.png)
UPDATED: October 22, 2021
Earlier this year, it was communicated that Holy Spirit Catholic Schools would move forward with outdoor sport under the Restriction Exemptions Program. I also indicated that the decision to continue with the “no spectator” restriction for indoor extra-curricular events would be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
High School Indoor Spectators
The school-based administrators at the high school level, along with the senior administration in the division have determined that, commencing Wednesday, October 20, each student participant from the home team and visiting team will be allowed two (2) adult spectators at indoor high school league games only. This first step does NOT include tournament play at this time. Details regarding how the two adult spectator allocation will be managed will come directly from your school. Please note that, at this time, students and other community spectators will not be permitted at indoor events.
The admittance of the two adult spectators will be in keeping with the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division’s Restriction Exemption Program that follows the provincial requirements of a Restriction Exemption Program. Along with a government issued ID, spectators must provide proof of vaccination or proof of testing negative for COVID-19 on a Health Canada approved rapid antigen, a rapid PCR, or a lab-based PCR test approved by Health Canada, within 72 hours of the scheduled event. Other mitigation measures will be in place including sanitization, wearing of face masks for spectators and volunteers, and social distancing within family groups. Non-compliance with safety measures will result in immediate removal from the event.
Junior High Indoor Spectators (For Lethbridge Schools)
For now, we would be continuing to hold off on having spectators at indoor junior high school athletic events. The school-based administrators at the junior high school level, along with the senior administration in the division have determined that it is not operationally feasible to accommodate spectators for games in a manner that could satisfy provincial health guidelines. The current volleyball season is coming to an end very soon and the basketball season is not slated to begin until early December. As we approach the basketball season, we will continue to review our processes to help inform our potential changes going forward.
Schools value the engagement of spectators and know that families have missed being able to watch their children participate in the sport and extra-curricular settings. We are hopeful that the declining trend in active COVID-19 numbers continues and this first step demonstrates our commitment to ongoing review of the feasibility of spectators at indoor events. Please keep in mind that should trends turn the other way, it could potentially mean a return to restricting all spectators. We are all hopeful that we can maintain further spectator engagement and once again ask for your patience as we continue to consider the priorities of balancing the health and safety of students and staff with the ongoing recognition of the importance of our communities supporting extra-curricular activities and sports in our schools.