Return to Sport in NSW

As we have all witnessed there is constant change as COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease. Based on the recent update from the NSW Department of Health regarding the revised Public Health Order on May 14th 2020, Baseball NSW have updated its position from our May 15th announcement as follows;
It is acceptable for groups to gather on baseball fields and facilities as long as they adhere to the May 14th NSW Health Department Public Order guidelines;

• Do not attend any sport if you are unwell and experiencing symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, fever, fatigue or shortness of breath
• Do not attend sport if, in the last 14 days, you have been unwell or had close contact with a known or suspected case of COVID-19
• Anyone who is unwell should see a doctor in accordance with NSW Public Health Authority guidelines

Once at the field;

• A total of ten (10) people may gather as per the Baseball NSW prescribed Activity Zones (attached)
• The maximum capacity in any single venue at one time is the responsibility of the venue owner or council
• Physical distancing must be maintained at all times (i.e. 1.5m apart)
• Change rooms to remain closed – toilets may be available for use. If a toilet is accessed via a change room, the toilet may be used, the change room may not
• Outdoor sport only - no indoor sport at any time which includes batting tunnels with a roof overhead
• A nominated person from each gathering must complete the ‘Baseball NSW Return to Activity Checklist’
  • This can be accessed attached here as well as via our Facebook page and website
  • Facebook Link

o ensure consistency, sport related guidelines are:

• The basic rule is “arrive, play sport, leave”
• All participants should be strongly encouraged to download the Government’s CovidSafe App;
• Gathering as a group before or after sport is not possible;
• No close contact or tackling is allowed as it is within 1.5m;
• An area of 4m2 is required per person (i.e. a minimum of 40m2 for 10 people);
• There may be more than one group of 10 people at the same time at the same outdoor venue providing that clearly defined and separated areas of more than 40m2 for each group are allocated;
• No ‘mixing’ of people (including coaches) between separate groups of 10 people;
• Coaches, referees and spectators are included with participants in the total number attending
  (i.e. a maximum total of 10 people);
• Spectators or people providing transport should remain in their vehicle or leave the venue where possible.

It is strongly suggested that all participants:

• Prepare or dress for sport at home;
• Shower at home before and after sport;
• Bring hand wash or sanitiser to wash / sanitise your hands before and after sport;
• Bring their own drink bottle, towel etc;
• Avoid unnecessary contact (i.e. shaking hands, ‘high fives’ etc);
• If required, changing or putting on gear before and / or after sport should be done in, or near to,
  your own vehicle – or elsewhere away from the playing area;
• All equipment (particularly if touched by hands) should be wiped clean afterwards (e.g. balls, temporary goals etc);
• If there is a playing group of less than 10 and spectators are present, 1.5m distancing must be observed by spectators;
• Participants should gradually return to training to reduce the risk of injury.

 
Insurance cover for participants may be required by some councils / venue owners prior to opening their facilities. In most cases, a return to sanctioned / official training by an SSO / SSOD will trigger insurance coverage for registered participants. In addition, sanctioned training may incur ongoing maintenance costs from the council / venue owner.
Enjoy you return to the field!

Mark Marino
Baseball NSW CEO

For More information see links below or click button to download the full announcement.
NSW Office of Sport
https://sport.nsw.gov.au/novel-coronavirus-covid-19
 NSW Government
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/changes

Download Announcement