‘Dr. Henry of Sport amid confusion over new BC limits

Victoria Karate School Operator “Dr. Henry of Sport ”amid confusion over whether to allow some martial arts to continue among the newest COVID-19 Health directions.

Richard Mosdell closed his Kenzen Sports Club last week on the orders of health inspectors, but other clubs continue to operate amid so-called obscure messaging.

“Some clubs seem to be defying Dr. (Bonnie) Henry’s order, but in reality they are confused on exactly what that means,” he said.

“I don’t think anyone is trying to circumvent the rules.”

On Wednesday, The province has updated its provincial-wide restrictions, Including a ban on all indoor group physical activity, including martial arts, gymnastics and cheerleading.

Provincial Health Officer Henry clarified the order on Friday, saying all indoor group physical activity, “whether it is sport or fitness, is currently in place” and will receive new guidance by the end of next week.

Judo BC is one of the regional sports organizations, which is against the order.

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President Donna Hanson told Global News on Sunday that she had been given clear direction from Sport, the company that regulates amateur sports in BC, and that judo could continue.

“We’re not really confused,” she said.

“We are allowed to continue our sport … a sport regulated by Judo Sport … and there is a clear direction that allows us to continue.”

2:00Confusion over new sports COVID-19 regulations

The same guideline that prohibits martial arts states that sports games, competitions and practices can be pursued with restrictions.

Hanson said judo clubs continue in Phase 3 of the Sports Return to Play program, which means no travel or competition, high-intensity training, coordination design and other safety precautions.

Hanson’s understanding is that Henry’s order applies only to sports that are not regulated under the Sport Umbrella.

“We are following all the guidelines laid down and we are doing it successfully. To date, we have no one on the BC test for COVID.”

Sport sought clarification on who the Global News Order would apply to, but did not receive a response through the publication.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Health cited a website that initially described martial arts as one of the sports that had been suspended, but said they would check with Henry’s team for more information.

Karate BC is also an ageport partner, but has advised its members not to operate under the new restrictions.

He wants to know if Mosdell will allow his club to operate.

There is confusion as to why the province should appoint a public facing representative to address sports-related COVID issues on a daily basis.

“For that person, a source, it could be Sport President or Sport BC President, or anyone in regional health,” he said.

“It’s really frustrating because we want to be safe, and if there’s a very clear message, ‘Yes, you should be closed by December 7th or January 1st, great, then we can fix it.’

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