Whistles and spitting banned as nation prepares for late kick-off

THE Government has unveiled a detailed blueprint to allow the resumption of team sports at both juvenile and senior level in Ireland after the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.

Transport Minister Shane Ross and Sport Minister Brendan Griffin said the guidance from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) was “a major step” on the journey back to normal sports activities.

It outlines detailed procedures for parents, players and clubs – from travelling to sports activities already in playing gear, to the banning of spitting and the use of whistles on sports grounds.

Changing rooms and team water bottles will also remain off-limits until the pandemic ends.

“The population at large has been greatly missing its sport, but it’s fair to say that children and adolescents have probably missed it most, whether on the TV or more importantly out on the field,” Mr Ross said.

“Training with friends and teammates is hugely important to young people. The experience of the last few weeks has been difficult but I hope that the progress we are making gives young people, and their parents, a real sense that we are coming out of the Covid-19 crisis and that better days are certainly ahead.”

In a nine-page document, the HPSC sets out detailed guidance for players, parents and clubs about how the resumption of sporting activity should be handled over the coming weeks.

It urged that no one attends any sporting activity if they are unwell. Social distancing and strict hygiene measures must be complied with at all times. Every sports body should have a designated Covid-19 safety officer – and risk assessments will be conducted by all clubs.

Safety guidance will vary between clubs and sports, with contact-based team sports requiring a greater level of care than non-contact solo sports. Five grades have been set out for challenges facing different clubs.

Parents were urged to ensure children travel both to and from both training and sports activities in the same vehicle, and that arrival times be carefully staggered to avoid large gatherings.

Children have been urged to travel to sports activities in their playing gear as indoor changing rooms will remain off-limits for the time being.

Each player should have their own water bottle and there should be absolutely no sharing of such bottles or even towels.

Spitting is expressly forbidden both during training and matches. The use of whistles will also be banned for the time being. Every club is required to ensure proper hygiene facilities are in place, from hand sanitisers to special hand-washing areas.

All toilets must be carefully sanitised on a regular basis.

If social or physical distancing is not possible, face coverings should be worn by all coaches, officials, parents and spectators.

Each club must designate a staff member to ensure all shared clothing or equipment is carefully sanitised after each use.

A detailed log must also be kept of all children and adults at training or sports events in case contact tracing is later required by health officials.

Special recommendations have been issued for boxing clubs over the use of gloves and headgear.