1/04/2021: Return to Triathlon NI Update

Following recent updates from the Northern Ireland Executive, Triathlon Ireland can now provide an update for triathlon training, and some clarity around when triathlon training for clubs in Northern Ireland can resume.

Triathlon Ireland are currently in the process of consulting with Sport NI and will provide a final update ahead of the 12th of April.

UPCOMING CHANGES

Triathlon Ireland are awaiting final confirmation from Sport Northern Ireland and the Return to Sport Group but, at the moment, the following is what will be possible from 12th April.

From the 12th of April, the following is permitted:

• Outdoor sports facilities re-open for training and organised group activities
  • Outdoor sports facilities can re-open but only to permit their use for those allowed in the regulations. Club houses and indoor sports facilities (changing rooms, showers, kitchens, meeting rooms), apart from essential toilet facilities must stay closed.
• Outdoor competitive sport can resume with no spectators
  • Up to 15 people (including coaches) can take part in structured outdoor sports training, through clubs affiliated to recognised sports governing bodies.
• Outdoor sport for children can resume with accompanying responsible adults allowed to attend.
• Any behaviour which may encourage the risk of transmission around sports activities, such as car sharing, congregation of people on the side-lines and sporting celebrations, should be avoided. 
• Sports governing bodies have a responsibility to ensure full compliance with the protocols and are expected to put arrangements in place to deal with non-compliant clubs, participants and coaches. 

The graphic below outlines the current phases from Sport NI.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR TRIATHLON?

No indoor sessions permitted. Indoor facilities can only open for essential toilet facilities.
Triathlon Ireland Club Sessions can take place outdoors under the following guidelines:

Protective Measures
– Pre session questionnaire
– Covid Risk assessment
– Social distancing
– Handwashing
– Cleaning protocols
– Face coverings where required

Groups/Pods
TI clubs can hold sessions outdoors with the following numbers;
Adults: One group of 15
Age 13-18: Two groups of 15
Age 12 and under: Three groups of 15.

– Groups must include the coach and anyone else present to assist in the total number (eg. Adult group of 14+ 1 coach). This currently also applies for open water sessions.
– Groups do not need to include the Covid Officer in the 15. (15+Covid Officer).
– Coach should not move between groups.
– Congregation pre and post sessions should be avoided .
– Only those essential for safety and safeguarding should be present at a session. Where possible responsible adults should drop off/pick up children or remain in cars.

Pods
Training pods should be maintained and pods should avoid mixing.
Coaches & Instructors should be included in the pod sizes.

STAY IN TOUCH

The team at Triathlon Ireland are working with the Return to Sport Group to finalise the guidance and will in turn be publishing updated Return to Training Protocols in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you or your club has any questions relating to triathlon training and the current guidelines, please contact Niamh O’Gorman at niamh@triathlonireland.com. Your club chairperson can also contact us via the Club Slack Channel. 

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Last Updated: 1 April 2021