March 27, 2020 - SSA Member Update

CONTINGENCY PLANNING

Saskatchewan Soccer's newly elected Board met on Sunday, March 22 and directed SSA management to develop a comprehensive contingency plan to allow SSA to continue to operate and serve members during the suspension of soccer, and, most importantly, to be ready to return to play when this crisis has been resolved.

 

Work has begun to better understand the financial and programming implications that will result if outdoor soccer is delayed or cancelled. Our focus in the next few weeks is the development of financial projections and service and support strategies. We are working through various scenarios that will allow us to adapt when new direction is received.  With circumstances and restrictions on activities changing frequently we will take the time necessary before communicating any major decisions. 

 

RESUMPTION OF PLAY

Canada Soccer has been holding regular meetings with provincial and territorial soccer organization Presidents, Executive Directors, Technical Directors, and referee development officers. SSA also stays in frequent communication with Sask Sport and we continue to monitor direction coming from the provincial government. 

 

At this time, the indefinite suspension of all soccer activity by Canada Soccer remains in place.  While we remain hopeful and are preparing to return to play, present trends suggest that members should not anticipate any resumption of play in April. 

 

This aligns with direction from the provincial government for us all to focus on social isolation and supports efforts that have been made to restrict access to public spaces including parks and sports facilities.  We ask that all SSA members be role models in our communities to maintain social distancing until restrictions are lifted.  If we take care of each other now we will get back on the pitch soon.

 

Soccer will be an important outlet for people when the suspension is lifted and we are actively developing various return to play scenarios, so please encourage registration to continue.

 

There is no risk to register; as previously communicated, SSA has agreed to cover the $1.50 RAMP participant data costs for 2020 & 2021.  In addition, we want to clarify, that should your organization choose not to go forward with outdoor soccer you will not be required to submit any SSA registration fees.  At this time you may also wish to defer acceptance of payment from participants until play resumes.  Once the suspension is lifted, please notify SSA if you choose to not participate in outdoor.  Once games are played registration fees would be applicable.

 

Standard business practices and invoicing of outstanding accounts will continue. Should you have any concerns about meeting your financial obligations to SSA, contact ea@sasksoccer.com.

 

ENGAGEMENT WITH MEMBERSHIP

The board and staff of Saskatchewan Soccer deeply appreciate that many are experiencing changes in routine with children home from school, adults working from home or not working at all, and isolation from social distancing. We also understand that soccer may now be a lower priority for some, but a positive focus for others.

 

During this time, SSA will be compiling and sharing a variety of resources (i.e., skills videos, articles, etc.) on our website and social media channels. We encourage you to share these resources with your membership so that we may continue to connect over our love for the beautiful game. If you find great resources, tag us in your posts and we will share them too.

 

SSA leadership and staff are available to listen to your circumstances and determine how we can support each other better.  To that end we have set two initial dates:

 

April 14 - Zoom Call with Membership - details will be sent out when plans are completed.

 

April 28 - Zoom Call with Membership  

 

We also have several other engagement opportunities coming in April:

 

April 8 @ 7:00 p.m. - Newcomer Engagement & Inclusivity Webinar

April 15 @ 8:00 p.m. - MAP Application Webinar #1

April 16 @ 12:00 p.m. - MAP Application Webinar #2

April 19-25 - National Volunteer Week

April 21 @ 7:00 p.m. - Launching a Walking Soccer Program Webinar

April 23 @7:00 p.m. - SSA Recognition Awards Celebration on Facebook Live

April 26 @ 8:00 pm - New Board Member Orientation Webinar

 

We are also available to offer personalized support to Member Organizations in these and other areas:

 

RAMP websites and registration platforms

Registrar training for new administrators

MAP Grant applications

Developing criteria for your Club Licensing Program application

Development of Growing the Game initiatives (futsal, beach, walking soccer, adaptive soccer, new competitions, etc.)

Beyond this, the board and staff remain committed to the delivery of the Strategic Plan and are focussed on the planning and initiatives required to deliver services to members for the rest of 2020 and beyond.  

 

COMMUNICATION

Maintaining frequent and regular communication between all levels of soccer is of paramount importance in this time of uncertainty. For the time being, upcoming programs and activities will be monitored:

 

We will provide weekly updates with new information, opportunities, postponements and/or cancellations every Friday.

The website will continue to be the official source of information.

Major updates will be sent to all Member Organizations by email and we ask for your support to share those communications with your participants.

Saskatchewan Soccer is currently following guidelines from government officials to practice social distancing, and as communicated, our offices are closed to the public until further notice. Staff are working from home and may be working non-traditional hours while taking care of families and managing other responsibilities. As a result, staff may be delayed in response, but will respond if you reach out by phone or email. We appreciate your cooperation during this time.

 

We hope our collective efforts to keep our communities safe will allow us to return to normal activity soon.  

 

BE SAFE! BE THE SOLUTION!

As a reminder, please continue to take care of yourself, your families, and others.

 

Wash your hands frequently (it is the single most effective way of reducing infection spread).

Practice other good hygiene habits: do not touch your face/eyes/mouth with your hands and cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough (ideally with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow).

Clean and disinfect frequently touched workspace surfaces.

Maintain good general health (eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and move in moderation).

Stay home if you are sick.