IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL MEMBERS REGARDING PHASE 1 GUIDELINES. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Hi All,
Following on from my previous emails, I hope you and your family are all keeping well and getting out for some regular exercise.
As you are aware, the Government has drawn up a 5 Phase roadmap to opening up society and the economy, starting with Phase 1 on Monday 18th May. In accordance with specific government guidelines, Sports Ireland has given the AAI permission to allow all athletic clubs return to limited activity from 18th May. However, for any club to reopen and resume official training, they must first carry out risk assessments, devise protocols and then strictly adhere to the guidelines laid down in the Phase 1 documents (see attached).
Having studied the Phase 1 reopening guidelines carefully, and following discussions with the AAI and other relevant parties, the club’s management committee has decided that we are unable to reopen the club and resume official training. It appears these government guidelines have been drawn up in the context that a club owns their clubhouse and the grounds where they train and therefore, are in a position to control who enters these facilities. As Rathfarnham Athletics Club (like many other clubs) carry our their training in public parks (with numerous entrances/exits) and share the paths with other users, we feel that trying to strictly adhere to the requirements would be very difficult operationally and would likely create a major problem for the club and our members. It should also be noted that clubhouses cannot be opened up to members in the Phase 1 period. Also, Tallaght Athletics club have informed us that the track will not reopen to outside clubs until the Phase 5 period in August.
Irrespective, of whether a club does or does not reopen and resume official training sessions, from Monday 18th May, up to four (4) people can exercise together in public places provided they strictly adhere to the government guidelines on social distancing, hygiene etiquette and the 5km radius.
It is important to point out that where official training sessions have not resumed, the AAI Insurance cover is not in place and like training outside official club sessions, it is at the members own risk.
We will wait for the issuing of the guidelines for Phase 2 of the roadmap on June 8th, to see if there will be any easing of the restrictions, so that we can return to official training in a sensible and practical manner.
We will communicate with you again following the release of the Phase 2 guidelines. In the meantime, continue excising if you can and stay safe!
Yours in sport,
John Mc Cabe
Development Manager
