As advised in our State of Play meeting on Thursday 30 September, as clarity on Road Map issues is provided by Government, we will relay to the membership.

In accordance with the NSW Government Public Health Orders, NSW Touch Association is now able to advise the conditions under which gatherings for sport or exercise – including training activities – can occur from Monday, October 11, 2021.

OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES
An outdoor public gathering for sport or exercise – including training activities – may occur provided that:

• People aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated or have a valid medical exemption (Medical Certificate required).
• There are no more than 20 people involved including participants, coaches and officials, and parents or spectators.
• There is no requirement for people aged under 16 to be vaccinated.
• The NSW Office of Sport has advised that all Affiliates/Regions are expected to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan for all gatherings of the above nature from Monday, October 11.
• From an NSWTA perspective, we require that for any training activities you must keep a record of attendees, including name and mobile number. We would recommend using the Affiliate QR code that you would have already set up for that venue. For a guide to setting up a QR code please click here. If you require further advice please contact NSWTA Business Operations Manager, Kylie Hearne via [email protected]

INDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES
A group class or other group activity may occur in an indoor recreation facility provided that:

• People aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated or have a valid medical exemption (Medical Certificate required).
• The operator of the activity has a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
• The operator of the activity ensures that no more than 20 people are in attendance and there are no more than 1 person per 4 square metres of space.
• The operator of the activity takes reasonable steps to ensure that all participants check-in via the Service NSW App and that no unvaccinated adults (aged 16 years and over) are on the premises.
• There is no requirement for people aged under 16 to be vaccinated.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS AFFECTING SPORT AND EXERCISE

• Currently, no organised community sport competitions or programs are permitted until the state hits the 80% double dose vaccination milestone, this includes trials, friendlies, internal games, or similar.
• Regardless of previous settings, restrictions will become uniform across all of NSW from October 11, 2021.
• People from Greater Sydney are not able to travel to areas considered “Regional” and vice versa until the state hits the 80% double dose vaccination milestone.
• It is the responsibility of those participating in any gathering to comply with the vaccination or medical exemption requirements and obey the Public Health Orders at all times.

The Office of Sport has also advised the following in relation to Parents accompanying children under 16 years of age.

• Clause 2.18(3) of the Public Health Order states the occupier of higher-risk premises in the general area must ensure that a person who is under 16 years of age and who is not a fully vaccinated person is not on the premises unless the person is accompanied by a person who is:

(a) a member of the person’s household, and
(b) a fully vaccinated person.

• A higher-risk premises includes an entertainment facility, a major recreation facility, hospitality venues, places of public worship, and premises at which a significant event is being held, other than a small funeral or memorial service or small wedding service.
• Indoor recreation facilities are not classified as higher-risk premises.

These guidelines cover the period October 11, 2021 through until the state hits the 80% double dose vaccination milestone, where a new set of Public Health Orders will be released by the NSW Government. As these and any further guidelines are released, they will be advised by NSWTA.

RETURN TO PLAY
A return to full community sport can occur for those fully vaccinated from when the state hits the 80% double dose vaccination milestone. The NSW Government has previously indicated community sport could restart from as early as Monday, October 25.

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 impacting our sport.

Best wishes and stay safe.