The Mabel League takes the COVID-19 pandemic seriously. Our cancelled 2020 season represented what would have been the 30th year of consecutive fastpitch softball for queer women, nonbinary, and trans players, and women allies. We love playing softball – but we are only prepared to do so if we can do it safely, taking into account provincial and national guidelines and public health best practices.
Following the March 10th announcement from the Provincial Health Officer, Mabel is no longer requiring two doses of a federally-recognized COVID-19 vaccine to play in the 2022 season. Players are still encouraged to respect others’ comfort levels and to set clear boundaries regarding their own, and others’, health needs.
For our 2022 season, we have instituted a two-dose vaccine mandate. All players are required to be fully vaccinated with at least two doses of a federally-recognized COVID-19 vaccine. We have adopted this policy to help protect our communities and loved ones, and to allow us to play the game we love as safely as possible. Umpires will also be required to follow the vaccine mandate.
The following policies from our 2021 COVID-19 policy will still apply:
February 8th, 2021
This guideline is based on Softball BC’s “Return To Bases” guide, and is in conjunction with requirements of the Worksafe BC and the BC Health Authority.
GENERAL PROCEDURES:
Illness Procedure:
** If any player experiences COVID-19 symptoms they should remain at home **
These symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and painful swallowing, stuffy or runny nose, loss of sense of smell, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite.
If a player experiences any of these symptoms at the field they should leave the field immediately.
FIELD RULES:
- Pre game meetings will take place at home plate while respecting distancing of at least 2 metres (6ft). Only one representative per team and umpire (s) to attend the meeting.
- No handshake with the opposing team/officials after the game.
- Offensive coaches are to remain a minimum of two metres away from 1st and 3rd base at all times, regardless of where it may locate them on the diamond (as long as it doesn’t increase the danger to a coach’s personal safety).
- No player may lick their fingers during softball activities. If a player does lick their fingers while on the field, the player must leave the game and may only return to the game after they have sanitized or washed their hands with soap and water. Any player on the bench may replace the removed player and not be counted as a substitution leaving/re-entering the game.
We are hopeful for a great 2022 season, and thank you all in advance for your efforts to keep us all safe!
Sincerely,
The Mabel League Exec