12/04/2021: Triathlon Club Training Update
Following our update on the 1st of April, training can resume today for members and clubs in Northern Ireland.
We have created a Northern Ireland Return to Training Protocol, which is the protocol document that clubs and members in NI should reference going forward.
Republic of Ireland
Triathlon Ireland are currently in the process of consulting with Sport Ireland around the Return to Training Protocols for junior clubs from the 26th of April. The ROI Return to Training Protocol for clubs and members in ROI will then be updated and published in advance of this date for junior clubs to prepare for their return to training.
Covid-19 Guidance for Open Water Swimmers
The Covid-19 Guidance for Open Water Swimmers is an important document for all members and clubs. While only clubs in Northern Ireland can currently hold training sessions, some members in ROI may be returning to the Open Water with the easing of 5k restrictions. In advance of making a return to the Open Water, we advise all members to read this document as it contains important swim safety information.
Northern Ireland Protocol Changes
As previously outlined, the following changes are in place for club sessions from today, 12th April. Outside of organised club training sessions, Triathlon Ireland members must adhere to all public health guidelines and travel restrictions for their area. This currently means that members from two households can meet for exercise with a maximum of 10 people.
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 club training is permitted in Northern Ireland?
No indoor sessions permitted. Indoor facilities can only open for essential toilet facilities.
TI Club Sessions can take place outdoors under the following guidelines:
Protective Measures
– Pre session questionnaire (Appendix A)
– 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.
CONTACT US
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.
Last updated: 13th April 2021
