2020 Flag Football - Covid 19 Protocols

With Ontario currently in Stage 3, Waterloo Region Minor Football will be running a co-ed Fall flag football program and will be in strictly following the Ontario Football Alliance (OFA's) Return to Football guidelines Version 2.0 dated July 21

Please take time to review the OFA guidelines and take note of the extra protocols outlined below that we will be implementing for the 2020 Fall Flag Football Season

Insurance & Forms to Complete and Sign

All players must register for insurance with the OFA national registry

The following forms are required to be completed online prior to the first flag football session.

Declaration of Compliance

Pre-Screening & Informed Consent Waiver

Game Modifications
The officials will not touch the ball.  It is the responsibility of each team to retrieve their own ball after each play and for the centre to spot the ball, the official will mark the spot of the ball.
When flags are pulled, they will be placed on the field and player will walk away.
No team huddle.   No high fives.
Teams to be on opposite sides of the field when playing a game.
Players not involved in game play, must stand on sideline 6ft from other players.  Cones on the sideline will be used to indicate required physical distancing measurements.
Half Time hand sanitizing.  During half time, all players will be given time to sanitize their hands/gloves.
End of Game sanitizing: At the end of the game all players and coaches will be required to sanitize their hands/gloves prior to leaving the field.

Change Rooms / Bathroom Facilities
There will be no change room or bathroom facilities provided.  All players are to arrive at the field already dressed in their athletic attire ready for practice. No bags allowed.

Mandated Protocols for Players
In accordance to the guidelines set by the OFA, we will be implementing the following mandatory protocols for all flag players.

• All players will be registered with the Ontario Football Alliance (OFA) PRIOR to stepping foot on the field. There will be no exceptions made to this rule.
• Parent/Guardian must sign COVID Informed Consent waiver and Declaration of Compliance prior to season starting.   Waiver will be emailed to all registered participants and collected at first session.
• Player must bring a personal water bottle which needs to be clearly labeled with players name.
• No sharing of water bottles
• Players must adhere to 6-foot social distancing while on the sidelines.  Sidelines will be clearly marked with pylons/discs to indicate physical distance required
• Players will be encouraged to avoid touching their face or spitting on the field
• No touch rule –  High fives, handshake lines, and other physical contact with teammates, opposing players, coaches, and officials will not be permitted.
•  Applause will be encouraged at the end of the game in lieu of the handshake line.
• Masks:  Players must wear masks when they arrive and until they get to the field for play. Once games have ended, players will need to put their mask back on.

Mandated Protocols for Spectators

• Must not enter player area on the field during both practices and games
• Must adhere to 6ft social distancing on the sidelines for anyone not in their family.  Spectators will be asked to leave if distancing is not met.
• Masks to be worn by spectators at all times.
• Only 1 spectator per player permitted

Mandated Protocols for Coaches

• All coaches will be registered with the Ontario Football Alliance (OFA) PRIOR to stepping foot on the field. There will be no exceptions made to this rule.
• All coaches must sign in at the Mandatory check-in table for attendance tracking and completion of screening questionnaire
• Must adhere to 6-foot social distancing practices.
• Maks to be worn by coaches at all times.
• Coaches to refrain from giving high fives
• No coaches will be allowed on the field to disagree with a referee’s call.  Coaches must call the referee to their sideline with all questions and         remain 6ft away.
• Must ensure that players are following COVID-19 –mandated protocols