Please note that information has changed since this article was posted. We recommend you visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au for all the most up-to-date information.
Good afternoon all,
Athletics Victoria has been working through the latest information released from the Victorian Government, issued last Friday.
These rules below set out what community sport is permitted to do as of Friday 22 October. However, the Premier announced on Sunday (24 October) the intention to ‘open up Victoria’ from this coming Friday (28 October).
As such, we expect that the rules below will change from this Friday (28 October). We anticipate the regulations will be released over the next week. We will provide updates to all members and clubs at that time.
Four documents govern the current rules:
1. Open Premises Direction (OPD)
2. COVID 19 Mandatory Vaccination (Workers) Directions
3. Stay Safe Directions (Metropolitan Melbourne) (No4) and
4. Stay Safe Directions (Regional Victoria) (No14)
Athletics Victoria can confirm the following from the Current Directions as of 11.59 pm, 21 October.
Training is permitted.
Section 1 – Metropolitan Melbourne
What is mandatory for training sessions?
- Masks are to be worn but can be removed during physical training activities.
- QR Codes are required at venues (a fenced track), with all attendees required to CHECK-IN using the Service Victoria App.
In Metropolitan Melbourne;
- Venues (a fenced track) can open for the purpose of conducting community sport for training purposes only and not for any competition activities [OPD Clause 32 page 17].
- Only metropolitan Melbourne residents can train at metropolitan Melbourne Venues.
- Venues/Coaches/Users must ensure that shared equipment is cleaned between users [OPD Clause 32.1 page 17].
- Venues only permit the minimum number of people required for that community sport.
Athletics Victoria recommends the following for metropolitan Melbourne:
- A maximum of 50 people in any outdoor venue at any one time, in groups up to 10 plus a maximum of 2 coaches.
- Training should not be conducted indoors.
- A coach should not coach multiple groups at the same time.
- No spectators. However, guardians are permitted for young children.
- Toilets can be open, but gyms, meeting rooms, and other areas remain closed.
- Equipment can be retrieved from storage areas for training and must be cleaned between use, and
- All people must continue to observe physical distancing and good hand hygiene and not attend training if they feel unwell.
- For Rec Running Groups and training outside of a fenced venue, Athletics Victoria recommend groups of 10 and 50 per outdoor space and continue to observe gathering density limits, maintaining physical distancing and good hand hygiene.
Section 2 – In Regional Victoria
What is mandatory for training sessions?
- Masks are to be worn but can be removed during physical training activities.
- QR Codes are required at venues (a fenced track), with all attendees required to CHECK-IN using the Service Victoria App.
In Regional Victoria
- Venues (a fenced track) can open for the purpose of conducting community sport for training purposes only and not for any competition activities [OPD Clause 32 page 17].
- Only regional Victoria residents can train at regional Victoria venues.
- Venues/Coaches/Users must ensure that any shared equipment is cleaned between users.
- Venues only permit participants and the minimum number required.
Athletics Victoria recommends:
- A maximum of 100 people in any outdoor venue at any one time with a density quotient of 1 person per 2m2.
- Spectators at training permitted in group sizes of no more than 20 observing the density quotient of 1 person per 2m2.
- Indoor facilities can be open with a density quotient of 1 person per 4m2.
- Equipment can be retrieved from storage areas for training and must be cleaned between use; and
- Continue to observe physical distancing, good hand hygiene and do not attend training if you feel unwell.
- For Rec Running Groups and training outside of a fenced venue, Athletics Victoria recommend groups of 20 and 100 per outdoor space and continue to observe gathering density limits, maintaining physical distancing and good hand hygiene.
FAQs
Do I need to be double vaccinated to attend training this week?
We have received confirmation that outdoor training for community sport does not require double vaccination during these restrictions.
This information may change with the next round of advice from the state government, expected Friday 29 October.
Do we need to keep vaccination records?
Based on the advice, vaccination records do not need to be kept by clubs during this current stage. All persons must remember to check in with the Service Victoria app. DOWNLOAD HERE.
This information may change with the next round of advice from the state government, expected Friday 29 October.
Do I need to contact my local council or venue operators?
Local Councils will determine if an athletics facility will open or remain open or closed and require a Club/Management Committee/Venue Operator to provide a Return To Play policy.
This information may change with the next round of advice from the state government, expected Friday 29 October.
The Athletics Victoria COVID Safety Plan and Recommendations have been updated. This document can be accessed via this link.
Please note that competition is not permitted at this stage. As soon as the next iteration of rules is available, Athletics Victoria will update clubs, members, and stakeholders.
We thank you for your patience throughout this time.
Many thanks and stay safe,
Glenn Turnor
CEO
Athletics Victoria