Leinster championships to be held in early August
LEINSTER ATHLETICS recently set provisional dates for their Juvenile track and field championships (August 1), and Junior, Senior and Masters championships (August 7/8).
Since then, Athletics Ireland has provisionally scheduled the national Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 track and field championships for Santry on August 30.
In all cases, it is expected that, in order to ensure the safety of competitors and officials, some events will not take place so that the programme will be smaller than usual.
Sports organisations all over Ireland have welcomed the further easing of restrictions introduced yesterday (June 29) as the country continues to move out of lockdown.
Athletics Ireland has been assiduously sticking to the restrictions and guidelines since the start of lockdown and, while continuing to do so, is looking forward to increasing the level of activity in the sport in the weeks ahead.
They continue to work closely with Sport Ireland and the Department… to ensure athletics re-starts in a safe and progressive manner and that members are responsible and vigilant in suppressing Covid-19.
They welcome the news that clubs can once again resume activities for all ages and say they will be posting competition dates in the coming days.
At the same time they caution that Covid-19 is still very much with us, and it is imperative that we maintain the highest standards in regard to contact tracing, social distancing and hygiene…
The Phase 3 easing of restrictions includes the following: Travel anywhere in Ireland; Sports clubs and public swimming pools may re-open;
Sporting activity in outdoor public sports amenities permitted for all ages;
Summer camps may open; Outdoor and indoor amenities for children may open;
Wellbeing services may resume, including chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, reflexology and homoeopathy. And hairdressers!;
Indoor gatherings of up to 50 people and outdoor gatherings of up to 200 people, in both cases conducted in line with public health advice, are permissible. These numbers include all people present at any gathering including athletes, coaches, officials and spectators.
Clubs can engage in much more activity and their members can begin to focus on competing again. The big fear of the authorities is that, as we edge out of lockdown, complacency may set in.
Clubs must continue to adhere to health and safety measures as set out by the HSE and Athletics Ireland. The list of measures is very detailed and applies to all club members, including coaches and athletes, along with parents, spectators, etc.
Here is an example: ‘Steeplechase water jump and sand for long jump should be mixed with a sanitising solution pre-competition.’ ‘Jumping mats should be sanitised after each athlete’s attempt.’
Slaney Olympic has applied to Wexford Athletics for a permit for their annual half-marathon and 10km in Oylegate on Sunday, August 30.
As part of the Phase 4 easing of restrictions on July 20, the number participating in or attending at events is scheduled to increase from 200 to 500.
While this news will be welcomed by event organisers, the health and safety measures to be followed will bring about a significant increase in the organisational workload. The net impact of this may be that there may be significantly less events in the autumn calendar than usual.
The Athletics Ireland A.G.M. takes place (via internet) on Wednesday, July 15.
Athletics Wexford hopes to hold its first meeting since lockdown on Monday, July 6, with the venue to be confirmed.