Member for Reid, Dr Fiona Martin MP, has welcomed the launch of Sport Australia’s ‘Return to Sport Toolkit‘ ensuring community sporting clubs and associations have a clear path to competition as COVID-19 restrictions are eased.
The practical resources focus on giving grassroots organisations a roadmap for the safe return to sport at all levels and is a comprehensive checklist for sports clubs and community organisations.
The toolkit will complement the National Principles for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities, endorsed by the National Cabinet on 1 May 2020.
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“As sporting groups prepare for the return of community sport competitions, the Sport Australia toolkit provides the resources and guidance local clubs need to ensure a streamlined process,” Dr Martin said.
“The safe return of competition relies on a responsible rollout where everybody follows advice and takes precautions.”
The Return to Sport Toolkit guides clubs and associations at every level to document their own COVID-19 Safety Plan and appoint a COVID Safety Co-ordinator to implement and oversee it.
As part of the Toolkit, checklists provide practical and progressive steps such as relevant government and national sporting organisation approvals, facility management, training behaviours, hygiene protocols and appropriate communication with members.
The National Principles, along with the Australian Institute of Sport’s framework, will be used to guide the staged return of activity as efforts to stop the spread of the virus continue.
The NSW Government has announced that From Wednesday 1 July 2020, all community sport competitions can recommence.
The States and Territories are responsible for sport and recreation resumption decisions, both at the professional and community level and will determine progression through the phases, taking account of local epidemiology, risk mitigation strategies and public health capability.
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“I’ve been speaking with sporting groups that are itching to get back on the field and this toolkit will give players, parents and the clubs the confidence they need to play in a COVID-Safe environment,” Dr Martin said.
Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said sporting clubs and organisations would play an enormous part in getting Reid back on track as the recovery from the impact of COVID-19 continues.
“We have a big challenge ahead of us – but together the National Principles, the AIS framework and Sport Australia’s toolkit offer tangible advice to ensure community sporting groups are prepared to control and deal with the virus in this new era,” Minister Colbeck said.
