Health & Safety

Fencing Calgary Health & Safety Protocols

COVID-19
Updated: 17/09/2021

We are closely monitoring developments, policy changes and public health organizations and will continue to make changes, as necessary. The guidelines / plan outlined on this page, coupled with personal responsibility, represents our best efforts to keep our participants, families, and staff safe.

Our organization has implemented the guidelines listed below to:

●Implement practices to minimize the risk of transmission of infection among participants;
●Provide procedures for rapid response if a participant develops symptoms of illness;
●Help ensure that participants maintain high levels of sanitation and personal hygiene;
●Comply with up to date COVID-19 Guidance from the Provincial Government and Sport Governing Bodies

Families / Participants failing to comply with the items required below are not sanctioned by Calgary Community Fencing Association, Fencing Calgary, Repsol Sport Centre or the Alberta Fencing Association for activities AND will be restricted in participation.

All above governing bodies protocols are in effect until further notice unless an Alberta Health or Government Directive supersedes it. All plans and directives will be monitored and reviewed periodically, and changes may be made at such time as deemed necessary.

Restrictions Exemption Program

On SEPT 15, 2021 the Alberta Government announced a new optional ‘Restrictions Exemption Program’ (REP) in which participating businesses / organizations can continue to operate as usual with minimal restrictions. Learn more here: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-public-health-actions.aspx  

Fencing Calgary will be actively participating in the REP program (in coordination with our facility partners) EFFECTIVE:  Monday, September 20, 2021.  

At this time, anyone over the age of 12 must show proof of vaccination, a negative Covid-19 test result or a medical exemption letter in order participate in any program.  

We understand this decision may not align with the values of some families. If this is your circumstance, we are happy to cancel your registration and provide a refund for program fees (not including affiliations already submitted on your behalf to our governing bodies). All cancellation requests must be sent to info@fencingcalgary.com on or before September 20, 2021.  

If you are CURRENTLY unable to comply with the Restrictions Exemptions Program BUT WISH TO PARTICIPATE AT A LATER DATE we will provide you with an account credit equal to the amount of time for which you have registered (less time already fenced). 

Please keep in mind that our team’s primary focus is on running a safe and efficient sport organization. We appreciate your kindness and cooperation as we try to navigate this process together.  

Please find more details about the REP requirements outlined below:  

Proof of vaccination:  

For all those 12 years and older, please email proof of vaccination to:  info@fencingcalgary.com  

*CURRENTLY (as of Sept 17, 2021) we will accept whatever DIGITAL documentation you have until a more formal verification requirement exists. 

**According to the REP guidelines, proof of a single vaccine dose is considered acceptable between September 20 and October 25, as long as the dose was received more than 2 weeks before the date of entry. Double doses will be required after October 25.  

Medical Exemptions:  

If you are unvaccinated, but have a medical exemption letter, please email documentation to info@fencingcalgary.com 

Proof of a negative test:  

As of Sept 17, 2021 Seton YMCA will NOT accept negative tests – fencers and their families at this location MUST provide proof of vaccination or medical exemption as detailed above.  

All other Fencing Calgary Locations:  

If you are unvaccinated, please have your negative test result emailed within 72 hrs of class start to:  info@fencingcalgary.com and have it ready to show at the door of our facility partners main entrance (if requested to show it at that time). IF the negative test result is not emailed prior to class start it will also be required upon entering the space dedicated to fencing within the facility. 

Masks:  

Please continue wearing masks within all facilities and when not participating in classes. Our staff will continue to wear masks in fencing facilities, except when specifically demonstrating and instructing.  

Viewing and Distancing:  

By participating in the REP, we are not required to implement distancing measures. Unless you are dropping off / picking up OR receiving information from our staff, we ask that you wait outside the designated fencing space.  

Illness:  

Please stay home if you are sick or exhibit symptoms as outlined by the Government of Alberta  

Symptoms and testing | Alberta.ca 

Digital Proof of vaccination or medical exemption information: 

All emailed proof of vaccination / medical exemption records are collected under the compliance of the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) – Alberta’s private sector privacy law. 

Personal Information Protection Act | Alberta.ca 

IMPORTANT 

Please bring a copy of vaccination, medical exemption or negative test results to ALL ACTIVITIES for the purpose of facility entrance and to help facilitate the implementation of this program. 

GUIDELINES

Flu-Like Symptoms
Any student, coaching staff, staff or parent that has flu-like symptoms, any symptoms of COVID-19 within the past 14 days, or have had any close contact with someone who is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 in the past 14 days, we ask that you please do not attend class or enter the club. PLEASE STAY AT HOME. We do ask that you contact us (see ‘Stay In Contact’ – below).

Face Coverings / Fencing Masks / Personal Equipment 

All staff and coaches are required to wear a face covering or mask when entering and exiting the club (this includes public areas within or adjacent to, the fencing activity space). When actively fencing or participating in outlined activities, students and coaches SHOULD NOT wear a mask – this is considered an additional health risk by AHS. Masks are required for students during in-club transition periods. 

Coaches may wear a specialized face covering under their own protective mask

FENCING MASKS are NOT considered ‘PROTECTIVE’ in comparison to a recognized face covering and should not be deemed as protective from infection. 

Individual personal fencing equipment is REQUIRED by all participants (either Fencing Calgary loaned equipment or purchased equipment). Equipment may not be left at any facility. All personal equipment (fencing equipment, water bottle, towels, phone etc.) should be washed / sanitized between all training sessions. Water bottles and towels are ‘personal’ equipment and should NEVER be shared.  

Hand Washing / Personal Hygiene / Respiratory Etiquette 

Fencers are required (and will be reminded) of the importance of consistent hand washing. Participants should refrain from touching their eyes, nose, mouth, and face while participating or while wearing fencing gloves. Participants are encouraged to exhibit good respiratory etiquette (i.e., sneezing or coughing into the crook of the elbow, no spitting, no clearing of nasal passages, coughing or sneezing into a tissue). It is appropriate and encouraged for participants to carry and use their own personal hand sanitizer. No food of any kind is allowed in the club facility. The use (closure) of public water fountains / bottle re-fill stations fall under the guidelines of the partner facility. Participants should arrive with a full water bottle. 

Club Cleanliness / Sanitization  
The club will be cleaned and permanent equipment will be disinfected frequently. Club cleanliness is a group effort that involves participants: fencers will be reminded wipe (with provided alcohol wipes) communal reel cords and scoring boxes (if applicable) after use and should use gloved hand to start and stop scoring apparatus. The Coaches / Staff utilize a comprehensive cleaning checklist prior to, during and after club activity.
Locker Rooms / Restrooms
Facility locker rooms and restrooms fall under the guidelines of the organization’s facility partners (Repsol Sport Centre, community centers, schools etc.). All participants will be briefed and frequently reminded of the individual policies of the facility in use. All participants must be vigilant and respectful of these policies and pay careful attention to posters and signage during the use of these facilities.

Stay in Contact with the Coaching / Admin. Staff!
It is important that families maintain contact with the club administration and their coaches. Email communication or text is the best means of contact and will be answered as soon as possible. Coaches may implement cohort-wide updates / mass emails to provide information and updates.