Over the weekend, the NSW Government released the new Public Health (COVID-19 General) Amendment Order (No 2) 2021, which comes into effect as of Monday 18 October and coincides with NSW having passed the 80% target of full vaccination of the eligible adult population (16+).

Although the NSW Government is promoting ‘community sport can return’ we understand how incredibly difficult, if not impossible, for many Associations this will be due to the 200-person outdoor limit that has been applied. These limited numbers have come despite assurances from sport sector agencies that they were advocating for community sport limits to be based on density (i.e., 1 person per 4 square metres).

Currently, indoor community sport has no limit on the number of participants, provided the 1 person per 4 square metre rule and any requirements of the venue are met. However, outdoor community sport, such as our own which sprawls across large areas are limited to 200 attendees, which very is difficult to understand at this time.

Note: The following restrictions apply to;

• Fully vaccinated people aged 16 years and over;
• Children under the age of 16; and
• People who have been issued with a medical contraindication certificate compliant with the Order.

Clause 2.13 of the Order, which previously referenced outdoor sport and exercise gatherings, has been removed. This means community sport and exercise falls under the general restrictions and is now permitted to take place (including both training and competition).

Gatherings

The maximum number of people for a COVID-19 safe outdoor public gathering is 200 people. A COVID-19 Safety Plan for Outdoor Events is required for gatherings of this type.

Any other outdoor gathering is permitted to have up to 50 people. A COVID-19 Safety Plan is not required for this type of gathering.

A COVID-19 safe outdoor public gathering (maximum 200 people) is one that meets the following requirements:

• Is operating under a COVID-19 Safety Plan, which is available on site at all times for inspection.
• Is using QR codes to record attendance at the venue.
• Has designated individuals checking the vaccination status of people attending the venue and is taking reasonable steps to ensure that unvaccinated people are not attending.

A consideration for each Association exists as there are opportunities for organisations to apply to the NSW Government for exemptions on gatherings as detailed here on the Exemptions to COVID-19 Gathering Restrictions Page.

Safety Plans

The COVID-19 Safety Plan required for outdoor public gatherings is the ‘Outdoor Events’ plan available on the NSW Health website here.

Softball NSW has uploaded a template version of the new COVID-19 Safety Plan to the Softball NSW COVID-19 Resource Library on our website to assist Associations.

Travel Restrictions

Travel between Greater Sydney and Regional NSW will not be permitted until 1 November.

Therefore, a person who resides in Greater Sydney must not participate in recreation outside Greater Sydney, and a person who resides outside of Greater Sydney (i.e., Regional NSW) must not participate in recreation in Greater Sydney.

Phase 3: December 1, Easing of Further Restrictions

Currently the re-opening roadmap indicates that from 1 December, community sport will be permitted for all people. However, it should be noted that this date is indicative and could change. Further, there is no advice available at present to indicate if there will be limits on the number of people able to participate at that time.

Return to Play Guidelines & Recommended Resources

Softball NSW has developed the Return to Play Guidelines which will aid Associations, Clubs, and Individuals on the return to community sport. The Guidelines can be found at the Softball NSW COVID-19 Resource Library.

Further to this, there are a number of additional links and resources (i.e., posters etc) which have been prepared by the NSW Government to assist with preparing for and managing COVID-19 safe gatherings. Note that currently the majority of the resources are aimed at businesses, not volunteer run sporting organisations, however sport specific versions are hopefully in development.

• For more information on the re-opening roadmap visit the Roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions or see this infographic.
• Information to assist organisations with reopening, are available by clicking here.
• Fact Sheets are available covering the following items:
• Proof of vaccination requirements
• Guidance on vaccination compliance and obligations
• Details on what to do if your business becomes an exposure site
• Visit Posters and signage to download further materials which can be displayed at your venue to assist with compliance and meeting the requirements of your COVID-19 Safety Plan.
• Click on this link for full details on QR codes and check-in requirements.

All information sent to Associations, Clubs & Members will also be kept on the Softball NSW COVID19 Resource Library for as long as it remains relevant and up to date.

More Information

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact our Softball NSW Development Team Members Donna McGrath via development@softballnsw.org.au or Mohi Rameka mohido@softballnsw.org.au