February 11th, 2022

Starting Monday, February 14, Waterloo County Secondary School Athletic Association (WCSSAA) sports will resume at Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) secondary schools. We are very excited that our secondary athletes and teams will be able to get back to sports next week.

To support the restarting of sports, WRDSB staff have developed protocols and guidelines to ensure everyone has equitable access and opportunity to safely participate in sports. Recognizing the shortened timelines and the cancellation of CWOSSA and OFSAA competitions, WCSSAA has made the decision to cancel all WCSSAA playoffs for the Winter season. This will allow us to maximize student participation and extend the season to Friday, March 11.

While we are excited for students and teams to resume play, we ask that student-athletes reach out to their coach to find out the status of their team due to personal health and safety reasons of students and staff.

COVID-19 Protocol for Student-Athletes

To prioritize safety, privacy, and equity of access, students must confirm full immunization against COVID-19 (two doses plus 14-day waiting period) or confirm negative rapid antigen test results to their school once per week. WCSSAA will continue to offer Rapid Antigen Testing Kits to those student-athletes who are not double vaccinated. 

Enhanced COVID-19 screening will also continue.

All students and staff participating in extracurricular sports will be required to wear a mask while on school property. However, the temporary removal of a mask for active participation in the activities will be allowed.

Indoor Spectators

Access to WRDSB schools continues to only be granted to essential visitors who provide direct service to students (registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, settlement workers, etc.).

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the WRDSB will not be allowing any non-essential spectators into indoor sporting events hosted at WRDSB sites. This includes non-coaching school staff, students, family members, media, sports enthusiasts, and community members. Games or practices that take place at local recreation facilities will have their own entry requirements.

We understand that watching our students compete is exciting. However, our top priority continues to be student and staff health and safety and well-being.

Spring Season

At this moment, we expect to begin the spring sports season after March Break.