We are pleased to provide a further update to you on community sport and the Public Health Orders currently in place in NSW.

As all are aware several restrictions have been eased across NSW. We have been advised that this now also includes the relaxing of restrictions for community sport and recreation across the state as well as change to some COVID Safety Plan requirements.

The most significant change is the removal of the reference to ‘community sporting activities’ within the Public Health Order, with community sport and recreation now falling under one of the below categories:
Indoor Sport and Recreation Activities:

All community sport and recreation activities that take place indoors now fall under the category of ‘recreation facility (indoor)’.

This includes, but is not limited to, all sport and recreation activities held indoors; gyms; indoor pools, spas and saunas; dance; and health and wellness studios.

An occupier of a recreation facility (indoor), must ensure the number of persons does not exceed the greater of;
a) 1 person per 2 square metres of space; / 2 sq m or
b) 25 persons. < / = 25

Outdoor Sport and Recreation Activities:
All community sport and recreation activities that take place outdoors now fall under one of the four categories below:

1. A non-controlled outdoor gathering (up to 200 people)
Up to 200 people can gather in any outdoor public place, such as a park, reserve, beach or garden. These activities do not require a COVID-19 safety plan and are limited to 200 people.

2. A non-controlled outdoor gathering (up to 5,000 people)
All outdoor gatherings of more than 200 people must be a COVID-19 safe outdoor gathering. To be deemed a COVID-19 safe outdoor gathering, the organiser must;

• Have and comply with the relevant COVID-19 safety plan;
• Limit the number of persons to the lesser of;
a) 1 person per 2 square metres of space;
b) 5,000 persons.

For all COVID-19 safe outdoor gatherings, there is a new requirement for all record-keeping to be managed electronically. Community sport organisations can support this by registering as a COVID Safe organisation here.

3. A controlled outdoor gathering (up to 10,000 people)
To organise a controlled outdoor gathering, the organiser must;

• Have and comply with the relevant COVID-19 safety plan;
• Limit the number of persons to the lesser of;
a) 1 person per 2 square metres of space; / 2 sq m or
b) 10,000 persons. < / = 10,000
• Ensure the event is enclosed or bounded by fencing or another form of barrier;
• Ensure the event is ticketed;
• Ensure all persons participating in the gathering (other than employees) are assigned to specific seats or to a seating area;
• Ensure the gathering does not last any longer than 5 hours.

4. A recreation facility (major)
The occupier of an indoor recreation facility (major), must ensure the maximum number of
persons on the premises does not exceed the greater of;
a) The number of persons equal to 100% of the fixed seating capacity of the facility; or
b) 1 person per 2 square metres of space / 2 sq m
The occupier of an outdoor recreation facility (major), must ensure the maximum number of persons on the premises does not exceed the greater of;
a) The total of –
i. 100% of the fixed seating capacity of the facility; PLUS
ii. 1 person per 2 square metres of space of any unfixed seating areas / 2 sq
b) 1 person per 2 square metres of space / 2 sq m
If the occupier of a recreation facility (major), either indoor or outdoor, calculates the number of persons based on fixed seating capacity, the occupier must ensure;
• Admission to the premises is by way of a ticket;
• All persons (other than employees) are assigned to specific seats.

We reminded you all to review your COVID-19 Safety Plans and ensure they are up to date. We also encouraged you to review the Public Health Order and stay up to date with the latest changes on the NSW Government COVID-19 website.

We will continue to monitor the situation throughout the State, NSW Health, the Office of Sport and Sport NSW. We will communicate any future recommendations, changes to COVID-19 Safety Plans or Public Health Orders that impact our sport.

Best wishes and stay safe.

Dean Rusell

General Manager