Hip Hip Hooray is done

[The Franchise]

Maybe it was only sent to GEU teams? I couldn't imagine why....

Coming from a Whalley kid that means alot

 

[peg_rangers]

Does anyone have the actual email?

This was sent to me by the club (SFC)


Advisories for soccer players, churchgoers

2010 athletes told to use elbow taps, nods

By Elaine O'Connor, The Province; with Canwest News Service files October 3, 2009


Sports teams, church congregations and Olympic athletes are among groups in B.C. being warned to stop shaking hands until the threat of H1N1 abates.

The B.C. Soccer Association has posted an advisory on its website warning clubs, districts and leagues about the need to stop the spread of the virus.

It is encouraging parents to "keep their children away from the soccer environment if they are showing any signs of infectious illness or virus," and to "ensure full recovery prior to returning to play."

On the field, players are being told to "use your own water bottle . . . avoid direct lip contact with the container and do not use sport-drink bottles that don't squirt."

Teams are also being asked to consider "alternate ways to shake opponents' hands at the end of the match" -- such as "a group cheer or a pass-by without contact."

Bjorn Osieck, executive director of the BCSA, which represents 125,000 players, said the guidelines are just common sense.

"In any regular flu season, this seems to be a prudent thing to consider. And certainly under the whole H1N1 situation, it's probably even more timely and important."

B.C. hockey teams are also ramping up regulations in preparation for hockey and flu seasons.


"We are recommending that if they are going to shake hands, they should do it with their gloves on instead of with their bare hands," said B.C. Hockey vice-president Shannon Bell, whose association represents about 50,000 youth.

Hockey Canada hasn't outlawed handshaking, but instead is stressing hand-washing.


B.C. Hockey president Rick Boekestyn said his organization trusts that the hygiene measures will keep the virus at bay.

Professional athletes are also avoiding unnecessary contact. Last week, medical officials with the Canadian Olympic Committee advised athletes to give elbow taps or nods instead of shaking hands or kissing cheeks while greeting other athletes at the 2010 Games.

The Olympics are "where viruses of the world come to meet," warned COC chief medical officer Dr. Bob McCormack.


Even churches are advising sick parishioners to miss mass, omit the sign-of-peace handshake and alter Communion rituals for flu season.

"Missing mass due to illness is not sinful; it is prudent and shows respect for your brothers and sisters," Archbishop of Vancouver Most Reverend J. Michael Miller explained on the Roman Catholic Archdiocese website -- adding that, "at the Sign of Peace, you may choose to make a slight bow, without offering your hand."

The diocese, which oversees 86 B.C. parishes, also advised churches to stop offering Communion "wine" from shared chalices and has ordered ministers to wash hands before and after administering communion.

eoconnor@theprovince.com

 

[Yoda]

Don't know why it means so much to you Franchise, The message was sent out to GEU teams only, to warn them not to shake hands with the Whalley kids.

Unfortunate really. You try to teach your kids sportsmanship, then have to tell them it's not a good idea to shake another kids hands cuz they might them sick?