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Impacts of Gov’t of ON COVID-19 Regulations

The Government of Ontario announced new restrictions on January 3, 2022. Section 19 of  O.Reg 263/20 guides Sport and Recreational activities.  At this time the impact on cross country skiing is minimal.  Programming and competitions can continue. As always, activities should be planned in consultation with and guided by Local Public Health Units while following strict adherence to public health guidelines.  Please note a COVID safety plan must be in place.

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Ontario Cup #2 (Sudbury) Cancelled

It is with great disappointment that we announce the cancellation of Ontario Cup #2.  The race was intended to be held Jan 15/16 at Walden Cross Country in Sudbury.  The Public Health Unit Sudbury & District has implemented strict public health measures including limiting outdoor events to 25 people.  The Local Organizing Committee met with the Public Health Unit and were advised that holding the OCup was not possible given the current COVID-19 situation in the region.

Thank you to the Walden Local Organizing Committee for their continued dedication to hosting events in Ontario.  XCSO will continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation in the province and provide updates as we navigate the pandemic for a second competitive season.

Nordiq Canada Race License Update

Purchase your 2020/2021 Nordiq Canada race license until Dec 9 at 12:00 pm.  Read more HERE.

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Cross Country Ski Ontario Competition Vaccination Mandate Policy

Cross Country Ski Ontario’s Board of Directors has approved a Vaccination Mandate Policy for all Ontario Cups, Youth Championships and District Series events.  The full policy is HERE.

Background information:

Cross Country Ski Ontario’s Board of Directors has passed a motion that all coaches, athletes, officials and volunteers who are eligible to be vaccinated (ages 12 & older) will be required to be fully vaccinated to participate at all XCSO  competitions.  Competitions affected include Ontario Cups, Youth Championships and District Series.  XCSO also strongly recommends that all clubs follow this vaccination policy at interclub competitions.  

XCSO continues to follow indicators from the government, public health guidance, and other sports organizations. While predominantly an outdoor sport where risk is lower, our sport has a significant reliance on indoor spaces due to inclement weather, cold temperatures, and wax facilities.  It is incumbent on XCSO to mitigate risk and maintain the safety of all participants including those who have health issues, and those who are unable to be vaccinated due to eligibility or a medical exemption. This is supported by Nordiq Canada.

Accommodations will be made based on direction from the Ontario Human Rights Commission policy statement on Vaccination mandates.  Medical exemptions will be accommodated based on the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Medical Exemptions to the COVID-19 Vaccination.

Comments/feedback should be directed to Liz Inkila.

 

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21-22 SFQ-XCSO NF Wax Protocol

The International Ski Federation (FIS) and Nordiq Canada are working toward a complete fluoro ban in the near future. Problems with the fluoro detection unit have delayed implementation for FIS level races.

This coming season (2021-22) is a year of continued transition from fluoros to no-fluoros. We acknowledge that residual fluoros will be present in everyone’s wax rooms and tools for some time to come. Cross Country Ski Ontario (XCSO) and Ski de Fond Quebec (SFQ) do not have tests readily available and expect coaches, technicians, parents, and athletes to do their best to
follow and respect the guidelines outlined below.

High fluoro (HF) waxes will remain in use at FIS sanctioned events for the U20 and Open categories, at least until 2022-23. Tier 2 events (OCups/Regional CPL races) however, will be no-fluoro (NF).

XCSO and SFQ will also impose further NF restrictions to lessen the number of waxes required for purchase and to uphold the intent of the past Low Fluoro (LF) policies. These include but are not limited to, more coaching time with athletes rather than waxing, less investment in waxes and different wax types & healthier wax room environments.

Protocol: 211104 – XCSO-SFQ Wax Protocol – Final (1)

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Cross Country Ski Ontario Competition Vaccination Mandate

Cross Country Ski Ontario’s Board of Directors has passed a motion that all coaches, athletes, officials and volunteers who are eligible to be vaccinated (ages 12 & older) will be required to be fully vaccinated to participate at all XCSO  competitions.  Competitions affected include Ontario Cups, Youth Championships and District Series.  XCSO also strongly recommends that all clubs follow this vaccination policy at interclub competitions.  

XCSO continues to follow indicators from the government, public health guidance, and other sports organizations. While predominantly an outdoor sport where risk is lower, our sport has a significant reliance on indoor spaces due to inclement weather, cold temperatures, and wax facilities.  It is incumbent on XCSO to mitigate risk and maintain the safety of all participants including those who have health issues, and those who are unable to be vaccinated due to eligibility or a medical exemption. This is supported by Nordiq Canada.

Accommodations will be made based on direction from the Ontario Human Rights Commission policy statement on Vaccination mandates.  Medical exemptions will be accommodated based on the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Medical Exemptions to the COVID-19 Vaccination.

Full details will be released in due course.  Comments/feedback should be directed to Liz Inkila [email protected].

 

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XCSO Community Update

Join XCSO in a Community Update on Monday, October 18th at 8pm.

Agenda:

  1. XCSO Workshop and Apply It Day
  2. District Development Coordinators Programming/Plans update
  3. Ontario Team Programming for 2021/2022
  4. Competition calendar
  5. Return to Sport Protocols

XCSO is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Community Update
Time: Oct 18, 2021 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89210784657

Meeting ID: 892 1078 4657
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2021/2022 Ontario Cup Bid Package

Another season is upon us and we are hoping to offer our Ontario Cup series in 2021/2022 – COVID restrictions and travel restrictions permitting.  Deadline for bid submissions is September 6th.  Bid document HERE.

Coupe Skinouk Rollerski race – Sept 18/19, 2021

After a one-season hiatus because of COVID-19 in 2020, the Coupe Skinouk Rollerski will be back this year. The information regarding the event has not all been finalized but Club Skinouk suggests that you reserve the dates of September 18 and 19, 2021 in your calendar in order to participate or to encourage people around you to participate. You can be also a volunteer!