The NSW Government today confirmed that adult community sport can recommence at the from the start of next month, as the NSW Government lifts more COVID-19 restrictions.
The announcement comes following recent confirmation that children’s sport would return on the same date.
NSW Rugby CEO, Paul Doorn said today’s confirmation was a significant step for community clubs across the state.
“The last few months have been extremely difficult for everyone in our game, and to now have the knowledge that we can return to play is a huge milestone,” Doorn said.
“We’ve been working closely with the NSW Government and our fellow sporting bodies, it’s been a really collaborative approach and we’ve reached a fantastic outcome for rugby.
“Plenty of work has already gone into our Return to Play Protocols and the way in which teams can get back to training safely, which we’ll continue to update based on changes in medical advice.
“Despite the announcement that sport will return on July 1, community rugby will work along a slightly different timeline as we first implement contact training before moving into competition in late-July.
“This process will be managed by the relevant zones across NSW, but I’d encourage coaches and players of all ages to access the resources available on our website while awaiting official communication on competition details.”
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee thanked the community for their patience during the pause on local sports and welcomed its return on July 1.
“Sport is the lifeblood of our community and it gives me great pleasure to say adult sports can return to their competitions at the same time as 18 years and under,” Mr Lee said.
“We have reduced the spread of COVID-19 to the point where further restrictions can be lifted. It is only because communities have followed the strict social distancing guidelines
that this announcement is possible.”
Food and drink premises in stadiums can open subject to the same requirements that apply in other food and drink premises and pubs and registered clubs.
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said on the basis of health advice, crowds could not at this point gather in the stands.
“Today’s announcement is about a staged re-opening of the sports economy in a way that minimises the risk to the public. This makes a level playing field for sports stadiums, in line with the clubs and pubs re-opening to patrons,” Mr Hazzard said.
‘‘With no vaccine and no treatment for COVID-19 there is an obligation on all of us to continue to maintain physical distancing and good hand hygiene. The virus has not gone away.”
Stadium operators will be required to:
- Develop and comply with a COVID-19 safety management plan;
- Operate with restricted numbers (One person per four square metres and up to 50 people in each of the existing seated food and drinks areas, whichever is the lesser excluding staff members, on the premises.); and
- Keep contact details of persons entering the premises.
