The safety of all members is a priority for BCSSA. The resources below are provided to assist coaches, officials, club administrators and parents to make safe decisions for all skaters in BC.
COVID-19 Response
Following the release of the viaSport Phase 3 Return to Sport Guidelines for B.C. and the BCSSA Return to Skating Guidelines (see below for links), each member club is responsible for updating their own plan. The Board of Directors/Executive for each club must then approve the club’s plan.
Until the time that clubs have updated (Phase 3) plans approved by their Board of Directors/Executive, they should continue to follow their approved (Phase 2) plans.
- BCSSA Return to Practice Guidelines (Phase 2: Transition Measures)
- BCSSA Return to Practice Webinar Questions (Phase 2: Transition Measures)
- BCSSA Return to Skating Guidelines (Phase 3: Progressively Loosen) — v2.1, September 2020
- BCSSA Return to Skating Practical Implications Roundtable Notes (Phase 3: Progressively Loosen)
- viaSport Phase 3 Return to Sport Guidelines for B.C.
- Speed Skating Canada COVID-19 resources
General Resources
- Speed Skating Arena Safety Checklist
- SSC Coach and Club Safety Checklist
- SSC Safety on Ice Guidelines
Medical and First Aid
- Speed Skating Club First Aid Kit
- BCSSA Event Medical Requirements
- EAP Template
- BCSSA Injury Report Form
- BCSSA Insurance Claim Form (note: please contact the Sport Administrator to obtain a copy of this form. The form is not to be publicly posted or distributed)
Concussions
Concussion prevention, recognition and return to sport protocols have been heavily featured in the media over the past few years. Speed Skating Canada has a webpage dedicated to Concussions/Brain Injuries, which provides speed skating specific education and resources for coaches, officials, club administrators and parents.
Within BC, the BCSSA Concussion Protocol must be followed at all sanctioned events. The protocol includes the administration of the Concussion Recognition Tool and the provision of the BCSSA Suspected Concussion Form. The BCSSA Concussion Protocol outlines the steps to follow in identifying a concussion and providing initial care. Return to play guidelines are also available for speed skating, through the Speed Skating Canada Return to Play Guide. It is highly recommended that clubs consider adopting similar protocols for their club practices.
Protective Padding
Speed Skating Canada provides guidelines and templates for required protective padding at practices and competitions. Information on short track protection and long track protection can be found on SSC’s webpage.
Skater’s Safety Equipment
Please see the Required Equipment page on the BCSSA website.
Personal Safety
One of the BCSSA values states that “We believe all members of the organization; staff, athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, parents, etc., are entitled to be treated in an ethical and professional manner.” Please see the Harassment Policy page on the BCSSA website for details. Any incidents occurring at BCSSA events should be reported using the Incident Report Form.
