Combat confusion: Some boxing facilities included in closure order

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect information from the BC Boxing Association.

There appears to be some confusion around which types of boxing facilities are covered by B.C.’s public health closure order due to COVID-19.

The Ministry of Health confirms in an email to CityNews gyms and fitness facilities cannot operate for the time being due to the rise in COVID-19 cases. However, the BC Boxing Association (BCBA) claims there is an exemption for chartered boxing clubs.

“The order is clear: ‘An adult must not participate in exercise or fitness in a workout gym or fitness facility on either an individual or group basis.’ This includes any fitness centre in B.C., including boxing fitness centres. Violations of this order are enforceable,” the statement reads.

Confusion over whether boxing facilities are exempt from gym closure order continues. Health Ministry tells me order "includes any fitness centre in B.C., including boxing fitness centres." Some boxing facilities reopened this week, citing "sport" exemption. #bcpoli @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/M5JBrsDDOh

— Monika Gul (@MonikaGul) January 7, 2022

This clarification comes after many boxing facilities throughout the province reopened their doors in the New Year, suggesting the public health order does not apply to them.

It appears the confusion may stem from an exemption that allows sports to continue.

“Sport tournaments are not allowed. Tournaments are single or multi-day events where 3 or more teams compete against each other outside of regular league play,” the order reads, adding some exemptions apply.

“Other sport activities that normally take place in a sport environment can continue,” it adds, noting there are requirements for sports, such as a mask mandate and proof of vaccination.

BCBA says the order applies to fitness specific facilities that may have boxing classes.

“Sport specific activites are allowed to continue, especially for youth, so aged 21 and under and adults at 50 per cent of capacity,” Ryan O’Shea with the association said. “If it is a sport-specific activity, it is allowed to continue right now.”

Related articles: 

• Some B.C. combat sport studios stay open as gyms close due to COVID-19

• Gym openly defying public health order on fitness centres

One business owner told CityNews on Tuesday his studio was allowed to open back up to in-person fighting after moving to virtual classes in December.

“We are thrilled to announce that after reviewing the current PHO and after consulting with our partners at the YWCA we have been classified as sport, and since sport is allowed to continue, we have been given the go-ahead to resume classes,” Contenders posted to Instagram.

Getting some clarity on this from BC Boxing Association. Group says there is an exemption for competitive boxing but it doesn’t apply to boxing classes in gyms/fitness centres. So some facilities are abusing exemption that doesn’t apply to them. More on @CityNewsVAN. https://t.co/i7eaB6MTPt

— Monika Gul (@MonikaGul) January 7, 2022

The order forcing gyms and fitness facilities to close is in place until at least Jan. 18.

CityNews has reached out to Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health for additional information.

With files from Martin MacMahon