On September 3 the Ontario Basketball Association (OBA) announced a proof-of-vaccination policy that will apply for access to all Ontario Basketball games and events for the 2021-22 season, with additional details to follow (see the announcement from OBA). The executive of the Eastern Ontario Basketball Association (EOBA), who’s membership includes over 25 local area basketball associations, has agreed to implement the OBA policy for all EOBA games and events during the 2021-22 season.

The Ottawa South Basketball Association (OSBA) has been a long-standing member of both the OBA and the Eastern Ontario Basketball Association (EOBA). In an effort to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 OSBA will therefore be following OBA and EOBA guidance and implementing a proof of vaccine policy for the 2021-22 season.

Due to the close contact nature of our sport, getting vaccinated is an important element in protecting the health and well-being of all participants—players, coaches, referees, and spectators.

Our vaccine mandate includes the following details:

· All players born in 2009 or earlier must be fully vaccinated before participating in any tryouts, practices, games, or other activities in the 2021-22 season.
· To date, players born in 2010 or later have been eligible to participate in OSBA tryouts, practices, games, and other activities. Based on updated vaccine eligibility for youth age 5 to 11 all players in this age group must receive their first vaccine dose by December 31, 2021 and their second dose by March 1 2022.
· All coaches, assistant coaches, and team managers must be fully vaccinated before participating in any tryouts, practices, games, or other activities in the 2021-22 season.
· All referees and scorekeepers must be fully vaccinated before participating in any games, or other activities in the 2021-22 season.
· All other volunteers must be fully vaccinated before participating in any tryouts, practices, games, or other activities in the 2021-22 season.

Proof of vaccination will be displayed to the designated OSBA representative at each OSBA event or game.

Participation in OSBA tryouts, practices, games, or other activities will be prohibited unless proof of vaccination has been provided and you have received confirmation to participate.

Participants who are unwilling or unable to provide proof of full vaccination will be unable to engage in any OSBA tryouts, practices, games, or other activities in the 2021-22 season.

Individuals who have already pre-registered for the 2021-22 season and are unable or unwilling to provide proof of full vaccination will receive a full refund upon request.

Individuals who attempt to participate in OSBA tryouts, practices, games, or other activities in the 2021-22 season without providing the required proof of full vaccination will forfeit their registration refund.

Throughout this season all participants will also be expected to follow all applicable current and future public health protocols such as screening, hygiene, masking, and capacity limits.

One is considered to be fully vaccinated if they have received two doses (or one, in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) of a Health Canada approved vaccine, and that vaccination has taken place at least 14-days prior.

If you have any questions please contact osbapresident@hotmail.com.

We understand that vaccine policies can be a polarizing issue for many members of our community and thank you, in advance, for your understanding as we do our best to provide a safe, healthy and secure environment for all OSBA members.

Please continue to visit www.ottawasouthbasketball.ca often for program updates and news.

Posted in Uncategorized