To our members and wrestling community:

BC Wrestling Association would like to thank you for your continued patience during this time. As you may all know, in the interest of our members, athletes and greater community, BCWA Spring wrestling events including the 2020 Spring Break Camp were postponed. Along with this, Wrestling Canada Lutte made the difficult decision to postpone the U17/U19 National Championships due to the concern surrounding the spread of the novel corona virus (COVID-19). The BCWA recognizes that many members and athletes had submitted payment for the Spring Break Camp and BCWA U17/U19 National Sanction Fee prior to the events being postponed. Refunds for the Spring Break Camp and Sanction Fee will be distributed to all members who submitted payment. In light of the current circumstances, please advise that these refunds will take some time to be distributed, but will be done as soon as possible
​
For up-to date information on the developing COVID-19 situation, please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control. If you have any questions, please see the Centre’s common questions page.

Wrestling Canada Statement: https://wrestling.ca/news/

​Hello,

Please read this message from the BC Games Society.

March 25, 2020

The BC Games Society, with the support of the Province of BC and the City of Maple Ridge, has made the difficult decision to cancel the Maple Ridge 2020 BC Summer Games.
 
Cancelling the Games was determined to be the most responsible precautionary measure to address concerns around the spread of COVID-19 and is supported by the Maple Ridge 2020 BC Summer Games Host Society. With up to 3,700 athletes, coaches, and officials anticipated to arrive in Maple Ridge for the BC Summer Games, necessary steps had to be taken to ensure the health and safety of the community and participants.
 
During this rapidly changing situation with COVID-19, the BC Games Society will continue to update you on plans going forward. We value our participants, host communities, and sport partners, and appreciate your patience as we do our part to support all of the unprecedented steps taking place to slow the spread of COVID-19.
 
We remain exceptionally grateful for your support and want to recognize how vital your work is to the success of the Games.

The full news release can be found on our website at www.bcgames.org/News/Latest-News/ArtMID/1810/ArticleID/1895/2020-BC-Summer-Games-cancelled-Maple-Ridge-to-Host-2024.

Alison Noble
President and CEO
BC Games Society

SPORT MEDICINE ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE:

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is over 350,000 globally, with approximately 100,000 recovered and over 15,000 deaths. The number of new cases continues to increase rapidly. Over 32,000 new cases were reported in the world yesterday, with the largest surges seen in USA, Italy, and Germany. 
 
In Canada, the numbers continue to rise quickly, with nearly 1,500 confirmed cases, 20 deaths. The Public Health Agency of Canada still states that the overall risk of infection in Canada is low, but the caseload has risen dramatically in the last week. There were 142 new cases reported on March 22, after two days of having had nearly 250 new cases per day. Continuing to slow the spread of this disease must be our current national and global priority.
 
Yesterday the COC and CPC made the difficult decision not to send a team to Tokyo in 2020 to minimize the risk to athletes who feel they need to continue training for July 2020 and to minimize the risk to their families and community.
 
Hygiene and Social Precautions:

• All Canadians should stay at home, work from home, and exercise at home to the extent this is possible.
• Maintain a distance of 2 metres from other people.
• There is a preferred hierarchy for handling coughs and sneezes.

1. Best practice is to expel respiratory droplets into disposable tissue, dispose of it safely, then immediately wash or sanitize hands.
2. Expelling respiratory droplets onto a flexed elbow is better than no protection or an unprotected hand but it is non-optimal, as virus then remains on either the clothing or skin of the elbow depending on attire, either of which then need to be washed.

• For protection of others – assume you are infected and behave as such.
• For your protection – assume all others are infected and behave as such.

 
Updated Government of Canada Recommendations:

• All non-essential travel outside Canada is to be avoided, the US border is closed to non-essential traffic. All Canadians currently abroad are urged to return to Canada ASAP.
• All travellers returning from any destination outside of Canada are required to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of return (see the infographic below for specific information on what is involved in self-isolation).

 
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE: SELF-MONITORING, SELF-ISOLATION, AND ISOLATION FOR COVID-19
 
Sports and Institutes:
COPSIN is fully supportive of the decision made by COC and CPC yesterday not to send athletes to the Tokyo Summer Games if they occur this year.
 
At this time, athletes are strongly recommended to reduce training regimens aimed at peak performance capacity at Tokyo 2020 Summer Games, and instead exercise moderately in isolation from others to maintain general health, work on stability, core strength, fundamental movement quality, and so on.
 
Under the guidance of their NSO coaches, athletes should seek out specific support services to manage transitions in exercise, nutrition, and health needs. The first recommended contacts for physical and mental health issues should be NSO Physicians and NSO Mental Performance / Sport Psychology providers. Athletes who do not have access to NSO health professionals can obtain advice from relevant professionals at COPSIN Institutes and Centres as listed below:
 
CSI Pacific

• Chief Medical Officer Dr. Paddy McCluskey ( 250-588-6076 / pmccluskey@csipacific.ca)
• Nutrition Lead Susan Boegman (250-882-7001 / sboegman@csipacific.ca)
• Sport Psychology Lead (778-678-8088 / shoar@csipacific.ca)

 
Training and Training Environments:

• It is currently recommended that all Canadians should stay at home and exercise at home to the extent that is possible.
• Canadians who should be self-isolating for reasons of recent travel, any symptoms of illness, or contact with ill persons should NOT exercise in outdoor environments; they must remain at home.
• Athletes with symptoms of illness are advised not to exercise and seek medical advice.
• Athletes are strongly recommended to reduce training regimes for the purposes of performance gains related to Tokyo preparation.
• For a home based program athletes should work specifically with their HPD and team Coaches for your needs.

1. You should be exercising alone in open spaces or in your house as per current recommendations.
2. Spacing of 2 metres between people must be maintained.
3. Do not share equipment; each athlete must use their own equipment.
4. If training in indoor environments, wash or disinfect your hands before and after touching any equipment or surfaces. Disinfect all touched surfaces with EPA-approved disinfectants (70% alcohol, quaternary ammonium chlorides, 4% hydrogen peroxide).

 
Mental Health:
Athletes are encouraged to seek out their NSO MPC/Sport Psychologist or speak with a CMO (see below for contact details) to address any mental health needs. Additional mental health support services include:

• Mental Health Leads at their CSIs/CSCs as listed above 
• GamePlan - https://mygameplan.ca/resources/health
• CCHMS as listed below

1. Referrals can be made online, by email, or by phone:
2. Online at www.ccmhs-ccsms.ca/refer
3. By email at INFO@CCMHS-CCSMS.CA
4. Contact Poppy DesClouds, MPC, CCMHS Care Coordinator at 613-454-1409 ext. 2090

 
The National Sport Partners have initiated a COVID-19 Mental Health Task Group that will coordinate sharing of best practice within the community of Mental Performance Consultants (MPCs) and Sport Psychologists. National initiatives will be driven by the Task Group, if needed, in response to NSO-driven requests and needs. For more information speak to your NSO or COPSIN MPC/Sport Psychologist or Chief Medical Officer (see below for contact details).
 
Nutrition for Athletes in Isolation
While athletes may find themselves in isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important to keep nutrition top of mind.  Work directly with your team or institute nutritionist and follow these quick tips to ensure that you’re tailoring your nutrition to best suit your current needs and to maintain the training gains you’ve had all year long, while keeping your health optimized.
 

• KEEP TO A REGULAR EATING SCHEDULE: This will prevent boredom and mindless eating, which can lead to excess unwanted (and needed) calories! Ask yourself Are You Hungry first, if YES, then PLAN what you will have, and listen to satiety cues and stop when you’re full!
• KEEP THE FIBER UP!: If you’re moving less overall due to confined spaces, be sure to get adequate amounts of daily soluble and insoluble fiber to keep the bowels moving while also helping you to feel fuller longer; preventing the late night Netflix munchies.
• STAY HYDRATED: Dehydration can increase levels of stress hormones, something we all don’t need more of right now.  Drink 2-4 L of fluid such as water, carbonated water, tea, coffee, milk, or small amounts of 100% juice. If your first urine after waking up is the colour of lemonade, you're doing well. Limit Alcohol!
• REDUCE OVERALL ENERGY INTAKE: Depending on what types of at home training you’re doing, it is most likely that your total volume and intensities will be decreased from normal training loads.  It will be individual but can average a reduction from 500-1000 calories/day, mainly from starchy and simple carbohydrates (Grains and Fruits) and fats. See example below. TIP: reduce your usual plate/bowl size to reduce overall portions and limit snacking.
• KEEP PROTEIN HIGH!: It is important to continue with your regular protein needs, as this will help to minimize any lean muscle mass loss during reduced strength training. Focus on high quality proteins: Poultry, meat, fish (canned or dried!), eggs, dairy (and lactose free dairy), soy (edamame), and quinoa (good sub when there is no rice!). 
• CONTINUE WITH YOUR REGULAR NUTRITION SUPPLEMENTATION PROTOCOL: This means if you were taking for ex. iron, Vitamin D, B12 etc. for clinical deficiencies, DONT FORGET TO CONTINUE THEM!

 
Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) Update:

• The CCES has significantly reduced operations, testing only where necessary and possible. (Read our updated advisory note here: https://cces.ca/news/updated-cces-statement-regarding-covid-19)
• CCES are following guidance from public health officials and any decision to test is being taken with full consideration for the health of athletes, sample collection personnel and public health.
• During this time athletes are still subject to the CADP.
• Athletes who are part of the CCES’ or their international federation’s Registered Testing Pool should complete their whereabouts as best they can before the deadlines.
• Athletes are reminded to verify the status of medications using the Global DRO (www.globaldro.com) and to submit an application for a Therapeutic Use Exemption if prescribed a prohibited substance.
• The CCES’ athlete services team are also available to provide support for online learning.

 

Advisory on COVID-19
​19 March 2020
​
SPORT MEDICINE ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE:

As of March 19 the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is over 220,000 globally, with approximately 85,000 recovered and over 9,000 deaths. The largest surges in cases continue to be in Europe with Italy, France, Germany and Spain being hardest hit. There are 171 countries reporting cases. Of note significantly, there are NO new local cases reported in China.The WHO has declared COVID-19 as a pandemic.
 
In Canada, the numbers are rising at an accelerated rate, with over 725 confirmed cases, with 9 deaths. The Public Health Agency of Canada still states that the overall risk of infection in Canada is low, but the entire nation needs to work together to “flatten the epidemic curve” through minimizing spread is key. All Canadians are requested to stay home and work from home, practice social distancing (2m distance) if at all possible.
 
The existing strong advice on the importance of hand and facial hygiene and “social distancing” still holds.
 
Updated Government of Canada Recommendations:

• All non-essential travel outside Canada is to be avoided, the US border is closed to non-essential traffic.
• All Canadians currently abroad are urged to return to Canada ASAP.
• All travellers returning from any destination outside of Canada are required to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of return (see the infographic below for specific information on what is involved in self-isolation).
• As the possibility of coming in contact with someone with confirmed COVID 19 increases, we have included this link from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) on self monitoring and isolation.
• If you have symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat) when attempting to board a plane to return to Canada you will not be allowed on the flight.
• Airlines are reducing capacity and flights (e.g. - Air Canada is operating at 50% of normal capacity), such that it may be difficult to return to Canada later.
• As of 18 March, international arrivals by air (excluding USA, Caribbean, and Mexico) will only be through Toronto, Montreal, Calgary or Vancouver.
• There is enhanced screening and advice on self-isolation at all airports (see the infographic below).

 
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE: SELF-MONITORING, SELF-ISOLATION, AND ISOLATION FOR COVID-19
 
Sports and Institutes:

• The IOC and IPC are working daily with International Sport Federations to develop fair alternate qualifying processes. 
• INS, CSIO, CSIC, CSCS, CSCM, CSIP and CSCA are all physically closed but are providing remote services as many staff are working from home. Contact your regional institute or centre as below for details on accessing service.

 
CSI Pacific

• All CSI Pacific staff are working remotely and at present, providing only remote support and services to their sporting partners.
• As the Camosun Athletic and Exercise Therapy Clinic is closed, Medical and Paramedical providers are also only able to provide remote services at this time. If an athlete would like a medical consultation, please contact CSI Pacific CMO Dr. McCluskey at pmccluskey@csipacific.ca.
• If an athlete would like a physiotherapy consultation, please email Sue Lott at suzyqlott@gmail.com
• If you would like a Strength and Conditioning Consult, please contact your sport's CSI Pacific S&C lead
• If you would like a Physiology consult, please consult your sports physiology lead.

Additional Information

• NSOs determine optimal adapted training environments and strategies to support athlete training and overall well-being. NSOs are encouraged to contact CSIs/CSCs to communicate required initiatives or support to meet athlete needs.
• As noted before athletes should not seek on-site medical attention for respiratory conditions (cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat) at CSI/CSC clinics if they are feeling ill. Consult with local public health authorities or CMOs by telephone or email to discuss treatment, isolation or the need for testing.
• Over the last 48 hours there have been multiple closures and restrictions on public gatherings, restaurants, bars, casinos, gyms, libraries, etc. across the country. This varies by region. Check the provincial links here (PROVINCIAL LINKS) or your own city links for details and specifics.

 
Caution re: Anti-Inflammatory Medications / NSAIDS

• As reported by WHO and in the British Medical Journal published 17 Mar, people with suspected COVID-19 should avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (so-called NSAIDs such as: ibuprofen / Advil / Motrin; naproxen / Aleve; diclofenac / Voltaren; ASA / Aspirin; others) for symptoms and use acetaminophen / Tylenol instead. 
• The use of NSAIDs may lead to more serious symptoms of respiratory or septic complications and cardiovascular complications. 
• If symptomatic relief of fever or aches and pains is required, use acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol or other brands thereof), not NSAIDs.

 
Training Environments:

• NSOs should withhold athletes/coaches/staff with symptoms from attending training.
• Medical advice recommends that self-isolation includes staying at home and avoiding all mass gatherings and public transport. Training outside (e.g. running) is permissible in isolation; avoiding social gatherings or training groups.
• Spacing of 2 metres or greater for exercising athletes (equivalent to 4m2 = 45ft2 floor space per athlete in indoor spaces) is recommended and should be adopted by NSOs in terms of athlete and equipment spacing.
• If training facilities are still accessible NSOs should check with facility cleaning services regarding cleaning fluids and enhanced practices to ensure optimal effectiveness of products, and to ensure that cleaning is directed at surfaces frequently touched by hands rather than floors and walls, etc.
• NSOs should strongly review training in public venues that they cannot control for enhanced hygienic practices or social spacing appropriate to athletes. Consider off-hour use and NSO involvement in monitoring of cleaning.

 
Mental Health:

• It is important to attend to the mental health of athletes whose training or qualification for 2020 Summer Games may have been interrupted by this pandemic.
• Athletes can reach out to mental health professionals or mental performance consultants through their NSO or at regional institutes by email.
• Please see the linked infographic from Game Plan for additional advice below.

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL TEAM ATHLETE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

Please review these health guidelines as recommended by viaSport.

March 17, 2020
To focus efforts on containment of COVID-19 in British Columbia, public health officials have implemented the following measures:
For sport organizations:

• Event cancellations: Event organizers are now required to cancel any gathering with more than 50 people – view the joint statement. For gatherings under 50 people, see the Public Health Agency of Canada's "Risk Informed Decision Making" tool. Decisions to cancel events should also include an assessment on the event’s overall viability if attendance is reduced. We encourage you to keep public health and safety in mind at this time. If your event is postponed or cancelled, please take efforts to notify attendees/participants by email, or by posting updates on your website and social media.
• Workplace recommendations: Workplaces should consider social distancing measures. View up-to-date information for businesses and employers from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control here.
• Non-essential travel: Federal authorities have indicated that Canadians are to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada, including the United States. Canadians and permanent residents currently outside the country should make plans to return home immediately.
• Return from travel protocol: For those returning to Canada after international travel, including the U.S., it is currently requested that they self-isolate for 14 days. See guidelines and more information on self-isolation and monitoring here.

For participants, athletes, parents, fans and volunteers:

• Current information on event cancellations:  For specific sport sector event status, please visit the sport organization’s website, or the event website, for the most up-to-date status of events and programming as things are shifting daily.
• Recreation centres: Please visit your local municipal web and social media sites to stay up to date on closures of recreation centres, ice rink and pools. The B.C. Recreation and Park Association website also has a COVID-19 updates page.
• School sports: At this time school sports competitions remain at the discretion of the school and school district. Please contact your school coach or Athletic Director for the most up to date information. Also, updates can be found at B.C. School Sports.
• Community responsibility: Please take care of yourselves and your communities. Shop responsibly to ensure supplies are plentiful and available for all of those who need them. Check in on your neighbours, teammates and family members, while working to practice social distancing.

For up-to date information on the developing COVID-19 situation, please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control. If you have any questions, please see the Centre’s common questions page.

News Links:
Langely Events Center Press Release: Maple Ridge Takes Team Title
Burnaby Now: Burnaby trio grab hold of B.C. gold
Williams Lake Tribune: Falcons wrestlers leave it all on the mat

Register for the March 28th 2020 BC Indigenous Provincial Wrestling Camp! The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (ISPARC) is pleased to present this provincial athlete development camp in partnership with the Golden Ears Metis Society and the BC Wrestling Association.

Come and join facilitator Rob Smyth - Team BC Coach 2020 North American Indigenous Games. Rob is the coach of the Xwemelch'stn Wrestling Program in North Vancouver and has 20 years coaching experience with elementary and high school wrestling programs. This event is sanctioned by BC Wrestling.

Camp Flyer
To access the camp flyer, please click on the link below.
Link to Camp flyer: 2020 CAMP FLYER

​Who: BC Indigenous Youth (all genders). All levels welcome from beginners to experienced wrestlers.

Ages: 10 - 18

When:
Saturday, March 28, 2020
9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Instruction will be based on age and wrestling experience.

Where:
Westview Secondary School
20905 Wicklund Avenue
Maple Ridge, BC
V2X 8E8

Cost: FREE!!! Thanks to the support of the Province of BC, there is not a fee to participate in the camp. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

Please wear proper indoor shoes and comfortable clothing for physical activity

Host Contact:
Alana Cook
Phone: 250-940-4919
Email: acook@isparc.ca

Registration Deadline: Athletes must register before Wednesday, March 22nd to secure a spot. Registration must be completed online by clicking on the following link: https://aboriginalsportbc.wufoo.com/forms/2020-bc-indigenous-provincial-wrestling-camp/
 
CAMP SCHEDULE:
9:15- Athlete Check-in
9:30 - Welcome and Introductions
10:00 - Warm up, Skill Development and Training
12:00 - Lunch (provided)
12:45 - Skill Development and Training
3:00 - End of Camp

Instruction will be based on age and wrestling experience.
​
Lunch and snacks will be provided for the duration of the camp. Intermittent rest and water breaks as needed.

Additional Information-2020 North American Indigenous Games:
This camp is not a Halifax 2020 North American Games Selection camp, however, it provides a premium development and training opporuntity for athletes. Eligible athletes wishing to be considered for Team BC for the 2020 North American Indigenous Games,   please complete a separate formal "Expression of Interest" application found by following the link below:
https://aboriginalsportbc.wufoo.com/forms/athlete-expression-of-interest-team-bc-wrestling/  ​