Rowing returns under level three

More will be known about the fate of sport tomorrow when Sport New Zealand releases further guideline recommendations.

Minister of Sport Grant Robertson will also be discussing the guidelines at the daily 1pm press conference tomorrow.

National sports bodies are currently working with Sport New Zealand, MBIE and the Ministry of Health on the guidelines which will put restrictions on what sport can be played under Covid-19 level three and level two.

One sport that has been given the goahead is rowing.

Rowing New Zealand has posted guidelines on its website outlining how people can participate in the sport under each Covid-19 level.

While water based activities aren’t allowed under level four, restrictions will be lifted for non-motorised water activities from next Tuesday, when level three comes into place.

Rowing NZ advised that while all clubs and rowing facilities must remain closed, those with private boats that are easily accessible may resume rowing.

‘‘Those with private skiffs can row as long as they can access their boats without entering a club, have easy access to a safe waterway, remain close to shore, interact only within their bubble and follow all Rowing NZ Water Safety Code measures for unsupervised training,’’ the guidelines state.

Under Covid-19 level two, which sees social distancing maintained, all domestic rowing trainings and competitions will be ‘‘risk assessed’’ before going ahead. Elite trainings will also be ‘‘risk assessed’’ but not elite competitions will occur under level two.

Domestic rowing clubs will be expected to display information about Covid-19, limit the number of people on site to no more than 100 and proper health and safety practices are adhered to.

While non-contact sports are preparing to get under way in level three and level two, contact sports still have a long way to go, as social distancing which is required under level two, will be difficult.