Swim Ireland has now published a comprehensive ‘Living & Swimming with COVID-19’ Framework. This plan, approved by the DTTAS/Sport Ireland Return to Sport Expert Group, is aligned with the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive’s risk management strategy for the next 6-9 months.

It is designed to allow our clubs, club members and facilities to better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures that either Government might introduce, to stop escalation of the transmission of the virus.

We have endeavoured to provide you with the guidance that you need so that you can continue to provide sporting activity to your club members and to provide you with the ability to respond and adapt to both national or county/local level restrictions which may be applied.

Key points to note are as follows:

  • Domestic travel – as geographic jurisdictions move between different levels of restrictions it is important to minimise travel between Level 1/2 and Level 3/4/5 jurisdictions.
    • Swimmers who are 16 years of age or over (age as of 31/12/2020) who have qualified for the 2020 Irish National Winter Championships, the 2021 Irish Open Championships and/or the 2021 Irish Summer National Championships may travel between Level 1/2 and Level 3 jurisdictions for the purposes of training.
    • Water Polo players who are 16 years of age or over, who are named by clubs as part of a 15 person squad who will compete in Division 1 or Division 2 matches may travel between Level 1/2 and Level 3 jurisdictions for the purposes of training. Please see exception note for those attending education/ essential work below
  • Self-Report Screening – in Level 3 jurisdictions, individuals are required to complete a self-report screening form for each session and once per day at Level 1, 2 and in Northern Ireland
  • Discipline specific – clubs should follow the discipline specific guidance included within the Framework document.

A separate Water Polo specific update is also included and is split into three sections; Level 3 Specific Update – ROI, General Updates – ROI & NI and a Financial Update. As always, you can also find all our Return to Water documentation and resources at COVID-19 – Return To Water.

We recognise that this continues to be a challenging and worrying time for our clubs, coaches, athletes, parents, and other club volunteers.

From speaking to our clubs, we do understand that our volunteers are working more diligently than ever to ensure that athletes have access to pool time. We understand that you are facing and overcoming new obstacles along the way. We would encourage you to continue to engage with your Club Support Officer and other Swim Ireland support staff at this time.

As always, thank you for your continued support and efforts during this difficult time.

Swim Ireland Clubs and Community Team

 

Living and training in Counties operating within different Levels of the Government of Ireland’s COVID-19 Framework (Republic of Ireland only)

Other than those athletes deemed to be at Senior National level (see above and/or the Framework for definitions/guidance), those athletes who live in a Level 1/2 jurisdiction may not travel to train with a club in a Level 3 jurisdiction AND athletes who live in a Level 3 jurisdiction may not travel to train with a club in a Level 1/2 jurisdiction. The following exceptions apply:

Athletes who are travelling from a Level 1/2 jurisdiction to a Level 3 jurisdiction for full time education/as an essential worker and are attending an organised club training session directly before or afterwards

OR

Athletes who are travelling from a Level 3 jurisdiction to a Level 1/2 jurisdiction for full time education/as an essential worker and are attending an organised club training session directly before or afterwards

(e.g. attending school/essential work in a Level 3 jurisdiction from 9.00am-4.00pm and travelling directly to facility for training at 5.00pm, or alternatively training at 5.00am-7.00am and travelling directly to essential work/school afterwards)

Notes:

  • Athletes leaving a Level 1/2 OR a Level 3 jurisdiction after education/essential work may not return to that jurisdiction for training purposes
  • Athletes should not remain in a Level 1/2 OR 3 jurisdiction that they have travelled to for unnecessary prolonged periods of time
  • Athletes may not travel to train with a club in a Level 1/2 OR Level 3 jurisdiction on a non-education/essential workday (with this being Saturdays and Sundays in most cases)

For further guidance or assistance contact:

October 05, 2020