Following the recent Government announcement, we have now received further clarification from Sport Ireland in relation to the restrictions in place for both indoor and outdoor sport and are delighted to confirm that from Monday 7thJune indoor handball on an individual basis is permitted to return in the 26 counties. This is another positive step on the road to a full return to sport for all members.
Please find below the latest updates.
Restrictions in the 26 counties
From 7 June
- Outdoor sports matches & competition can recommence.
- Indoor facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres and sports clubs can reopen for individual training.A parent/guardian can be present with a Juvenile player.
- Two members of the same household can train together.
- One-to-one training between a participant and instructor/coach can take place.
- In relation to one-to-one training for Juveniles, to comply with Child Safeguarding guidelines a parent/guardian must also be present if one to one training is taking place with a coach. In this case a maximum of 3 people are allowed to be present with social distancing measures in place.
The above can take place providing the following is implemented:
- Any demonstration of equipment or technique should ensure that a minimum of 2m social distancing is maintained.
- Individual equipment should not be shared.
- In the case of fixed equipment, cleaning of such equipment must be completed immediately after demonstration and before the individual participant uses.
- There should be no hands-on adjustments or physical contact during training sessions.
- Coaches and trainers are asked to refer to the HSE guidance on wearing of face coverings.
- The training must be supervised by a coach or a trainer accredited by GAA Handball.
From 5 July (Subject to Public Health)
- Indoor sports training, exercise and dance activities can recommence in pods of up to 6.
- The numbers permitted at outdoor organised events can further increase to a maximum of 200 for the majority of venues, with a maximum of 500 for outdoor stadia/venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000
Further information can be found here:https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/7894b-post-cabinet-statement-resilience-and-recovery-the-path-ahead/
Restrictions in the 6 counties
Outdoor sport
- All outdoor sport, whether organised formally by your local sports club or informally by a group of friends, is permitted.
- The maximum number of participants, including coaches and support staff is limited to 500 people and the maximum number of spectators is limited to 500 people.
- Risk assessments, as set out in the regulations, must be completed where there will be between 31 and 500 participants and/or spectators in attendance.
Indoor sport
- Indoor sport and leisure venues are permitted to open, subject to risk assessment conditions, as set out in the Public Health Regulations, hygiene measures, social distancing and other mitigations.
- Group exercise/ training and indoor club training in squads is permitted. A risk assessment, as set out in the regulations, must be completed where there will be over 15 people taking part.
- Indoor 'competitive sport' is not permitted unless participants are elite athletes.
Further information can be found here:https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you
Please note:
With the above guidelines announced, GAA Handball clubs are recommended to take a cautious approach on this initial return and continue to undertake all safety and hygiene precautions.
The return to sport protocols should be strictly adhered to including hygiene measures, social distancing and other mitigations.
Any behaviour which may encourage the risk of transmission around sports activities, such as car sharing, congregation of people outside of the courts and sporting celebrations, should be avoided.
In accordance with the GAA’s ‘Return to Play’ protocols, dressing rooms should remain closed for all training sessions.
GAA Handball Clar
GAA Handball CCCC are currently working on an updated Clár for the remainder of the year in line with current restrictions and this will be released to counties in due course.