Hi RCTFC parents and athletes,

We hope this message finds you and your families healthy and coping with society’s many changes as best possible.

As previously communicated, Royal City Track and Field had cancelled all practices until 01 June 2020, and suspended any coaching until that time, following BC Athletics’ directives.  This has been extended to at least the beginning of July due to the facilities remaining closed by the cities of both New Westminster and Burnaby until then.

At this time, it looks likely that we will be able to return to training in early July, but what we are training for remains unknown.  Optimistically, it would be for X-Country season in the fall, or for a resumption of track events in 2021.  Training is restricted to following all of the distancing and safety measures we have become familiar with recently, without anything being shared or touched by more than one person.  For this reason, most throws events and all jumps remain on hold, although technical aspects may be instructed.  We are also subject to maximum occupancy limits, without having exclusive access to Mercer.  More details regarding pandemic specific procedures will follow, once approved by the cities.

We continue to confirm our options.  However, the JD training season would have ended next week, and will not be extended.  Should we be able to practice during the summer, our focus will be for the athletes aged 14 and over, based on occupancy limits, distancing and other factors.  When XC begins in the fall, all age groups may be represented, but as with almost everything this year, we have no certainty.

All athletes remain registered members of the club and BCA.  BC Athletics has decided that no refunds will be issued for their membership fees; rather, all renewing members in 2021 will receive a 25% discount on their BCA fees.  We had suggested a full refund, or at least a change to a Training or Road & Trail membership was appropriate, but for reasons detailed in their release linked below they did not agree with us.  Any questions or concerns regarding this decision should be directed to BC Athletics, contact information is in the release.  https://www.bcathletics.org/News/bc-athletics-membership-fee-update/3004/  

The club membership fees for 2021 will not be confirmed until later in the year.  You no doubt recall that Royal City refunded our 2020 fees in full, and the BCA discount for 2021 will not apply to club fees. 

Your next communication will be from BCA through Trackie, advising you of additional waivers required, and how to access and complete them.  Once we return to training, any athlete wanting to take part in training must have completed the athlete and parent waivers online in advance of training or they will not be permitted to attend practices.  We are also required to confirm our contact information for all members, so if you are reading this message on the club website and did not receive your email from us please let us know.

Further updates will follow once we have complied with direction from BC Athletics and received the approval from our facility owners to move forward.  The health and welfare of our members remains our priority.  Stay Active, Healthy and Well.

Best Regards,

Ian Coutts

President, Royal City Track & Field Club