Members
Firstly, we would like to start by expressing our thanks. Whilst we appreciate the decision on Tuesday 17 March to suspend all Australian polocrosse carnivals due to the COVID-19 pandemic brought disappointing news, we have been very pleased to see the respect and understanding shown by our members in response to that news – thank you.
Our update on 17 March 2020 stated that we were in the process of reviewing all other Australian polocrosse activities such as practices, coaching and umpiring schools and that a further update would be provided today.
Polocrosse Australia is pleased to advise that these events can proceed, provided they are carried out in accordance with the COVID-19 Polocrosse Event Requirements attached to this update.
Whilst the COVID-19 Polocrosse Event Requirements have been set for all polocrosse activities carried out within Australia, some of these activities may require a risk analysis on a case by case basis. If you require further support or guidance regarding a proposed activity, please contact your local State and Territory Association.
Like the decision to suspend all Australian polocrosse carnivals, our decision to enable all other activities to proceed has been made based on current Government advice, including the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) COVID-19 Community Sport Guidelines issued on 18 March 2020 and by taking into account the specific nature and potential risks of these activities.
The health, safety and well-being of our members and the community remains our number one priority. We continue to work closely with our State and Territory Associations, and other key stakeholders, to monitor the situation as it evolves.
You may have seen that new dates have been scheduled for holding the Australian Polocrosse Nationals from 28 September to 4 October 2020 in Ballarat, Victoria. We commend Polocrosse Victoria for their hard work and dedication as we all navigate through these uncertain and challenging times.
Recent government advice suggests that the COVID-19 interventions, such as social distancing, which are key measures currently being utilised in order to limit the spread of COVID-19 within Australia, may need to continue for more than 6 months.
As the situation develops, it may be necessary to revise our plans and event requirements as new information or advice becomes available. We assure you that whilst we do this, our aim is to achieve the best possible outcomes for both our sport and our communities.
We all have a role to play in protecting our fellow members and those within our community. Again, we thank you for your co-operation and understanding through these challenging times.
Thank you again.
Graham Lane
President, Polocrosse Association of Australia Inc
20 March 2020
Attached: COVID-19 Australian Polocrosse Event Requirements dated 20 March 2020
COVID-19 Australian Polocrosse Event Requirements
20 March 2020
Effective from 21 March 2020, all polocrosse activities( 1) within Australia such as practices, coaching and umpiring schools can take place, provided each activity is carried out in accordance with the following requirements:
1. You must not attend an event if you:
a. have travelled internationally or been exposed to a person with COVID-19 in the preceding 14 days; or
b. are at a high risk including the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
2. You must not attend an event if you are experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, no matter how mild.
3. If you become unwell whilst attending an event, you will be required to self-isolate immediately, contact the event organiser and advise them of your symptoms. Medical advice should also be sought at this time, if required.
4. The event being conducted is local to the respective participants and does not involve the participants travelling by air or extensive distances by road.
5. The event is held over one day only.
6. Only essential participants attend the event, i.e. players, coaches, match officials, staff and volunteers involved
in conducting the event and parents/guardians of participants
7. All attendees must practise the following social distancing measures whilst at the event:
a. players, visitors and officials should minimise physical contact as much as is practicable, for example
no shaking hands, no pre- or post-match celebrations and no celebrating between players during the
practise games;
b. when spectating a training session or other activity, ensure a distance of 1.5 metres is kept between
yourself and others.
c. as with all gatherings, all recommended protective measures must be observed, such as regular hand
hygiene practices before, during and after the match, do not share drink bottles, and avoid touching your face.
8. All other Commonwealth and State or Territory government COVID-19 requirements, advice and guidelines that apply to the event being held are followed.
It is important to note that these requirements are subject to change as new information and advice becomes available.
Please check the Polocrosse Australia website: polocrosse.org.au to ensure that you have the most recent version of this document.
Also, whilst the requirements above have been set for all polocrosse activities currently carried out within Australia,
some activities may require a risk analysis on a case by case basis. If you require further support or guidance, please contact us or your State and Territory Association.
(1) These requirements do not apply to any Australian polocrosse carnival. As per Polocrosse Australia’s announced on 17 March 2020, Australian polocrosse carnivals at all levels remain suspended until further notice.