Dear Players
The NSW Public Health Order has advised that effective Monday 11 October, once NSW has reached 70% vaccinated (we have passed this milestone however it comes into effect on Monday), people can undertake sport and exercise at outdoor public gatherings in groups of up to 20. This figure includes participants, coaches and support staff and spectators/parents.
At 80% vaccination rate, community sport will resume:
Exercise and recreation
- Gyms, indoor recreation and sporting facilities open with density limits and up to 20 people in classes.
- No distance limits apply for exercise or recreation.
- Indoor swimming pools open for swimming lessons, training and rehab activities.
- Community sports permitted for fully vaccinated staff, spectators and participants –Easing restrictions at 80% full vaccination | NSW Government
The NSWPA has been very clear that in the best interest of our community, we strongly recommend players should be vaccinated. This extends to grooms, drivers and anyone who intend to come and watch and support polo. This is a Public Health Order.
All businesses are responsible for taking reasonable steps to prevent unvaccinated people entering your premises.
As such, players and grooms will need to advise their vaccination status to clubs and Tournament Mangers when nominating for a tournament. Clubs will need to site your vaccination certificate to verify vaccination status. To access this certificate, go to your MyGov account or you can download Medicare Express App Express Plus Medicare mobile app - How to download and set up the app - Services Australia
Please do not send your vaccination certificate by text or email to a club or the NSWPA Office. There are privacy issues around this.
The club will need to site the actual certificate – only once and it will then be recorded. This is an interim step only as the NSW Government is working on QR codes linked to a persons vaccination but this is still in the trial phase.
If you attend a polo club and test positive to COVID-19 please advise the club ASAP.
If you have any queries, please contact me in the office nsw@australianpolo.com.au or 0409 764 607.
Below is the advice from the Office of Sport with links to the NSW Public Health Orders and Fact Sheets.
We look forward to resuming polo in NSW!
Kind regards
Shauna Laverty
Executive Assistant | NSW Polo Association
Sport and Recreation Sector Update - Thursday 7 October 2021
Good morning all,
This morning, the Premier has announced some changes to the roadmap, which have some impacts for the sport and recreation sector.
Below is a summary of today’s announcements that relate to the sector:
- The changes to the 70% roadmap will:
- allow up to 10 visitors (not counting children 12 and under) to a home (previously five); and
- lift the cap on outdoor gatherings to 30 people (previously 20)
- Indoor pools will also be re-opened for swimming lessons, squad training, lap swimming, and rehab activities.
- Deputy Premier Paul Toole announced workers in regional areas who have received one vaccination dose will be permitted to return to their workplace from October 11 and will be given a grace period until November 1 to receive their second dose.
- Regional areas are those outside Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Shellharbour and the Central Coast.
The Office of Sport will provide a further update following the release of the Public Health Order amendments for the 70% restrictions.
Should you have questions regarding the restrictions, please visit the links below or email sectorcapability@sport.nsw.gov.au
Sport and Recreation Sector Update - Wednesday 6 October 2021
Good afternoon,
The NSW Government has published the Public Health Order which outlines restrictions in place from the Monday after the state reaches the 70 per cent double vaccination milestone.
The Public Health (COVID-19 General) Order 2021 is available for download HERE.
Following consultation with NSW Health, the Office of Sport can provide the initial advice below to support the sport and recreation sector as it prepares to recommence activities.
The NSW Government and Office of Sport COVID-19 webpages will be updated with further information in the coming days.
Maximum number of persons — outdoor sport or exercise
- Clause 2.13 of the Public Health Order states that people can undertake sport and exercise at outdoor public gatherings in groups of up to 20. This figure includes participants, coaches and support staff and spectators/parents.
- This will enable community sport training activities that are compliant with the Public Health Order to take place.
- Organisations are expected to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place.
Maximum number of persons—group classes and activities at recreation facilities (indoor)
- Clause 2.9 of the Public Health Order states that ‘the occupier of a recreation facility (indoor) in the general area must not allow more than 20 persons to attend a group class or other group activity at the facility.’
- The occupier of an indoor recreation facility must not allow the total of more than 1 person per 4 square metres, as per Clause 2.3 (1) a).
- Multiple group activities or classes of up to 20 persons may take place within an indoor recreation facility provided the facility complies with the Public Health Order.
- This will enable community sport training activities compliant with the Public Health Order to take place.
- Facility operators must have a ‘Gyms and indoor recreation’ COVID-19 Safety Plan in place.
Parents accompanying children under 16 years of age
- Clause 2.18(3) of the Public Health Order states the occupier of higher risk premises in the general area must ensure that a person who is under 16 years of age and who is not a fully vaccinated person is not on the premises unless the person is accompanied by a person who is -
(a) a member of the person’s household, and
(b) a fully vaccinated person.
- A higher risk premises includes an entertainment facility, a major recreation facility, hospitality venues, places of public worship, and premises at which a significant event is being held, other than a small funeral or memorial service or small wedding service.
- Indoor recreation facilities are not classified as a higher risk premises.
Indoor pools reopening at 80% double vaccination target
- In the updated roadmap published over the weekend, it has been confirmed that indoor pools will reopen for lessons only.
- Further advice relating to this matter will be provided as NSW approaches the 80% double vaccination target.
Resources to assist with reopening
The NSW Government has developed a range of resources to assist organisations with reopening. This includes information about COVID-19 Safety Plan requirements, customer proof of vaccinations, guidance about business rights, vaccination of staff and customers and what to do if your business becomes and exposure site.
Sport and Recreation Sector Update - Monday 4 October 2021
The NSW Government has released additional information regarding the roadmap as the State reaches the 70% and 80% double vaccination targets.
This information is now available on the NSW Government COVID-19 website and in a downloadable infographic via the links below.
The Office of Sport is seeking further information for questions already submitted but the sector not covered in the roadmap. Further updates will be provided as information is received and as the Public Health Orders for each stage are finalised.
Resources for businesses and organisations to support reopening
To support and guide businesses in becoming COVID Safe and operational at 70% double vaccination, the NSW Government has resources available for download, including:
Regarding vaccination compliance and obligations:
- Businesses are responsible for taking reasonable steps to prevent unvaccinated people entering your premises. For example, having prominent signs stating requirements, Service NSW QR codes, staff checking vaccination status upon entry and only accepting valid forms of evidence of vaccination, or medical exemption.
- Authorised officers will monitor businesses re-opening, particularly those that have vaccination requirements, for example hospitality, retail, gyms, and personal services (e.g. hair, beauty).
- Penalties may apply for individuals and businesses who don’t comply. On the spot fines of $1,000 may apply to individuals for not complying, or for using fraudulent evidence of vaccination or check-in. On the spot fines of $5,000 may apply to businesses for not complying with the Public Health Order vaccination requirements. Further penalties may apply for significant breaches.