending my son or daughter back onto the field with their team?
No one is going to be forced to sign up nor should anyone be made to feel bad about waiting until things improve more to return to football. Those families who have members with compromised immune systems, underlying health problems or have daily contact with seniors should strongly consider whether they wish to resume playing within the cohort system. Football Alberta respects whatever decision they would make.
Will we have insurance?
Yes. Our insurance carrier is on-side. Both Football Alberta and Football Canada have declared football open in our province which was a condition of return to our coverage. More details here.
Can we play other sports at the same time?
Alberta Health Services recommends you "limit" the amount of cohorts but has removed the "one sport cohort".