Return to Athletics Update – Jan. 31, 2022

HWDSB continues to plan for the safe return to athletics, knowing that participation benefits the physical and mental health of our students, staff and community alike.

At HWDSB, we are working with Hamilton Public Health Services to ensure we follow Ministry direction in a way that reflects our local context.

Please note that the situation is fluid. Some sports may be modified due to COVID-19 prevention measures. However, we are fully committed to ensuring a safe return to athletics for all participants, coaches, and volunteers.

The return is permitted under the Ministry of Education’s operational guidance for reopening schools, with the following direction.

Students should be masked during these activities and distancing maintained to the greatest extent possible. Cohorting should occur whenever possible.

What can resume:

• Low-contact sports (volleyball, badminton, running, etc.) as intra-murals or team practices, following indoor activity protocols. We have informed schools that they can start to resume practices for low-contact sport (Volleyball) on Feb. 3, 2022, and competition will resume the week of Feb. 7, 2022.

What remains paused:

• High-contact sports (Basketball, Hockey, Water-Polo). We are awaiting further information about a return to play date.

For more information, please contact your school.

Spectators

All health and safety considerations are being met to support extra-curricular activities and athletics following the Ministry of Education Guidelines for Return to School. In addition, all athletics programming has aligned operations with OPHEA/OPASSE Safety Considerations for Interschool Sports and COVID-19. HWDSB has created specific procedures for indoor and outdoor sports in conjunction with public health.

At this time, no spectators are permitted at any HWDSB sport activity.

Learn more about HWDSB Athletics and HWDSB COVID-19 protocols.