Whilst there is limited information from the NSW Government regarding the return for community sport and what the path looks like, we remain positive and optimistic regarding the upcoming season and expect more information to be available soon.

Upon seeking clarification, Sport NSW has advised that at this point in time no organised community sport can take place in any area of NSW in terms of training or competitions, even in small groups, and we ask our members to comply with this directive.

While some areas of NSW can “exercise” in groups of up to 5 or 20 when individuals are fully vaccinated, the advice we have received is that this is for recreational purposes, not “organised training”.

A Road Map for what freedoms there may be when certain vaccination rates are achieved was released last week stating, “When NSW hits the 80 per cent double dose target, the government intends to open up further freedoms around international travel, community sport, major events and other areas.” With 80% on target and currently forecasted to be achieved by mid-November this gives us an indication that we will be able to commence our weekly competitions later in the year.

With this in mind, we want to be ready to commence the season in accordance with the Government’s advice as soon as we can. Our preparations therefore include:

• Anticipating Centres will be able to recommence later in the year, and that this may vary from Centre to Centre depending on restrictions within LGA’s.
• Be prepared for registrations to open as soon as there is clarity so participants can take advantage of their 2021 Active Kids Vouchers.
• While it’s a difficult decision for the second year in a row, we believe it’s in the best interest to cancel Little Athletics NSW State Relays Championships on its current date of 20/21 November and in its existing format for 2021 to allow the focus to be on Zone and Regional Championships/Qualification processes.

Relay events are a wonderful opportunity for teams and Centres to come together, and while we might not be able to deliver this in November, we will consider a carnival style event/s potentially at a different time of the year

Above all else our primary focus is to support and assist Centres in getting up and running. We have therefore need to consider:

• What restrictions may be in place when we do return to community sport eg. vaccination status for volunteers, masks to be worn by non-participants, capped numbers, participating in your LGA. We will follow the government advice in relation to all restrictions put in place.
• Encourage volunteers to be fully vaccinated.
• Ensure COVID Safety Plans are updated on the NSW Health website by Centres to receive the NSW Services QR Code.
• Encourage Centres to contact local Councils to understand if venues can be ready to go once the State Government makes any announcement or if there will be any additional requirements.
• Update the GameDay registration platform so it can be opened for take registrations once we have a clear understand of the return to community sport.

We will continue to actively engage the Office of Sport and Sport NSW to gain up to date information, advice and clarification, and pass information on as it becomes available.