The Government’s Sport Expert Group and Sport Ireland have released a new ‘Indoor Sport Framework’ which will allow for greater sporting activity to take place at Level 3 than had originally been the case.
Clubs can now open for individual training where that takes place by way of “individual, physically distanced, non-contact activity, completed in a pre-defined area, within a controlled environment and without the sharing of personal sports equipment.
2-metre social distancing has to be maintained and it is only permissible for clubs that are part of a recognised National Governing Body and that have completed their own return to play compliance process.
No more than 50 people can be gathered in an indoor space, and only to that level if the space permits that required level of social distancing.
The sessions have to be supervised by a fully qualified coach registered with the National Governing Body.
The new ‘pod of one’ concept adapts the pod of 15 which has been in place for the large field sports through the period of level three lockdown.
It is aimed at “clearly differencing sporting activity between levels 2 and 3 while also distinguishing the activity from traditional exercise and dance classes which are not permissible from level 3 onwards.”
The new framework is a boost for Gymnastics clubs in particular where the training can now take place, if not on a full basis but at least in a fashion.
Athletics and swimming are others that that might gain extra benefit from indoor training in the winter months and while ball sports such as basketball, volleyball and others will still have to wait for further loosening, as will contact sports, it is a positive step in terms of getting more people active.
What is clear is that sport and the Government are working closely to ensure that as much leeway can be given in the personal exercise space without compromising public health safety.
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