ATHLETICS Ireland has published a series of guidelines for clubs, coaches and athletes ahead of a return to limited activity next week.
Athletics clubs, in accordance with specific government guidelines, can return to limited activity from Monday 18th May.
Athletics is one of the first sports to receive Sport Ireland and Government endorsement to return to activity.
In a statement issued today, Athletics Ireland said: “Athletics is a key strategic sport in improving the health of the nation and the recent study detailing the huge increases in people walking and running in the last two months illustrates the necessity to open our club outdoor facilities.
“Key parameters that must be met on Phase 1 of the Government roadmap are
“People can engage in outdoor sporting and fitness activities, either individually or in very small groups (maximum 4 people), where social distancing can be maintained and where there is no contact
“People living within a 5 km radius of their athletic club can attend to train.”
Athletics Ireland CEO, Hamish Adams, said: “It is a privilege for us to be one of the first sports returning to club activity and with this privilege comes a great responsibility to ensure all our clubs and members operate to the highest standards of compliance to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.
“This is the first small step on our journey to return to full activity, we continue to plan and prepare for competition and events from August onwards subject to government directives.”
Athletics Ireland advised that each club committee meets virtually to develop their return to athletics plans.
A draft risk assessment template is attached for further development with club safety officers to ensure the highest standards of hygiene, tracing and social distancing are established.
A strict set of guidelines (note these guidelines are not exhaustive) has been developed with expert advice and this information can be found via links here: https://www.athleticsireland.ie/news/coronavirus-covid-19-update
