GAA Handball are delighted to announce that they have today released a plan for a safe return to play.
The plan is the culmination of many weeks work between GAA Handball, the GAA Covid19 Advisory Group and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport’s Expert Group on Return to Sport.
GAA Handball wish to thank the GAA Covid19 Advisory Group and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport’s Expert Group on Return to Sport especially the GAA’s Director of Player, Club, and Games Administration Feargal McGill who have been a tremendous assistance over the past number of weeks in getting this plan to completion.
Speaking on the Roadmap the GAA’s Director of Player, Club, and Games Administration Feargal McGill said:
We are delighted to have finalised the Return to Safe Play document with GAA Handball and are confident that the plan will enable Handball clubs to return to play in a safe and controlled manner in line with the recommendations of the HSE and the respective Governments. As an indoor sport the requirements for a return to play were challenging but I am confident that this document will give all units the confidence to return in a safe manner.
The roadmap offers a route back to activity and in turn competition in a safe and controlled manner while adhering to the guidelines set out by the HSE and Government in both the Republic and Northern Ireland. The document is being distributed to all units today with a view to providing them with time to put in place the necessary arrangements to facilitate a return to indoor activity.
A reminder was issued by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to remind all sports that the following applies when returning to sport:
- While the government have accelerated the roadmap for return to June 29th, there is no onus on NGBs, Clubs, Affiliates, Members, Athletes or Volunteers to return immediately.
- A cautious, gradual approach to full participation and competition remains a sensible approach.
- Sports should be mindful of non Covid-19 related issues as part of that return – increased risk of injury etc. due to the suspension of organised sport & training.
- Personal responsibility is more important than ever.
- Sports & their participants, should consider the four strands of the DATE model when making decisions on activity and at all times be evaluating risk. These four things are: Distance, Activity, Time and Environment.
GAA Handball President Dessie Keegan commented on the plan:
I am delighted to be able to release this plan today to give guidance to all our members on a safe return to play. The past number of months were challenging for all our members and our full time team but I am proud of the way that they have come together to help fight the threat of Covid19.
This plan is the result of an extremely complex process and I would like to thank National Manager John Kelly for all his hard work in getting this plan to completion while linking in closely with the GAA and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
National Manager John Kelly urged all members to read the plan carefully
It is essential that all members read this document thoroughly and familiarise themselves with the contents as these are the minimum standards set out for a safe return to play. We must continue to work together while remaining vigilant to ensure all our members can return to our sport and compete in a safe manner and enjoy our wonderful games once more
The full Return to safe play document is available here
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