As the country returns to Level 3 of the Government’s ‘Guidelines for Living with Covid here is an overview of how different sports are opening up to more activity.
Gaelic Games
Training has been available in non-contact form for those below the age of 18 throughout the latest Level 5 restrictions so no change there.
Adult teams will now be able to return to non-contact training in pods of no more than 15.
This is traditionally the close season for Gaelic games where local authorities tend to close pitches in order that they can recover through what is often the worst of weather conditions.
Given the lesser levels of activity on pitches throughout the year though this is being relaxed in many areas to give more opportunity for players to get back together.
There will likely be significant pressure on floodlit facilities in the evenings and grass pitches at the weekend.
The GAA has also announced that it is relaxing the number of players that can attend matches so that the full panels of teams involved in the remaining semi-finals and finals at All Ireland level will now be able to join their colleagues for the biggest games of the season.
Club and other matches are still prohibited under the current level of restrictions
Rugby
Similar to Gaelic Games in that non-contact training will now be permitted for adult teams as well as for the kids.
Matches are still prohibited outside of elite-level competition, while the same regulations and advice regarding named covid supervisors, tracking of those in attendance and health and safety best practice are to be applied.
Soccer
The FAI will also return to Level 3 guidelines and has said it will be seeking meetings with Government officials about Reteurn to Safer play across all levels of the game.
It has said that it will advise stakeholders of any changes to what was the case back in September and early October as soon as it can.
Golf
Golf courses can reopen from Tuesday 1st December, however, golfers must not travel outside their county of residence to play golf.
This also means that golfers in counties either side of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland must adhere to the restrictions that apply in both jurisdictions.
Northern Ireland is currently in the midst of a two-week circuit break of restrictions meaning no play is permitted.
All golf activities are taking place on the basis of arrival-play-depart without delay. Daily timesheets are restricted to a minimum of 8, 9 or 10-minute intervals. Clubs may only choose one interval for each day. If clubs choose 8+ minute intervals, play is restricted to 2 golfers per start time. If clubs choose 9+ minutes, up to 3 golfers may play per start time. If clubs choose 10+ minutes, up to 4 golfers may play per start time.
Tee times also have to be booked in advance.
Tennis
Tennis clubs will also be allowed to reopen from Tuesday 1st December with restrictive measures being in place.
From Tuesday 1st December, tennis players must not travel outside their county of residence to play tennis.
From December 18th to January 6th, players can travel to another county to play as restrictions are eased over the Christmas period.
There should continue to be no organised social gatherings, of any size, at tennis facilities.
Swimming
Level 3 restrictions still mean that only individual training can take place at indoor swimming pools.
Indoor Sport
Training for elite athletes can continue as before but the restrictions on indoor gatherings still preclude court and other indoor sports from opening up until we go back to Level 2.
Unfortunately, that may be some time yet.
Horse and Greyhound Racing
Race meetings can still take place with protective measures in place. Spectators are still not permitted to attend. Up to 200 would be permitted, allowing for owners and a few others to attend at level 2, but the main Christmas Festivals at Leopardstown and Limerick will still be under modified Level 3 guidelines as things stand so the good wear will have to be worn at home in front of the TV.
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