Collingwood, ON. (November 30, 2021) – Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Alpine Ontario Alpin (AOA) will implement a policy mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for all participants in AOA events for the 2021-22 season. The scope of this policy applies to all participants in Provincial Events (e.g., FIS, Masters, U14 and U16, Coach Education EL, DL, PL courses, and In-Person Officials Courses) sanctioned, organized, or hosted by AOA, including but not limited to any employee, athletes, coaches, support staff, officials, volunteers, and other participants born in 2009 or earlier.
This means that all participating athletes, coaches, team staff, officials, event volunteers, and any other participants attending AOA events must have received the necessary doses of a Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the start of the event and produce proof of vaccination prior to entering the event premises. AOA will consider accommodations based on protected grounds of discrimination.
AOA is committed to taking every reasonable precaution to protect the health and safety of all stakeholders and the communities we operate in. We are also committed to compliance with all applicable public and occupational health and safety, human rights, privacy, and other laws in the development and implementation of the policy. In keeping with policies and directives of Provincial and Federal authorities and our partners in sport, the policy may be subject to review including and related to the 5-11 age group which is now approved for vaccination.
A great deal of advice and expertise was reviewed before enacting this policy, and we believe this policy, in conjunction with Alpine Canada’s (ACA) protocols at domestic World Cups, NorAms and Nationals, is the best approach for our ski racing community to move forward safely with the 2021-2022 calendar events.
Along with ACA and our fellow PTSOs, AOA aims to do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19, we are also strongly recommending COVID-19 vaccinations. AOA also supports its Members, Race Organizing Committees, local ski clubs, and ski areas and resorts that have already implemented mandatory vaccine requirements in their jurisdiction. AOA’s members and clubs are required to follow the advice of their provincial or regional public health authority as it relates to implementing the minimum standards specific to the prevention of COVID-19, including vaccinations.
To read the full AOA Covid vaccination policy, please click here.