Varsity Spirit Canada

Health & Safety Update

2021 Varsity Spirit Canada Competitions & Events (Updated 11.2.21)

At Varsity Spirit Canada, the health and safety of our athletes, coaches, employees, families and friends is our top priority. We are monitoring the Coronavirus/COVID-19 and closely watching official information from health authorities, such as the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and other provincial health agencies, as it relates to our larger community and our events, camps and competitions. We are also taking proactive, preventative measures for all of our employees. General adoption of best practices as advised by the PHAC is the best way to prevent the spread of any illness.

It is our intention to hold our events and activities live and in-person for the 21-22 season, whenever possible. Based on the evolving environment and to best protect the health and safety of those participating and attending our events, we may need to modify the operation of an event based on PHAC, province, local and venue guidelines. We understand that this is a fluid situation, and we have a dedicated response team working to make sure we keep our employees, participants and attendees updated as things evolve.

Competition Options:
To continue to provide our athletes, fans and spectators with the most flexible and safe experiences, Varsity Spirit Canada has made several modifications to best serve you during this time. View our competition experience guidelines below. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. By attending our events, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. Please help keep each other safe and healthy by following the guidance provided.

Option A: In-Person Competition with Spectators

Spectators are allowed with physical distancing measures in place
Live awards ceremony with limited spectators/athletes and/or coaches

Option B: In-Person Competition with Limited Spectators

Spectator viewing limited to team performance time only
Live awards ceremony with limited athletes and/or coaches; OR virtual awards ceremony

Option C: In-Person Competition with No Spectators and Virtual Awards

Spectators not allowed; only athletes and coaches permitted
Virtual awards ceremony

Option D: Virtual Competition

Routines will be uploaded and judged virtually by Varsity Spirit certified judges
Virtual awards ceremony

Additional details regarding your specific event will be sent approximately 21 days prior to the competition. The final details and schedule for individual competitions will be continuously monitored and may be adjusted, including making the competition virtual, if necessary. All guidelines are subject to change based on PHAC, province, local and venue-specific guidance. We will communicate any changes to you as soon as they are confirmed.

Varsity Spirit’s baseline safety standards include:

Varsity Spirit employees and personnel are required to wear face coverings at all times, regardless of vaccination status. Masks must completely cover the nose and mouth. Face shields are not considered masks and may only be worn in addition to masks.
- Spectators, athletes and coaches may be required to wear face coverings based on PHAC, province, local or venue guidance.
- Coaches will be required to wear masks in certain areas and when speaking with Varsity personnel (at registration check-in, warm-up area check-in, first aid, Accuscore, etc.)
Physical distancing protocols will be in place and enforced throughout the venue. We encourage your teams to remain in cohorts and avoid close interactions with those outside of your group.
Increased sanitization measures throughout venues, including enhanced cleaning protocols, hand sanitization stations and more frequent cleaning of performance surfaces.
Additional protocols, such as those below, may be required based on PHAC, province, local, or venue guidance:
- Temperature checks for admission
- Proof of vaccination status and/or negative COVID test result
- Managed traffic flow measures and signs
- Capacity limitations
- Masks required for all attendees
All attendees (including coaches, athletes, spectators, and staff) will be asked to monitor their own health prior to attending an event and follow the PHAC guidelines for protecting themselves and others.
Advisors/Coaches will be asked to review the Varsity Spirit Competition COVID Rules with anyone who is attending the event (coaches, athletes and spectators)

Helpful links for additional information:

You can trust Varsity Spirit Canada to lead the way in bringing back events safely. If you have additional questions regarding your specific event, we are here to help. We hope to see you soon and thank you for being part of our Varsity Spirit Canada Family.