On Friday May 28th the Government announced a further easing of Restrictions for June and July.
Key Highlights relating to sport and physical activity are summarised below.
From 7 June
- Outdoor sports matches & competition can recommence.
- The numbers permitted at organised outdoor events is a maximum of 100 for the majority of venues, with a maximum of 200 for outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000.
- Indoor facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres and sports clubs can reopen for individual training. Sport Ireland has previously provided guidance to the sector on the delivery of individual indoor sport. This Guidance is reattached for convenience.
- Swimming lessons and classes can also resume.
From 5 July (Subject to Public Health)
- The numbers permitted at outdoor organised events can further increase to a maximum of 200 for the majority of venues, with a maximum of 500 for outdoor stadia/venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000
- Indoor sports training, exercise and dance activities can recommence in pods of up to 6
- Additional indoor facilities such as bowling alleys, snooker halls, ice-skating/roller skating rinks and waterparks can reopen in line with appropriate sectoral guidance
Please find some additional information / reminders in relation to the resumption of sport and physical activity during the current June phase.
Outdoor Competition:
‘The numbers permitted at organised outdoor events is a maximum of 100 for the majority of venues, with a maximum of 200 for outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000.’
These figures 100/200 relate to the number of spectators that will now be permitted to attend an event. These figures are independent of participants, officials and coaches.
Sport Ireland has previously distributed guidance to individual / non team sports in relation to delivering competition. NGBs are encouraged to continue to take a prudent approach to overall capacities in the initial return and are encouraged to discuss competition plans and needs with Sport Ireland.
Outdoor Training:
While the return to outdoor Competition can return, the Pods of 15 concept are still maintained for training purposes. In line with previous phases, multiple pods can be used during training sessions however these pods should not mix.
Indoor Individual Training Capacities:
Indoor training activity (no indoor Games, matches or competitions) is currently permitted.
Detailed Guidance on the return to Individual indoor Training specifically for NGBs and LSPs has been previously distributed by Sport Ireland and continues to apply.
The total numbers permitted in an indoor facility will be determined by the overall size of the venue.
When finalising capacity numbers sports should ensure that all relevant protocols in particular physical distancing can be fully implemented.
Other indoor leisure facilities, including gyms, are reopen for people to take part in individual exercise, including 1 to 1 training. It is important to note that indoor Group exercise classes are not permitted in those facilities at this point.
Managing Overall Capacities:
In addition to the gradual return to sporting activity, June & July will see a broader re-opening of society. Sporting Bodies should consider the return of multiple elements of activity such as competition, spectators, hospitality etc. at venues and plan accordingly.
Participation in Sporting Activity during COVID 19:
As with all activity during COVID 19 the return to training and competition should be on an opt-in basis, with participants taking personal responsibility to decide whether they are happy to return. It is important that participants are not be penalised if they wish to opt-out of activity.
Participants should be encouraged to communicate any concerns to their club and/or National Governing Body so that they can be addressed accordingly.