COVID-19 Update & Return to Activity

On Friday 1 May, the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Corey Wingard announced to the State Sporting Organisations the national principles for the resumption of sport and recreation activities.

The Australian Institute of Sport has drafted a framework for rebooting sport in the COVID19 environment. Within this framework there is an emphasis on a staged return to sport and recreational activities without compromising the health of individuals and the community.

 Decisions regarding a return to sport and recreation activities will be made by the state government, and will be dependent on various factors including local epidemiology, risk mitigation strategies and public health capabilities.

 Prior to any ESA training and other activities recommencing, state sporting organisations are required to not only demonstrate an ability to meet current standards (i.e. no more than 10 people at a gathering (including riders, officials, coaches & spectators etc), adhering to strict distancing and hygiene measures, before moving to a subsequent phase of larger group activities, including full competition.

 “Under the current Emergency Management (Non-Essential Business and Other Activities No 4) (COVID-19) Direction 2020 all indoor activities and venues are still captured as being “closed”, therefore any movement towards reintroducing activity is relevant for outdoor venues only.

 ESA will be putting together a proposal to the Office of Recreation and Sport, and the Department of Health in the coming weeks, which will provide a pathway towards the recommencement of equestrian sports. Once the pathways are known, committees and members will be advised.

 To reiterate, no return to activities or gatherings outside of the current state restrictions and responsibilities is allowed at this time.