The Waterloo Catholic District School Board and District 8 Athletic Association are happy to announce the return of its interschool athletic programming effective September 20, 2021.
Active participation in athletics has known health benefits, including physical fitness and mental wellness. Athletics provides social interaction which is necessary in a time of uncertainty for our students. It is with this in mind that we have prioritized getting our youth back to play and competition with health and safety as our primary focus.
As the pandemic continues, it is all our responsibilities to take reasonable steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect all individuals who participate in our athletic activities. The WCDSB and District 8 will be implementing every strategy within our ability and as recommended to keep our student-athletes, teacher-coaches, officials and public safe.
In order to offer the safest possible option for a return to sport, all student-athletes (born 2009 and earlier) and teacher-coaches who wish to participate in interschool athletics must show proof of full immunization against COVID-19 (two doses plus 14-day waiting period) OR provide negative rapid antigen test results to their school twice per week. This protocol will take affect Monday September 20th when practices and tryouts are able to resume. Competition schedule will be released as soon as they become available.
The WCDSB is encouraging schools to organize safe intramural activities at their school, especially for those students born in 2010 or later, so that all ages can enjoy the benefits that physical activity offers.
All officials and volunteer coaches (non-school staff) must be fully immunized against COVID-19 (two doses plus 14-day waiting period).
In addition to these very necessary measures, there are additional general protocols to ensure public safety. These initiatives include but are not limited to; attendance tracking to conduct contact tracing, daily screening prior to participation, sanitization of high touch surfaces, mandatory masking for all individuals not actively involved in play, physical distancing where possible, spectator restrictions and more.
Students who wish to learn more about the interschool athletic opportunities at their school should contact their school’s main office and/or athletic director for more information.