Soccer Association warns of stiff penalties for anyone breaking COVID-19 rules

A lifetime ban. The Calgary Minor Soccer Association sends a stern warning to coaches and parents that participating in sanctioned activities during the COVID-19 could lead to stiff penalties.

CALGARY (CityNews) – Three strikes and you’re out. Mixing sports metaphors, that’s what the Calgary Minor Soccer Association (CMSA) says will happen to anyone breaking COVID-19 rules during Canada Soccer’s suspension.

According to an email sent to parents and coaches, the punishment for participating in sanctioned activities, including practices, camps and games, ranging from a one year ban for a first offence to a lifetime ban for a third offence.

The CMSA’s Susan Cress said the association has received emails and text messages with “ pictures of full teams practicing in the field, of coaches conducting training without the physical distancing protocols being in place.”

The warning also comes less than a week after a Calgary dad and volunteer coach received a $1,200 ticket from police while doing skills training with his son and a few friends.

“The worst thing in the world is when we have coaches getting tickets for not adhering to social distancing,” said Cress

The news has soccer parents wondering if their kids could be punished for kicking the ball around with a couple of teammates under the supervision of a volunteer coach.

“The email I received last night just totally muddied the waters. I guess I don’t trust those in authority right now, either the CMSA or others who are enforcing this to enforce it appropriately,” said concerned soccer parent Sarah Williams.

“If there are two or three kids going out and a parent is also a coach, I don’t see us being in any space to kind of pull that back,” added Cress.

Alberta’s chief medical officer of health has said sports teams are free to practice outside, as long as they follow public health measures like physical distancing, while also promising specific guidance for outdoor sports by the end of the week.

The City of Calgary has also tried to make its position clear with a public order explaining how training and practice can safely take place.

For the CMSA, however, it needs to get the green light from its insurance company to hold any training.

“I think we need to have very clear rules because they’re children. The impact of how this happens right now could be significant for the next 10 years,” said Williams.

So, while professional leagues start to resume play, parents and kids are left hoping their next trip to the soccer field won’t lead to a red card.

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