Month: June 2020

Covid 19 – Phase 3

Covid 19 - Returning to Polo - Phase 3

Per announcement by the government last week, we note that from June 29th (subject to Government Approval to enter Phase 3), the following applies :

‘Close Contact Sports are allowed – this means Polo training, games and matches can be played in ROI

Outdoor gatherings of up to 200 (and 500 from July 20th) are allowed

Off the water – Social distancing, Hygiene and Contact Tracing guidelines remain in place. If your club did not take part in the recent Canoeing ireland COVID free workshops, , you should ensure that club organisers and Coaches inform themselves, by for example taking this course https://www.sportireland.ie/covid19/course

Club houses.  Some of you have asked whether Club boat houses, changing rooms etc. can be re-opened from the 29th, we have asked for clarification and will advise when we get confirmation.  In any event, please remember that Social Distancing and Hygiene guidelines remain in place.

There are a myriad of documents floating around from HSPC, HSE, Government sources, many are undated and some are now out of date – THIS is the most recent high level document put out by government and the one on which we have based the above summary.

The priority at all times must be to protect the health and welfare of all those involved in Canoe Polo, their families and the wider community.  Polo clubs are all run by volunteers and everyone has a responsibility to play a part in minimizing the risk. 

Please following canoe.ie/covid for resources and further updates from Canoeing Ireland 

Events

We are working to (re) schedule the following National Events.

Overload! – August 15th and 16th at Mullingar Harbour

Club Championships – (rescheduled) – will hope this will now take place 22nd and 23rd August at Mullingar Harbour (subject to Waterways Ireland Confirmation)

Irish Open – (will be rescheduled) – will be moved to September in Belfast (subject to confirmation, and NI Covid-19 Protocols)

Covid 19 – Phase 2 Guidelines

COVID 19 – Phase 2 impact for Canoe Polo 

 As we enter Phase 2, the Government Expert Group, Canoeing Ireland and HSE have published documents all relevant to our sport (references below)

We summarise below the major impact for Canoe Polo players and clubs during Phase 2 commencing Monday 8th June, 2020.

TRAINING ACTIVITY ONLY  – Phase 2 allows goup training, but NOT Polo matches or gameplay.  So in practical terms this means paddling drills, fitness drills or ball drills where each player has their own unshared ball.  All participants must be able to self rescue so no beginners.

CONTACT TRACING – You can now train in groups of up to 15, to include coaches.  Club organisers/group leaders should keep a log of all training session attendees, including contact details, to facilitate contact tracing if necessary.   

SOCIAL DISTANCING AND HYGIENE – Nothing has changed in terms of the requirement to be at least 2 meters apart on and off the water. This means no boat to boat contact or tackling drills. All participants should adhere to the existing guidelines on hand and respiratory hygiene.  Wash or sanitise hands prior to training and immediately after.  Cover your nose and mouth if sneezing or coughing.

GOING TRAINING –  You are allowed to travel to training anywhere in your county (or outside your county subject to a maximum of 20km). Do not share the transport to training with others outside your household.  Do not congregate before or after training – 2m social distancing to be maintained at all times.   Do not train if you feel unwell or become unwell during training.    

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT – Sharing of equipment should be avoided.  

PHASE 3 – Phase 3 details have not yet been announced.  The Government expert group is working with NGBs and will provide further Return to Play guidelines as we near phase 3 & 4. 

For your reference here are supporting documents with more detail on each of the above.

Canoeing Ireland – Return an Paddling – https://canoe.ie/2020/05/13/return-to-paddling-guidelines/

Government Appointed Expert Group on Sport (6th June) – https://www.sportireland.ie/sites/default/files/media/document/2020-06/expert-group-on-return-to-sport-guidance-document.pdf

 HSE – more detail on social distancing and Hygiene – https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/

 
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