Hello PYBA Community,
On October 15th Peterborough Public Health made an announcement regarding vaccination policy and indoor sport, an amendment to their original statement in September. Effective November 26th all persons 12 of age and older, including participants actively engaged in organized sports, must confirm proof that they are fully vaccinated (i.e. two weeks past their final dose) or proof of a medical exemption in order to enter an indoor sport facility. Note, this is in addition to the existing vaccination requirement for all non-athletes 12 years of age and older (e.g. coaches, volunteers, staff and other participants). You can read the official letter here.
As you’ve seen in our previous communications, PYBA is committed to adhere to all guidelines set out by the province, Ontario Basketball, and our local health unit. We know this amendment to the policy will affect some athletes who were previously exempted by the Provincial guidelines; however, the safety of participants in PYBA programs is of the utmost importance to us and therefore we have an obligation to follow the guidelines and mandates of the aforementioned parties.
To our House League Participants:
All players will be able to continue in our House League Program until November 26th. For those who decide not to vaccinate, and therefore will not be able to continue participating past that date, we will provide a $50 refund for the missed part of the season. PYBA Operations Coordinator will be reaching out to parents/guardians to confirm the vaccination status, or planned status, of each player. Please reply promptly so that we can plan for any roster or program changes that may result from the new vaccination requirement.
To our Power Participants:
All Power players will be able to continue participating in local practices until November 26th. Participation in games and tournaments will continue to be subject to the regulations and requirements of the organizing body and/or facility hosting those events e.g. they may choose to implement vaccine requirements differently. For those who decide not to vaccinate, the refund process will be complex, and we ask for your patience as we establish a path forward. We have reached out to the OBA to discuss their refund policy with respect to OBA and OBL registration fees which have already been paid in many cases. PYBA will issue refunds for unused gym costs and our association fees (yet to be determined). Unfortunately, once ordered, the fee for uniforms cannot be reimbursed. Team coaches and/or managers will be reaching out to parents/guardians to confirm the vaccination status, or planned status, of each player. Please reply promptly so that teams can plan for any roster changes that may result from the new vaccination requirement.
Note: If a House League or Power player is not fully vaccinated by November 26th but plans to complete that process at a later date, they will have to stop participating in PYBA programs as of the deadline, and may resume participation once they reach full vaccination status.
If you have additional questions and/or will be affected by this change, please reach out to our Operations Coordinator, Jocelyne Stone.
We thank you for your support and understanding.
PYBA Executive
Tag(s): News