Released 12/06/2020
The ACT Government has today announced the timing of return to non-contact and contact sport training and competition.
The ACT will continue a phased return to community sport, following the careful easing of restrictions for informal sports that commenced three weeks ago. Both outdoor and indoor activities will see a return to competition, with some continued limitations on group numbers, contact and physical distancing.
For non-contact sports, competition play will return very soon. Training for full contact sports can return very soon but competition play will need to wait for a little while longer.
From midday Friday 19 June
- Non-contact sports can recommence competition play, where this wasn’t already allowed
- Up to 100 people, indoors or outdoors, with 1 person per 4 square metres, can participate.
- Sports requiring full contact permitted to start full contact training.
From Friday 10 July
- Full contact sport can recommence competition play.
Full contact sport is any sport that allows non-incidental contact within its code. For example, netball rules do not allow for contact other than incidental contact, so it is a non-contact sport, where basketball and rugby league do allow for contact, so it is a full contact sport.
Many of the larger contact sports have already begun planning for competitions to recommence from mid-July and some sporting organisations may have already been in contact with their members with indicative start dates.
I encourage community members to get in touch with their sport clubs to be clear on their planned return dates. While allowing a return on 19 June and 10 July, individual sports may take a little more time to make sure that their return happens in a safe and well-managed way.
The maximum group size for participation is increasing to 100 people but physical distancing, good personal and respiratory hygiene must continue. COVID-safe plans are in place across sports and individuals are encouraged to continue the “Get in, Train/Play, Get out” mindset.
Sharing of equipment is allowed but proper cleaning and disinfecting will be required during and between sessions.
Communal facilities such as changerooms and canteens may now be reopened provided food service requirements are met, along with general hygiene and physical distancing.
Aquatic facilities in the ACT may now have up to 100 participants in a venue, with up to four swimmers per lane.
Outdoor spectators should not exceed the total group gathering size of 100. The number of spectators allowed in indoor venues should remain inline with the 4 square metres per person requirement with no more than 100 people.
The ACT Government will continue to engage with local sporting clubs and organisations to ensure they are prepared as these changes come into effect and have the advice they need to keep their participants, staff, spectators and volunteers safe.
I know the announcement today will be welcome news but it is important that we keep working together to stay safe and follow the measures that we have all been practicing with personal hygiene and distancing so COVID-19 continues to be suppressed in the ACT.
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases