COVID-19 Updates for Fitness Leaders
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Please read the impact notices below.
We will keep this page updated as the situation changes.
Latest update: March 10, 2022
Dr. Henry announced that as of 12:01am Friday March 11th, the Face Covering Order will be repealed. Masking will no longer be a requirement in indoor public spaces, including work spaces. As you know, masking outdoors was never a PHO requirement.
In addition, on April 8th at 12:01am the Proof of Vaccination requirement will be lifted, as well as the requirement for COVID-19 safety plans (they will revert to the communicable disease plans).
The provincial government’s decision is based on the high vaccination rate, lowering of the transmission rate, lower ICU and hospital admissions, and decreased severity of disease for the vaccinated who do get infected. Therefore, masks are no longer required in any venue. This will include schools.
We understand that this return to a mask-free environment may take some time for adjustment as people step into this transition phase at different paces. Employers and businesses may continue to require mask wearing, but a PHO or WorkSafe requirement is no longer in place. Notice of the PoV repeal timeline will enable our sector to prepare.
Dr. Henry noted that we will remain in the pandemic phase for the year ahead as our health leaders worldwide gain a thorough understanding of seasonality and mutations. We may need to return to some public health measures in the future.
Update: February 15, 2022
Indoor and outdoor gathering restrictions will be lifted February 16th at 11:59pm (the last minute of the day).
Remaining in place are the mask mandate for indoor public spaces, Proof of Vaccine (PoV), and COVID19 safety plans.
As of February 16th at 11:59pm, the following will have restrictions removed:
- Recreation programs, fitness, aquatics, rinks, tournaments – return to full capacity, no physical distancing, no administrative barriers, no spectator restrictions (PoV and masking are still required).
- Indoor organized gatherings (ex: receptions, parties) return to full capacity, no requirement to remain seated or maintain physical distance, and all may dance (PoV and masking are still required).
- Indoor ticketed seated events (ex: sports, theatre) returns to 100% capacity, no requirement to remain seated (PoV and masking are still required).
- Outdoor organized gatherings return to 100% capacity.
PoV and mask requirements will be re-evaluated on March 15 (prior to Spring Break) and April 12 (prior to Easter).
Update: January 19, 2022
The Ministry of Health’s (BCCDC) Indoor Exercise, Fitness, & Dance Class Facility COVID-19 Guidance document is now available and provides more details on what is required with the reopening of facilities and services.
Some notable restrictions mentioned in the new guidance document, in addition to what was noted in the January 18, 2022 update (below), include:
- All group fitness and exercise classes have a capacity limit of 25 people, regardless of the enormity of the space,
- 2m recommendation between patrons while exercising,
- Instructors do not need to wear a mask when exercising (e.g. leading a group fitness class) although it is recommended,
- All individuals, including personal trainers and instructors, must wear masks when not exercising.
Update: January 18, 2022
Fitness facilities may re-open on January 20th for both individual and group fitness.
There will be some restrictions similar to those required in the May 28, 2021 Order which was in effect until July 1, 2021.
Full details are within a Guidance document to be posted on the Government site, along with the revised G&E Order.
Generally, these restrictions will involve:
- Occupancy limits in fitness spaces based on per person at 7m2 of unencumbered space (2.5m between people)
- Pre-bookings for drop-in individual fitness where operationaly possible
- A time gap between classes for ventilation
- Maintaining a required distance between instructor/trainer and patron(s)
- Masking encouraged but not required during exercise; mandatory when not exercising
- Allowing people to stay home when sick, including not charging a fee to those who can’t come in
Other restrictions contained within the December 22 Order remain in place for tournaments, restaurants, night clubs/bars, and the 50% capacity limit on indoor seated events. These will be revisited on February 16th.
Use of proof of vaccine cards will be extended for a few more months since "it was proven to be effective in decreasing spread and increasing public confidence." The PHO is reviewing the program.
Previous Updates:
As of midnight December 22, all gyms, fitness centres, dance studios must close until January 18, 2022.
Adult indoor individual and group fitness or exercise activities are not allowed. For example:
- Working out at a gym
- Participating in low or high intensity group exercise or fitness classes, including yoga, barre, CrossFit, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and weight training
- Participating in dance classes at a dance studio
The exercise and fitness activities that can continue include:
Proof of Vaccine applies to indoor activities only, outdoor activities continue to be without a vaccine requirement.
For complete information, view the following resources:
Deadline Extended: First Aid & CPR Certification Renewal due by March 31
This is a reminder that First Aid and CPR have been re-instated as BCRPA registration renewal requirements.
If your First Aid and/or CPR certification is currently expired, you now have until March 31, 2022 to fulfil this requirement and update your account on The Registry® of Fitness Professionals.
In an effort to support Fitness Leaders in retaining their emergency response knowledge, BCRPA has partnered with one of the largest Red Cross training providers in BC, Alert First Aid to secure CPR renewal and certification options.
Read full details on the Discounts page for BCRPA Registered Fitness Leaders. (login required)
BCRPA's Proof of Vaccination (PoV) Quick Reference Guide was formally approved by BC's Public Health Officer (PHO) on September 28.
The PHO also provided the following point of clarification regarding child and youth exemptions:
Children and Youth under 22 years of age are only exempt from Proof of Vaccination when participating in a “Program for Children and Youth.”
- This exemption is for programs primarily intended for children and youth, not adult programs that youth 12-21 years of age might choose to attend. For example, adult recreation sport would not be considered a “program for children and youth.”
Interior Health, Fraser East and Northern Health have temporary Gathering and Event restrictions in place. For full details, please refer to the individual regional orders.
Remember, the purpose of the PoV card is to incentivize residents to be vaccinated, not to control the spread of the virus. Virus spread is controlled through vaccination, physical distancing, masking, hand hygiene. By temporarily limiting a variety of discretionary activities to those who are vaccinated, the Province of British Columbia expects to increase the inoculation coverage to a safe range for resuming full societal activities.
This is an important shift to keep aware of for your decision-making; the province has shifted from actions that provide a COVID-safe environment to actions that provide discretionary services to the vaccinated.
However, added to the incentive for vaccination, the PoV card is also governed by risk: it is required in high-risk areas (work-out gyms, fitness classes) for 12+, but not required in low-risk areas (pools, rinks) except for sport and special events.
For specific information as it relates to sport, please refer to the viaSport's Return to Sport Restart 2.0 chart.
The PHO has announced two new measures that affect our sector. The first is a new Proof of Vaccination, the second is a return to indoor masking.
Both of these measures are intended to keep our society safer and also to message to British Columbians to get vaccinated.
At the time of this posting, details on both are still being worked out by the PHO and Ministry of Health; below is what is known at this time.
Proof of Vaccination
The BC Vaccine Card affects indoor recreation and fitness facilities.
The card will take effect on September 13 and card holders will need to have had at least one vaccine dose by that time to gain entrance to recreation spaces. On October 24th the vaccine requirement for entrance will change to two vaccines.
This new measure will be in place until at least January 31, 2022.
Vaccine Card requirements (known at time of writing):
- A vaccine card and proof of ID will be required for indoor recreational and social activities
- Included in the indoor restriction are:
- Indoor fitness centres/gyms
- Indoor recreation facilities including pools and arenas
- Organized indoor events (e.g. weddings, parties, conferences, meetings, workshops)
- Organized indoor group and individual recreational classes and activities
- There are no exemptions for people unable to receive the vaccine for health or religious reasons
Vaccine Card Order exemptions:
- Children under 12 whose accompanying adults have been vaccinated
- Youth recreational sport
- Before and After school programs
- The employer/employee relationship (this Order is for participants of discretionary activities)
- Essential activities (health services, retail, grocery shopping, faith activities)
It is not known at this time what platform the card will take (phone/paper) or how the card will be obtained. The Proof of Vaccination website is being updated as more details emerge.
Many details are still being worked out by the PHO and they have stated that they should be released after the Labour Day long weekend.
As a sector, we have the benefit of some lead time to adjust to this new measure. BCRPA’s CEO is in constant contact with her Provincial Plexus group (senior leaders among BCRPA’s Local Government members), updating them on PHO and Ministry measures and bringing their concerns back to the Ministry through her participation on the SSFRAC.
A Vax Card Advisory Group has been created from members of the Plexus to discuss operational impacts of this new measure. BCRPA is also partnering with government and industry groups to discuss the impact to the fitness sector.
Interior Health MHO Order
Interior Health is under a Guidance Order to manage the high transmission in that health region. Their Exercise and Sport restrictions have been updated– scroll to the bottom for a quick summary.
Masking
A return to the mask mandate for all indoor public spaces takes effect August 25, 2021 for all of BC. The Order itself is yet to be released and will be available on the Government’s COVID-19 site when it is.
The numbers of people who may congregate have not changed (except for the Interior Health region).
The Press release on the announcement provides some detail.
Masks are required in “common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity.” This includes all spaces within recreational facilities. Masks are not required during sport or exercise, as with Step 2.
As it was previously, there is an exemption for those unable to wear a mask: “People who cannot wear a mask or who cannot put on or remove a mask without the assistance of others are exempt.”
More updates on these measures will be posted as they become available.
Dr. Henry announced today that on July 1st, the Provincial State of Emergency will be lifted, as will the mask order, and the Public Health Orders. We will be moving into Step 3 of the Province’s 4-step BC’s Restart plan.
You can see Dr. Henry’s PowerPoint here and the press release here.
The Public Health Emergency remains in place to enable continued management of data and also to provide flexibility to make changes should the autumn bring a return to transmission, but there will be no Health Orders at this time.
This means that fitness and physical activities (and our individual lives) may return to something very like pre-pandemic times!
The PHO, WorkSafe, and provincial government philosophy is now to remove requirements and offer guidance at this time, but may return in the fall flu season if the virus requires managing. Instead, WorkSafe is recommending policies for ongoing measures (ex: stay home when sick, utilizing hand hygiene, routine cleaning, good ventilation, support vaccinations
We have summarized the relevant information and created BC's Restart: Fitness & Physical Activity, updated June 29.
Highlights include:
Masks:
- Masks indoors not required; not required when exercising.
- Masks indoors are recommended for those 12 and older who have not had 2 doses of vaccine; this will be on the honour system and personal responsibility.
- Masks outdoors are not required; masks are necessary for mass transmission, and we are no longer in a state of mass transmission.
Fitness, Physical Activity, and Sport:
- As Dr. Henry put it: “Back to Normal”
- Capacity and occupancy in gyms, facilities, pools, rinks are determined by their respective fire regulations and patron/staff comfort capacity (pre-pandemic limits);
- Spacing between equipment no longer at a required distance;
- Congregating is no longer restricted; people may intermingle and linger;
- Pre-registration no longer required - drop-ins allowed;
- Time gaps between groups no longer required.
Cleaning at enhanced level not required:
- Return to “routine” standards, with the removal of the WorkSafe or BCCDC high-touch-surfaces enhanced cleaning requirement;
- Participants may share equipment; sanitization of fitness shared items continues to be recommended for participants (as in pre-pandemic times) but is not required of the venue operator.
COVID Signs can come down:
- Signs erected over the pandemic period indoors and outdoors reminding residents about COVID safety protocols are no longer required (physical distancing, masks, hand hygiene, etc.);
- Guidance signage may still be used in facilities for workers regarding masks and barriers, but at the operator’s discretion based on risk – this is not a requirement.
COVID safety plans are no longer required.
We will continue to keep you informed of any further developments. The next expected easing of the remaining restrictions (i.e. organized gatherings, mask recommendations) are expected in the first week of September.
For complete information about BC's Restart Plan please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart
Dr. Henry announced a lifting of restrictions to take effect on June 15, with the progress to Step 2 of BC's Restart plan. For recreation and parks, this means the following main points (all other requirements remain the same and are not listed below):
Return of indoor high intensity group fitness:
- High intensity group exercise now included, but categorized as “group exercise” and low intensity and high intensity are now non-differentiated
- Indoors:
- 7 square metres per person occupancy for all indoor exercise (previously was 10 square metres/person for individual and 7 square metres/person for low intensity group)
- 25 person maximum occupancy for group exercise spaces
- 2.5 metres physical distance; masking during exercise and in public areas; pre-registration required
- Outdoors: No change from Step 1.
Organized Gatherings:
- Indoors: Up to 50 people (all ages); 2 metres physical distance; masking required
- Outdoors: Continues to be up to 50 people but no longer required to be seated.
Sports, children and adult:
- Adult: Indoor group sport permitted
- Children, youth, and adults: Province-wide travel is permitted; up to 50 spectators outdoors
We have distilled the relevant information and created BC's Restart: Fitness & Physical Activity, updated June 15.
Please refer to the following Provincial documents that cover details of Step 2:
For complete information about BC's Restart Plan please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart
On May 26 the Province launched its 4-step BC’s Restart plan to reflect the declining cases of COVID-19 and increase in vaccination rates.
To bring clarity to the 2 categories within the plan that are relevant to BCRPA Registered Fitness Leaders - Group Fitness and Organized Intensity - we have distilled the relevant information and created BC's Restart: Fitness & Physical Activity. This document includes highlights of the PHO restrictions and easings as of May 31, 2021 for Steps 1 through 3.
Please also refer to the following Provincial documents that cover details of Step 1:
Please also refer to BCRPA's updated Indoor Low Intensity Group Exercise Guide for how to deliver safe and effective low intensity group exercise classes during the current PHO restrictions.
We update this document as more information becomes available and will continue to provide detailed information on the Plan as it becomes available to us.
For complete information about BC's Restart Plan please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart#step-one
In an effort to support Fitness Leaders through the pandemic, BCRPA removed the First Aid and CPR requirement for fitness registration renewal in March 2020. For the safety of the public and to maintain the standards of BCRPA, we are now reinstating the requirements to have current First Aid and CPR certification.
If your First Aid and CPR certification(s) are currently expired, you have until the following dates to update your certifications and update your account on The Registry® of Fitness Professionals:
- September 30, 2021 to fulfil your First Aid requirement
- December 31, 2021 to fulfil your CPR requirement
In order to maintain your BCRPA Fitness Leader registration in good standing, you must recertify in both First Aid and CPR.
If you have any questions regarding First Aid or CPR renewal, please email registration@bcrpa.bc.ca.
BC's Restart – Steps 1 and 2:
Yesterday, the PHO released NEW Indoor Exercise Requirements to align with the revised PHO Order announced by Dr. Henry on Tuesday during the Restart BC press conference. The Requirements are for Step 1 and Step 2 (now through June 30*) of the Restart plan.
Notes:
- Indoor Individual Exercise requirements are also included, but there are no changes to those requirements.
- High intensity indoor group fitness is prohibited until Step 2, at which time updated requirements will be issued.
Highlights of the Indoor Exercise Requirements for group fitness are:
- Indoor low intensity group fitness resumes to the pre-circuit-breaker (April 1- May 25) level noting the following highlights:
- Occupancy remains at 7 square metres per person
- Maximum group size of 25 people (including instructor)
- 2.5m between participants while exercising, 2m when not exercising
- Instructor area to maintain 2 metres distanced (down from 2.5m)
- Fitness leaders and centre operators are expected to use their best judgement in identifying what constitutes high and low intensity
- Pre-registration is mandatory (no drop-ins)
- 5 minute gap before and after classes (down from the previous 10 minutes)
- Masks are mandatory while exercising for all participants including instructors
Outdoor Group Fitness:
Outdoor fitness is not included in the Indoor Exercise Requirements. The PHO confirmed with BCRPA yesterday that outdoor group fitness now has a maximum capacity of 50 people including the instructor, and a 2m distance must be maintained between participants. Masking is not required.
We will release further updates as the province progresses through the steps of the Restart Plan.
*Remember: the steps outlined within the government's Restart BC plan are not date driven, they are data driven. Indicated dates within the plan are to serve as guides only.
For complete information about BC's Restart Plan please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart#step-one
BCRPA's office hours are now Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. BCRPA remains closed to the public. Please continue to contact us through all the normal channels.
Please provide your email address when leaving a voice message for BCRPA Staff, as phone calls will likely be returned via email. We will continue to post any and all updates regarding BCRPA business here.
On March 29, Dr. Bonnie Henry announced new, temporary PHO restrictions intended to help stem the current exponential increase in COVID-19 transmission rates.
These new restrictions are in place now until midnight on April 19, 2021 and affect our sector with the immediate pause on Indoor Adult Group Fitness. This means that there may be no indoor group classes at all. The only indoor activity that our Fitness Leaders may offer is training people in individual workouts.
All indoor group exercise in any setting is prohibited until April 19 at 11:59 pm.
Outdoor group fitness classes at all intensity levels is still permissible, with groups limited to 10 people with physical distancing of 3 metres between participants.
Gyms and recreation facilities that offer individual workouts and personal training sessions (single person in 1:1 sessions) can remain open as long as they have a COVID-19 Safety Plan that is strictly followed. Similarly, outdoor group fitness class leaders must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
Refer to BCRPA’s March 30 Restriction Period Physical Distancing Guide for a summary of distance requirements.
For complete information on current Public Health Restrictions, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions
Modify your fitness classes to comply with current PHO restrictions
With the current Provincial Health Order (PHO) placing a restriction on indoor high intensity group fitness classes until February 5 (possibly beyond), we have developed this Fitness Leader Guide for Reducing Intensity to help you, our registered Fitness Leaders, deliver safe and effective low intensity group exercise classes during the current PHO restrictions. Whether you work in a municipal setting or in a private practice, the Guide is your tool to help you get your fitness classes back up and running.
Recommendations include modifications to lower the intensity of your classes, and education for your participants to help them understand the changes and how their safety is being maintained.
The PHO Order on Gatherings and Events was updated and released on December 9, along with today's much-anticipated PHO Guidelines to restart group low intensity indoor exercise programs. The Province-wide Restrictions were also updated on Friday December 11 to align with the Order updates.
The updated Gatherings and Events Order can be found here. Updates to the order focus on social gatherings, with only minor changes to sections relevant to our sector. However, one major point is the exclusion of public swim and public skate – meaning we can continue to offer them.
The Public Health Guidelines for Group Low Intensity Exercise were released today, December 14, and can be found here in the Guidance section, under Guidelines.
These Guidelines are intended to provide recreation centres, fitness centres, studios, and gyms with information to support creating revised COVID safety plans for hosting indoor group exercise so that they may re-open. It provides requirements on how to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and maintain safe and healthy environments for those participating in group low intensity exercise.
Low intensity exercise (not significantly increasing respiration) is allowed to take place only when an updated COVID-19 Safety Plan has been created in accordance with the measures provided in the Guideline document. No approvals are required; however, the plan must be posted in a place easily visible to participants.
Indoor group high intensity exercise activities are not permitted at all at the moment.
A few salient points within the group low intensity exercise restart guideline:
With respect to facilities:
- Ventilation: ensuring air flow is maximized within exercise areas; banning of intentionally overheated environments.
- Implementation of time buffers for entering and exiting classes.
- To determine occupancy: each workout room/space must accommodate 7 square meters (2.5m X 2.5m + safety allowance of 20%) of unencumbered floor space per patron; patrons spaced 2.5m apart in all directions at all times, with a maximum of 25 patrons in any exercise class or room.
With respect to fitness instructors:
- Instructors for fitness classes require microphones to reduce raised voices.
- Music must be kept below speaking volume in order to reduce singing or shouting.
- No hands-on corrections from instructors.
Extension on HUB Insurance Coverage for Online Classes
HUB International Insurance On-Line Endorsement which was originally offered up to September 30, 2020, has now been extended to December 31, 2020. Anyone that has already paid for the additional $10 fee will be granted extension (no charge) to December 31, 2020.
Anyone that has yet not purchased the additional $10 endorsement will need to pay the additional fee and will have coverage up to December 31, 2020.
HUB International Insurance, has updated their requirements for providing insurance coverage to any BCRPA Registered Fitness Leader that conducts online training and classes:
- Online training can now be 100% of a Fitness Leader's gross income
- This accommodation will be in place from now until December 31, 2020.
This extended coverage will be initiated once Fitness Leaders advise HUB insurance in writing before initiating online classes.
The extended coverage is subject to a fee of $10 and the following restrictions:
- Participants may be new or existing participants.
- Participants must login to the permitted delivery tool, and register to participate in a class.
- Participants must have completed the necessary Par-Q forms.
- Publicly accessible broadcast tools such Instagram Live, Facebook Live, YouTube, etc., and pre-recorded videos are not acceptable methods of delivering online training. This is because these platforms do not allow two way video and communication for fitness leaders to determine if participants are in distress, or performing exercises in a way that could lead to injury.
- Permitted delivery tools must include the use of controlled, multi-screen video conferencing programs with two-way video and communication, such as Skype or Zoom.
- All injuries must be documented.
- Instruction to professional athletes and carded amateur athletes is strictly prohibited.
- Coverage does not extend to work-related rehabilitation of any condition.
We are still not out of the woods with COVID-19 and continue to closely following COVID-19 protocols. As a result, BCRPA has made the following changes regarding BCRPA Registered Fitness Leader First Aid and CPR certification requirements.
Renewing Your Fitness Leader Registration:
Until further notice, BCRPA Registered Fitness Leaders do not have to have a valid First Aid and CPR certification to renew their Fitness Leader Registration. However, they are still required to have the same number of Continuing Education Credits (CECs).
There are two main reason for this change:
1) The reintroduction of First Aid and CPR programs across the province is not equally accessible to all.
2) BCRPA wants to ensure we have a system in place to support our Fitness Leaders if a second wave of COVID-19 infections were to occur.
Recommended Best Practice for Fitness Leaders: If you can find an in-person First Aid and CPR course to renew your qualifications, we strongly recommend you do so, as it is best practice to have a current First Aid and CPR qualification.
Please note:
- We do not accept online-only First Aid and CPR courses. However, blended courses (a mix of in person and online) are accepted.
- We do not have plans to eliminate a valid First Aid and CPR as a registration and renewal requirement.
We will continue monitoring the situation and will keep BCRPA Registered Fitness Leaders posted on updates regarding Fitness Leader Registration.
BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) is helping bring recreation back! As we enter into Phase 2 of the Province of BC’s Restart Plan, we have released our Recreation and Parks Sector Guideline for Restarting Operations (The Guideline) to help local and regional governments restart their recreation services and amenities, and operate them safely.
Produced at the request of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Provincial Health Office, The Guideline is a planning tool to help BC’s public recreation and parks sector to carefully re-open and offer services and programs safely during this COVID-19 pandemic.
The Guideline addresses the health and safety requirements across the entire field of Recreation and Parks, applying to both private and public facilities and service providers, and all facility types, sizes, and locations. Page 29 of the Guideline also includes WorkSafeBC's specific guidelines for gyms and fitness centres.
Click here to read the Recreation and Parks Sector Guideline for Restarting Operations.
Below is a summary of the information you need to know regarding BCRPA Registered Fitness Leader's insurance with HUB International.
If you have further insurance-related questions, please contact HUB directly by email or by calling 604-269-1919.
- The current BCRPA group policy provides coverage to any Fitness Leader that conducts online training as long as it is within 10% of their annual gross revenue. As an accommodation, until September 30, 2020, HUB has agreed to lift the restriction and extend coverage for Fitness Leader whose online training exceeds 10% of their gross revenues.
- If Fitness Leaders will be conducting online classes that exceed 10% of their gross revenues, they will need to contact HUB directly by email or by calling: 604-269-1919 to have an endorsement issued. This additional premium costs $10 for unlimited online training and is payable to HUB directly.
- All training must utilize two-way communication channels only, such as Zoom or Skype, ensuring you can both see AND communicate with participants. Publicly accessible broadcast tools such as Instagram Live, Facebook Live, YouTube, etc., and pre-recorded videos are not acceptable methods of delivering online training. This is because these platforms do not allow for Fitness Leaders to determine if participants are in distress, or performing exercises in a way that could lead to injury.
- Fitness Leaders seeking insurance information/coverage on one-way online communication platforms should contact HUB Insurance directly.
- A verbal PAR-Q is permitted at this time, meaning you can ask the required questions directly to participants via the two-way communication channel you are using.
For any further inquiries, please contact HUB directly by email or by calling 604-269-1919.
HUB Insurance Webinar
This webinar hosted by HUB Insurance International and BCRPA, occurred on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. The webinar aims to provide BCRPA Registered Fitness Leaders with further information about changes to insurance coverage, and address questions about offering insurable online classes.
A recording of the webinar has been emailed to all BCRPA Registered Fitness Leaders on May 5, 2020. Please check your Inbox.
We are happy to announce that our insurer, HUB International Insurance, has updated their requirements for providing insurance coverage to any BCRPA Registered Fitness Leader that conducts online training and classes:
- Online training can now be 100% of a Fitness Leader's gross income
- This accommodation will be in place from now until September 30, 2020.
This extended coverage will be initiated once Fitness Leaders advise HUB insurance in writing before initiating online classes.
Have questions? A special interactive webinar with HUB Insurance International has been organized, happening Friday, April 24, 10 am to 11 am.
Registration information has been emailed to BCRPA Registered Fitness Leaders. Please check your email for details.
Below are two additional changes to support you, our Fitness Leaders, through the continuing challenges posed by COVID-19.
Registered Fitness Leader Expiry Date Extension:
All BCRPA Fitness Leader registrations that expire between March 1, 2020 and August 1, 2020 have now been extended by 90 days beyond the expiry date. For example: if your registration had an expiry date of March 1, 2020, it is now be valid until May 1, 2020.
Insurance Coverage – Delivering Online Training:
We have been working tirelessly with your insurer, HUB International, to develop reasonable parameters for BCRPA Registered Fitness Leaders to deliver online training during this pandemic. We thank you for your patience.
The following has been provided directly from HUB International:
"The current insurance policy provides coverage to any Fitness Leader that conducts online training as long as it is within 10% of their annual gross revenue. As an accommodation, until September 30, 2020, insurers have agreed to lift the restriction and extend coverage for Fitness Leader whose online training exceeds 10% of their gross revenues.
The extended coverage is subject to a fee of $10 and the following restrictions:
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- Participants may be new or existing participants.
- Participants must login to the permitted delivery tool, and register to participate in a class.
- Participants must have completed the necessary Par-Q forms.
- Publicly accessible broadcast tools such Instagram Live, Facebook Live, YouTube, etc., and pre-recorded videos are not acceptable methods of delivering online training. This is because these platforms do not allow two way video and communication for fitness leaders to determine if participants are in distress, or performing exercises in a way that could lead to injury.
- Permitted delivery tools must include the use of controlled, multi-screen video conferencing programs with two-way video and communication, such as Skype or Zoom.
- All injuries must be documented.
- Instruction to professional athletes and carded amateur athletes is strictly prohibited.
- Coverage does not extend to work-related rehabilitation of any condition.
Instructors must advise HUB International Insurance Brokers in writing before initiating online classes that exceed 10% of their gross revenues, and include the following information:
1. Number of online classes per week
2. Instructor’s remote location, bearing in mind facilities are closed
3. Class content (activities to be conducted)
4. Number of participants per class (ensure all participants are currently registered before the start of the session)
5. Class is limited to the number of participants that can be viewed on a single screen, with no more than four (4) participants in one location while following Provincial Physical Distancing Guidelines
6. Participants must have completed the necessary Par-Q forms.
If Fitness Leaders will be conducting online classes that exceed 10% of their gross revenues, they will need to contact us directly at TOS.Team-FitnessLeaders@hubinternational.com or 604-269-1919 to have an endorsement issued.
The additional premium charged will be $10.00 to offer unlimited online training until September 30, 2020."
Interactive Webinar with HUB Insurance
BCRPA is planning an interactive webinar with HUB Insurance to address any questions you may have. Once we have confirmed a time and date for this webinar, you will be emailed a notification and instructions on how you can join.
In response to the current COVID-19 prevention measures currently in place, we have made changes to Fitness Student registration expirations AND Fitness Leader First Aid and CPR registration renewals.
Changes for Fitness Students
BCRPA recognizes the challenges COVID-19 poses to Fitness Students who are in their first year of BCRPA registration, and are currently unable to take a course or complete the Instructor Competency Evaluation required to obtain a specialty.
To support you during this period, BCRPA has made the following two changes:
- If your BCRPA registration expiration is between February 1, 2020, and August 1, 2020 we will extend your registration period by 90 days. For example: if your registration expired on February 1, 2020, it will now be valid until April 30, 2020.
- All First Aid and CPR certifications with expiration between February 1, 2020, and August 1, 2020, will be extended for 90 days beyond their expiry date. For example: if your First Aid and/or CPR certification had an expiry date of February 1, 2020, it will now be valid until April 30, 2020.
First Aid and CPR Certifications for Registered Fitness Leaders
To make the renewal process easier for you during this period, we have made the following change:
- All First Aid and CPR certifications which expire between February 1, 2020, and August 1, 2020 will be extended for 90 days beyond their expiry date. For example: this means if your First Aid and/or CPR certification had an expiry date of February 1, 2020, it will now be valid until April 30, 2020.
The requirement to obtain 12 CECs (or 16 if you are a TFL or SFL) during your registration period remains the same. There is a wide availability of online workshops that can be taken to satisfy this criteria. You can find a list of BCRPA-approved online workshops on this page under Workshops (Continuing Education).
Insurance Coverage:
If you have already started or are interested in offering online training/instructions to your clients, it’s important to know how this affects your insurance. Below is clarification from HUB International, our insurer, and the National Fitness Leadership Association, of which BCRPA is a member:
- With respect to providing services online, Fitness Leaders may choose to provide online instruction but insurers cap online instruction to 10% of the individual's operations. This means the gross revenue received from online operations cannot exceed 10% of the individual's total gross revenue for the policy term. However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, insurers are allowing online instruction for up to 25% of operations but only for a period of 6 months.
- The onus is on Fitness Leaders to notify HUB Insurance if their online operations exceed 10%. These requests will then be referred to insurers by HUB International, and upon review, the insurer will quote and charge an additional premium. Only at that time will an endorsement will be issued. Any of these requests should be emailed to HUB Insurance directly.
- Please continue to use the PAR-Q form. Note there is an online version available. This form can be completed online, and the final page printed out and signed.
- If you are using music in your online offerings, please ensure you continue to observe copyright and license rules.
Please be assured that although our office is currently closed, BCRPA remains open for business from our virtual home offices.
We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and may make further changes, if the situation requires, in order to better support you. Please watch for any future emails from us to make sure you stay in the loop!
BCRPA's office has temporarily closed as of Thursday March 19, 2020 until further notice, with Staff working remotely. Please continue to contact us through all the normal channels.
Please provide your email address when leaving a voice message for BCRPA Staff, as phone calls will likely be returned via email. We will continue to post any and all updates regarding BCRPA business here.