Update to COVID-19 Restrictions and the Return to Sport

Dear Members, 

On 8 May, National Cabinet agreed to a first phase of easing certain COVID-19 restrictions. Based on expert advice by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee. 

A Roadmap for South Australia has been developed to detail the stage of easing of restrictions, which started from 11 May. 

Each of the Discipline Committee Chairs have been informed of the current restrictions and have been advised that equestrian training can now recommence, provided that:

• All training is held outdoors
• Up to 10 participants in a group + 1 coach/instructor only
• Maximum of 1 care provider/parent per participant in attendance (and to remain outside of the arena/separate from activity)
• Activity is non-contact
• Carparks, entries and exits must also adhere to distancing and capacity rules.

Further, individuals should:

• Minimise use of shared equipment and facilities
• Minimise unnecessary co-mingling
• Encourage good hygiene, offer hand sanitiser at entrance and exit
• Ensure frequent environmental disinfection cleaning of the premises
• Implement signage/markings to support compliance with current restrictions and advice
• Refer to the Australian Institute of Sport’s Framework for Rebooting Sport for further guidance.

As part of the Roadmap for returning to Sport, it has been agreed that (modified) competition in SA may recommence from 8 June 2020, subject to public health assessment at that time. 

The recommencement of competition will have additional restrictions and considerations that must be met. As such, ESA is putting together a plan for the recommencement of competition, which will outline all of the requirements that organising committees and venues need to meet before any competition can go ahead. Part of this will include a template for a Risk Assessment and Mitigation / BioSecurity Plan. Once this plan has been approved by the Office of Recreation and Sport and/or the Department of Health, it will be shared with discipline committees and ESA members. 

To reiterate, from 11 May until at least 8 June, equestrian training activities are able to go ahead, provided they meet all requirements as set out by the State Government. ESA does not endorse any activity that falls outside of this criteria. 

It is up to all of us to abide by the restrictions in place to stop the spread of disease and keep our family, friends and the wider community safe and healthy.