'First priority is getting kids to play' as indoor sports receive approval from school boards

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 16, 2021

Student athletes in York Region high schools will be permitted to compete against other schools in most indoor sports for the winter season.

Public and Catholic school boards approved the use of indoor facilities for the winter season, marking the first time since March 2020 that sports requiring gyms will be permitted to play against other schools.

The winter season schedule is poised for a Dec. 6 start date, providing the sports allowed to operate on an interschool basis two weeks of activity prior to the holiday break.

The decision for a return to play was granted on Nov. 11.

“Students have to be double vaccinated in order to participate,” said Mark Arsenault, athletic co-ordinator for the York Region Athletic Association, which includes more than 50 high schools. “No spectators will be permitted inside gyms, unfortunately. We’re looking at ways to accommodate kids. The first priority is getting kids to play.”

Sports to be permitted include volleyball for girls and boys’ basketball, along with badminton.

Students must provide proof of double vaccinations for volleyball and basketball before they can participate. Badminton players will not be required to provide proof since the sport is considered low-contact.

Hockey, curling and snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding also received permission to operate and fall under the health guidelines of the facilities in which they are contested.

The lone exception to a regular winter schedule for indoor sports is wresting, which will not be offered due to the close-contact nature of the sport, said Arsenault.

Although provincial championships may not be permitted for York Region schools, there is a possibility that the delayed season can be extended into what normally would be OFSAA qualifying times.

“It’s two weeks later than normal, but I think we will be able to fit in close to a full schedule,” said Arsenault. “We’re happy to be moving forward."

Ontario championships remain unlikely for York Region schools, since overnight trips are currently not permitted by either York Region school board.

During the fall season, outdoor sports were permitted with the exception of rugby. Indoor sports in York Region schools were restricted to intramural activities.

Arsenault said it may be possible to operate fall indoor sports, including girls’ basketball and boys’ volleyball, after March break and during a gap period between winter and spring sports seasons.

Neighbouring school boards such as Durham and Peel regions and Simcoe County permitted indoor sports during the fall season.