EDITORIAL
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Adult sport being able to resume within weeks is a positive step forward for senior Riverina competitions ready to break out of a coronavirus-induced shutdown. However, questions still remain and the return to the field won't be sans restrictions.
The NSW government yesterday announced senior sport can resume in line with the return of its junior counterparts from July 1.
It is good news for the City of Good Sports and gives the green light for senior competitions such as Group Nine, Riverina League, Farrer League, Football Wagga and Southern Inland Rugby Union to push ahead with their return to play plans.
However, while players of all ages will soon be able to return to the field, uncertainty remains about whether crowds will be allowed.
Teams and competitions in regional areas rely on gate takings, and sponsorship, to help cover running costs.
NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said, based on health advice, crowds could not gather in the stands at this point.
Food and drink premises in stadiums can open - subject to the same requirements that apply in pubs and clubs.
The government says stadium operators will be required to develop and comply with a COVID-19 safety management plan.
They must also operate with restricted numbers, one person per four square metres, and keep people's contact details.
When the return of junior sport was announced last week, Mr Hazzard said COVID-19 safety plans for each activity or sport were critical to enable the restart.
Sport Australia last month unveiled guidelines for the safe return of community sport, including that only one parent be permitted to attend junior sport and that grandparents be encouraged to stay away.
Handshakes and high fives should also be avoided, it said.
Contact sport is allowed, but officials have called for common sense.
"With no vaccine and no treatment for COVID-19 there is an obligation on all of us to continue to maintain physical distancing and good hand hygiene," Mr Hazzard said.
While the easing of restrictions will allow teams to play, there are rules we all must follow because the virus has not gone away.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you have something to get off your chest?
Send your letters to the editor to letters@dailyadvertiser.com.au or submit them via this form.