Saskatchewan Soccer and all member organizations continue to adhere to all Government of Saskatchewan Public Health Orders regarding the COVID 19 pandemic.

 

There are no updates to the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan since July 21 and no sport related updates from the Provincial Government this week.  However, we note that COVID transmission rates are up, reminding us all to be diligent in our commitments to follow safety protocols. 

 

With soccer now underway in many communities and games commencing again please remember to be safe.   In our recent meeting with Canada Soccer, provinces are beginning to report soccer-related transmission of COVID19. We remind you to:

 

continue to educate all participants that safety protocols MUST be maintained at all times.

review your emergency actions plans and processes frequently and prepare for reports of positive tests.  Do you have your contact tracing in place?  Do you have a communication protocol?  Are you organized to shut programming down if your group has been exposed? Are you aware of testing options?

With COVID cases on the rise and school fast approaching, we need to re-double our safety commitment efforts in all public interactions, at work, at home and in our communities.   Please be reminded: Tournaments, are not an option for SSA members at this time and participation outside of local community including inter-provincial and intra-provincial travel are not permitted.

Canada Soccer, in a recent communication, have clarified their position on in-person education and course delivery.    

 

Coaching C Licence (on-field assessment)

Community Stream Coaching Courses (on-field practical)

Entry Level Referee Course

 

We confirm that Canada Soccer organised courses and education sessions will not be delivered in-person for the remainder of 2020.” Peter Montopolli, General Secretary

 

In support of SSA’s continued commitment to participant safety, we will follow the lead of Canada Soccer and will not be offering in-person education for the remainder of 2020.

 

Coaching C Licence (on-field assessment)- all C License candidates wanting to complete their assessment can do so utilizing the video assessment option

Community Stream Coaching Courses (on-field practical)- while physical distancing measures remain in place, no in person components of the community coaching courses will take place. Any coach who has completed the online theory component will be able to coach for their upcoming season with the understanding that they must complete the in-person component in the future.

Entry Level Referee Course(on-field practical) - while physical distancing measures remain in place, no in person components of the Entry Level Referee Course will take place. Any referee who has completed the online theory component will be able to referee for their upcoming season with the understanding that they must complete the in-person component in the future.

We will continue to monitor COVID in the months ahead and should circumstances change we will communicate further details.

Detailed information will be released for C & B Licenses next week with information around cost, method of online delivery and timelines.   

 

Canada Soccer has begun contacting all coaches who registered for the Youth License online regarding their acceptance on to the Youth License course. If you have not heard from Canada Soccer yet, please contact Markus - cs4a@sasksoccer.com 

It has been a quite a good couple of weeks for Thomas Hasal with the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS is Back tournament.  

 

MLS Debut vs. Seattle Sounders

First Clean Sheet vs. Chicago Fire in a 2-0 victory which put them into the Round of 16

Second Clean Sheet vs. Sporting KC (VWFC lost in PKs)

Made MLS Team of the Week

Follow the Vancouver Whitecaps for the latest news and to let Thomas know how proud his home province is of him!

 

Twitter @WhitecapsFC and @ThomasHasal

Facebook @whitecapsfc

Instagram @whitecapsfc

We are very excited to share details on the upcoming CPL season.  We encourage all SSA Members to get behind the CPL, support your favorite club and our home-grown Canadian league.     

 

“The Island Games will commence on Thursday, August 13 with a rematch of the 2019 season finalists Forge FC vs Cavalry FC and will conclude in September with schedule announcement to come. 

 

All eight (8) Canadian Premier League Clubs will play: HFX Wanderers FC, Atlético Ottawa, York9 FC, Forge FC, Valour FC, FC Edmonton, Cavalry FC and Pacific FC. 

 

The season will begin with an 8-club first stage where each CPL team will play each other once (28 game total first phase), the top 4 clubs will advance to the second round 6 match group phase that will culminate with the top two clubs competing in a single match Final to be crowned the 2020 Canadian Premier League Champion…it will be a one-match Final to crown the 2020 Canadian Premier League Champion who will be awarded the North Star Shield and a 2021 CONCACAF League berth. …Fans will be able to view all matches broadcast exclusively on OneSoccer.” 

SERP and Candidate participants have continued to meet online throughout the COVID Suspension. Different presenters have provided a wide range of online education, with the most recent sessions being led by Canada Soccer National Assessor, Len Chelack. The referees are continually focused on development and support, as well, professional development opportunities have continued to be provided for SK’s top Referees.  

The Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto are conducting a study on parents of youth athletes across Canada. They are looking to understand how parents search for information about their children’s sports participation, such as how to support their child during competitions and how to identify signs of concussions, as well as other topics. 

  

With this research they are hoping that this will help to inform parents and sports organisations of the best way to provide information and encourage parents to seek information that can enable more positive and successful sports participation for youth athletes. To assist, please forward this article to any applicable parents or guardians in your organization or use the short blurb and links below.

 

“Do you have a child that currently, or has previously, participated in youth sports? If so, please complete the 10-minute survey to help us at the University of Toronto understand how parents search for information about youth sports participation." 

 

Recordings of past webinars and COVID 19 member calls can be found on our YouTube Channel.

 

August 11 - Member Discussion

 

September 8 - Member Discussion

 

Multisport Games and re-scheduled date confirmations 

 

Every Friday - Canada Soccer Podcast

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