Athletics Yukon and the Yukon Soccer Association are asking Whitehorse residents to respect the rules and prohibited activities at the new turf field and track facility at F.H. Collins Secondary School.
Organization members have previously been asked to halt any sanctioned activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yukoners need to observe and follow the new track and field facility rules.
? FH Collins Field is not yet officially open as there remains some work to be completed this summer. Sports organizations are not currently using the facility.
? The track and field facility requires community buy-in to observe rules prohibiting activities
Kristen Johnston, Athletics Yukon President said in a statement, "While it isn't officially closed, we are discouraging people from using the new facility at this time and to observe current physical distancing guidelines. We recognize that individuals are likely to use the facility, but the track still requires additional work that must be completed this summer and it is not being maintained until that happens."
The new facility has specific rules and prohibited activities posted which are necessary to maintain the quality of the track and field facility. These include no bicycles on the surface and no dogs inside the fence. These rules are to protect the rubberized track and the small rubber pellets that create the underlay of the field surface.
"The turf does not restore itself like traditional grass fields and will quickly become unplayable if users ignore the restrictions on use," Danny Macdonald, President of the Yukon Soccer Association said. "The soccer community is excited for this new field and it would be frustrating if it is damaged by individuals ignoring the rules before it even is officially opened for play."
At this time, both organizations have directed their members to halt any sanctioned activities, to observe current physical distancing rules and encourage all individuals to comply. Any association members who choose to circumvent these directions should be aware that they are not covered by the association's liability insurance and could be subject to disciplinary action.