COVID-19

Covid-19 Update (Friday 25th January) 

Government announces that most of the public health measures currently in place can be removed. Full announcement can be read HERE.

Are spectators, athletes and officials still required to wear masks while at indoor events?

Yes, Mask Wearing: The requirements for mask wearing in settings where currently regulated for will continue until February 28th 2021.


Do we need to ask people prior to attending if they have been a close contact or vaccinated etc?

No need to ask individuals re their covid details, but anyone who has symptoms or is a close contact to continue to follow the current Government advice for those with symptoms, cases and close contacts as announced by the government on 12 January 2022.

Covid-19 Update (Friday 21st January) 

On Friday January 21st 2022 the Government made an announcement in relation to Public Health Measures. 

The full announcement can be accessed here: gov.ie - Government announces that most of the public health measures currently in place can be removed (www.gov.ie)

As set out in the announcement a large number of the public health measures currently in place can be removed. Key items in relation to sport & physical activity are as follows:

  1.  Formal requirements for physical distancing (2m) removed
  2. 8pm closing time for sporting events removed
  3. Capacity restrictions for outdoor sporting events removed 
  4. Capacity restrictions for indoor sporting events removed
  5. Seated only spectators at indoor sporting events removed 
  6. Use of pods for indoor sporting activities removed
  7. Use of a COVID pass to access indoor events remove

The Government have reiterated the need for ongoing close monitoring of the virus. Sporting bodies should continue to risk assess individual activities and events. This includes the continued implementation of good hygiene practices along with recommending symptomatic individuals do not participate in or attend sporting activities.

 

Covid-19 Update (14th January 2022)

Indoor Events Update

All athletes under 18 years of age on the 31st of December 2022 irrespective of immunity status can attend an AAI Indoor competition.

All Under 18 athletes can attend with a fully vaccinated or Covid recovered (within 6 months) parent or guardian. Note one parent or guardian per athlete will be allowed to enter and they must show proof of vaccination or recovery certificate with corresponding proof of identity, this will be checked on entry to stadia.

Minors aged between 12 and 17 years must show their individual proof of vaccination or recovery certificate if unaccompanied. 

Note - Athletes aged 18 years or older competing may not attend with a coach/parent/spectator to their Indoor competition to limit numbers on site.

We appreciate your compliance and patience as we manage best practice protocols for Covid19.

 

Covid-19 Update (7th January 2022) 

A number of new public health measures were announced on December 17th effective December 20th 2021 through to January 30th 2022. This guidance has not changed.

Full details of the announcement can be found here - gov.ie - New public health measures announced - Friday 17 December (www.gov.ie)

In relation to organised sporting events the following apply:

Indoor Sport

Indoor sporting events will not take place after 8pm. For events happening earlier in the day, attendance should be limited to 50% of venue capacity or 1,000 attendees, whichever is the lower. 
The 8pm time restriction does not apply to indoor sports training. This training can continue in line with previous guidance and with protective measures in place ( i.e. use of pods where applicable, cleaning/hygiene, ventilation, mask use etc.).

Outdoor Sport 

Attendance at outdoor sporting events are limited to 50% of venue capacity or 5,000 attendees, whichever is the lower.
The 8pm time restriction does not apply to outdoor sporting events or outdoor training.

Event organisers should also monitor the various updates in relation to close contacts and international travel with a number of changes having come into effect.

 

Covid-19 Update (20th December 2021) 

A number of new public health measures were announced on December 17 effective today December 20 2021 through January 30th 2022.

Full details of the announcement can be found here - gov.ie - New public health measures announced - Friday 17 December (www.gov.ie)

In relation to organised sporting events the following apply:

Indoor Sport

Indoor sporting events will not take place after 8pm. For events happening earlier in the day, attendance should be limited to 50% of venue capacity or 1,000 attendees, whichever is the lower. 
The 8pm time restriction does not apply to indoor sports training. This training can continue in line with previous guidance and with protective measures in place ( i.e. use of pods where applicable, cleaning/hygiene, ventilation, mask use etc.).

Outdoor Sport 

Attendance at outdoor sporting events are limited to 50% of venue capacity or 5,000 attendees, whichever is the lower.
The 8pm time restriction does not apply to outdoor sporting events or outdoor training.

Event orgainisers should also monitor the various updates in relation to close contacts and international travel with a number of changes having come into effect

 

Covid Update (6th December 2021)

On December 3rd Government announced a number of public health measure effective 7 December and remaining in place until 9 January 2022.

Full details of the announcement can be found here - gov.ie - Statement on COVID-19 public health measures - 3 December 2021 (www.gov.ie)

In relation to organised sport,  there will a maximum 50% spectator capacity at indoor sporting events. As with previous guidance spectators at these events must be fully seated.

Separately in the fitness and leisure industry, there will now be a requirement for a COVID pass (vaccination or recovery).  Swimming pools are currently excluded from this requirement.

Sports should also monitor the various updates in relation to international travel with a number of changes having come into effect yesterday Sunday 5th 2021.

Further details on travel requirements can be found here. gov.ie - New rules for travelling to Ireland (www.gov.ie)

 

General Information

Athletics Ireland fully supports the Government approach and the HSE best practice advice that your COVID-19 vaccine and booster will offer you protection from COVID-19. We strongly encourage all eligible individuals involved in athletics to avail of the Government vaccine programme, mask wearing when required, regular hand washing and appropriate social distancing whilst participating in our sport.

All Clubs are required to appoint a Lead Club Covid Officer and advise Athletics Ireland of their Lead Officers contact details. Please email the contact details of your Lead Club Covid Officer to kieronstout@athleticsireland.ie. However, you may train as many additional Covid Officers as you see fit to support Club activity. The Club Covid Officer is a standalone role and should not be an active coach involved in a training session.Additionally, it is critical to complete a Club Risk Assessment and to discuss this document with the Club committee.Please display Covid health promotion posters at the Club.

Please find HERE the information note on the changes to contract tracing for children, please feel free to submit additional queries to deirdremarley@athleticsireland.ie

For any queries relating to Covid-19 and Athletics please email kieronstout@athleticsireland.ie.

Covid FAQ 

Covid Testing, Restricting Movements and Self-Isolating

Q. When should I get tested? 
If you develop sudden onset of any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of smell, loss of taste, change in taste you should self-isolate and contact your GP. They will assess you and determine whether you need a COVID-19 test, and make the necessary arrangements. You must self-isolate while awaiting the test result. For more information please check HSE.ie.

You may also be asked to have a test if you are a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case. In this instance, the HSE contact tracing team will contact you and arrange a test for you.

You should restrict your movements for 14 days if you have been identified as a close contact irrespective of the test result or how many tests you have that are negative.

You will get the results of your test either by text or by phone call. Further information can be found on the HSE website here.

Q. What if I'm a close contact?

If you are a close contact of someone who has contracted Covid-19 and develop symptoms self isolate and book a PCR Test, please see HERE for more information. 

If you do not have symptoms but have been identified as a close contact please see HERE.

Facemasks

Please wear a facemask when attending all indoor sporting events and crowded outdoor sporting events.

For all details of when and how to wear a masks please click HERE

Return to Sport 

Please find details attached of the ‘Return to Sport Guidance’ from the Sport Ireland Expert Group. We thank all our members for being so compliant during this pandemic period and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any specific questions.

Click HERE for document.

Please find HERE Guidance Notes for the Sports Sector in relation to the return to sport from September 20th.

This note from Sport Ireland seeks to provide further information on a number of reoccurring themes raised by Sporting Organisations following the recent Government Announcement.

All Clubs and organisations should continue to risk assess and take appropriate measures in addressing individual issues in their sport as they arise.

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