Updated: Return to Athletics Update – March 2, 2022

Please see below for our latest update on the return to athletics at HWDSB.

Secondary Spectators

Due to COVID-19 precautions, HWDSB Athletics has only permitted spectators in a limited capacity at indoor playoff games for secondary athletics. The Ontario government has announced that as of March 1, 2022, some restrictions will be lifted for indoor venues and sport events.

With the updated restrictions and guidelines received from the Ministry of Education, spectators will be permitted at secondary athletics for all sports starting Wednesday, March 2, 2022, within guidelines:

• Capacity will be limited to two spectators per athlete.
• Spectators are responsible for self-screening.
• Masks must be worn at all times.
• Until further notice, administration is to be available to support capacity monitoring.
• Volunteers at the gate are to be adult volunteers.

Elementary Spectators

No spectators are permitted at elementary basketball for now. We will update schools and families as the situation changes.

Participation & Vaccination

In addition, there are changing requirements for athletics participants:

• All student athletes may participate in high and low contact sports at HWDSB facilities.
• On March 1, 2022, the City of Hamilton will lift their requirement for proof of vaccination at all city facilities. At this time, all hockey and water polo participants and coaches will no longer need to provide proof of vaccination at city facility.

Changes Coming March 21, 2022

Spectators will be permitted at elementary and secondary athletics for all sports starting Monday March 21, 2022.

Elementary:

• Capacity of two spectators per athlete.
• Elementary student spectators are to be accompanied by an adult and will count as one of the 2 spectators per athlete.
• Spectators are responsible for self-screening.
• Masks must be worn at all times.

Secondary:

• No capacity limit.
• Spectators are responsible for self-screening.
• Masks must be worn at all times.

If you have any questions, please speak with your school.