As a result of the rising case numbers on COVID-19 in NSW, the Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, has today advised that NSW Health will be updating the COVID-19 Safety Plan templates. The letter from Dr Chant (click here) documents key changes that will need to be implemented by community sports organisations as a matter of priority. Updated COVID-19 Safety Plan templates from the NSW Office of Sport will be available from this evening at the link here. 

Please note that sport and recreation organisations will be required to “Take all reasonable steps to minimise the number of spectators attending community sport events.” 

What do State Sporting Organisations need to do?

Community sport and recreation organisations will need to update their respective COVID-19 Safety Plans detailing actions that will be put in place to address these additional requirements. 

• Ensure processes are in place to exclude participants (including spectators and officials) if they have visited Victoria in 14 days prior.
• Ensure processes are in place to exclude participants (including spectators and officials) if they have attended any of the reported case locations listed on the NSW Health website
• Physical distancing of 1.5m must be kept at all times when not taking part in training or racing.
• Record keeping (Contact tracing) must be kept, idealling in a digital form to allow it to be easily accessed if requried.
• Where possible, it is requested that all community sports clubs and associations put plans in place to minimise spectators to parents and carers only. 
  • Measures that may assist implementation include: 
  • Limiting entry to indoor facilities and fenced venues to one person per participant at junior sport (where practical); 
  • Restricting spectator entry at adult community sport; 
  • Provide communication to participant databases via e-newsletters, social media and organisations’ websites strongly suggesting that only parents and carers should attend community sports activities where possible; 
  • Increase signage in venue carparks and at common entry points at outdoor venues; 
  • Make PA announcements (where the facility exists) at venues reminding people to minimise spectators to parents and carers where possible. 

Please communicate this information with your club members, sailing crews and facility users as a matter of urgency. 

Please remain vigilant. We all have a part to play in protecting ourselves and those with whom we interact. 

NSW Health continues to monitor the situation. The Office of Sport and Australian Sailing will communicate any future changes to COVID-19 Safety Plans or Public Health Orders that impact community sport. 

Thank you for your support in helping to keep community sport COVID-19 safe. Should you have any questions or need support in this area please do not hesiate to contact the NSW/ACT Regional Manager Carl Webster - 0415 707 305