U SPORTS, Canada’s national governing body of university sport, has announced new vaccine requirements for all participants at national championship events in the upcoming year.
In a release from U SPORTS on Thursday, the organization revealed that as of November 8, 2021, all participants will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their arrival at any national championship event.
This includes all student-athletes, coaches, team support staff, athletic therapists and medical staff.
The vaccination requirements will also extend to officials, event staff, event medical staff, technical delegates and any travelling team delegates.
The requirement from U SPORTS is the participants must be fully vaccinated with a gap of at least 14 days after their second dose or the same time after their only dose of a one-dose immunization that has been approved by Health Canada.
An exemption to full vaccinations is offered if a participant is able to present a valid basis for accommodation. This would be a reason which falls within a protected ground of discrimination under applicable human rights legislation. Any accommodations would need to be presented prior to their arrival at any U SPORTS National Championship event, which is also inclusive of any ancillary events.
The news comes amid the same week that students returned to school at post-secondary institutions. Here on Vancouver Island, the Island Health Authority is setting up pop-up clinics at post-secondary institutions in an effort to make it easier for students to get doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Graham Cox
