COVID-19 Update

June 8, 2020 Update

It was an unusual and unprecedented end to the 2019-2020 curling season. CURLSASK is working hard to ensure a safe return to play in the fall of 2020. Here is an update on the current situation as it relates to our provincial sport.

We recognize there is still a lot of uncertainty regarding the return to curling in the fall. It is important to keep in mind that we will take direction from our partners in the Saskatchewan Government, Sask Sport and Curling Canada to ensure a safe return to play for our Member Club and Player members. It is also critical to remember that recommendations are fluid and ever changing so keep in touch with our team at CURLSASK for the latest information.

In Saskatchewan, Curling and our facilities fall into stage four of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan. At the present time we do not have a date for stage four, but are hopeful this comes before our season begins. We are expecting more detail on phase four this month. Another important note, as we reach stage four there remains a limit on indoor gatherings to 30 people. The Re-Open Saskatchewan plan is revised weekly and published each Friday with new information.

Return to Play Guidelines

CURLSASK is working on Return to Curling Guidelines in partnership with Curling Canada. This plan will include Curling specific guidelines for safe play. This draft document will be available in July to Member Clubs. CURLSASK will further review the return to play guidelines to ensure the plan will meet all Saskatchewan Government and Saskatchewan Health Authorities’ recommendations.

It is critical to get the return to play plan right; and as close to the season’s final health regulations as possible. This will help to avoid unnecessary mid-season adjustments for our member clubs.

Looking forward to the 2020-2021 season, CURLSASK will provide member clubs with an updated waiver and assumption of risk document for use.

Insurance

We have learned that many insurance companies have added an exclusion clause for contagious diseases such as COVID-19 to the policies. This includes the AON plan available to CURLSASK Member Clubs. Essentially, any claims or litigation from a COVID-19 or similar type virus will not have coverage under most insurance plans. We encourage our Member Clubs to seek clarification if your organizations insurance policy includes a contagious disease exclusion. It is critical these policies changes are discussed within your board. As always, contact CURLSASK if you have any questions.

Status of 2020 Season

CURLSASK has undertaken a comprehensive planning session with board and staff on potential scenarios for the 2020-2021 season. While the future seems uncertain we have worked through a number of scenarios and feel prepared for everything from a normal season to a lost season.

We intend to proceed with the Prairieland Curling Camp; scheduled for August 5-12 at the CURLSASK High Performance training centre in North Battleford. We expect the camp to take place with modifications to allow for a safe camp. Additional details will be shared with registered participants only; and when they become available.

At this time CURLSASK is planning for the season to continue as normal with additional health and safety precautions.

 

Meetings

On May 13, 2020, the Saskatchewan Minister of Justice and Attorney General filled regulations toamend RRS N-4.2 Reg 1 to expressly authorize non-profit corporations, condominium corporations, co-operatives and new general co-operatives to hold annual general meetings by telephone, video conference or other electronic means.

This amendment allows for virtual Annual General Meetings for Not for Profit corporations. We remind Member Clubs to refer to their own bylaws to see if they prohibited virtual meetings.

We are happy to discuss options for virtual meetings or share our Zoom access with clubs if they find it helpful during this time.

CURLSASK will host our AGM via Zoom on July 7th, at 7:00pm. We encourage questions from members to be submitted in advance. To find out more and to registerclick here.

Town Hall

While the AGM will focus on the business of the Association;COVID-19 is not a part of the formal agenda. CURLSASK will host a members Town Hall session on July 22nd@ 7pm. This forum will allow for meaningful discussion on challenges to curling clubs and our return to play plans here at home.

Championships & Events

At this time all 2020-2021 championships and the rescheduled 2019-2020 Club Championship and Mixed Provincials remain on the schedule.

Office

Effective, March 13th, 2020; the CURLSASK office has closed to the public. All team members will continue to work regular hours from home until further notice. We can becontactedas per normal by telephone and email.

Please stay safe and healthy. We are all in this together and we appreciate all of the efforts to reduce the spread ofCOVID-19, so we can have an on time return to the ice in the Fall.