COVID-19 UPDATE #7

Dear WPA Associations, Clubs and Members,

With the release of the State Government’s ‘Return to Play’ guidelines last week, WPQ has begun working with Sport and Recreation Qld, WPA, QAS, QSport as well as venue/facility operators to develop specific guidelines, risk assessments, checklists and other important resources that will assist our Associations, Clubs and members plan for a safe and practical ‘Return to Water Polo’. We hope to be in a position to release this information next week.

Whilst we are all very eager to return to the water with the easing of restrictions, there is still some work to be done. As a sport, it is important that we continue to adhere to and be directed by State Governments ‘Roadmap to Easing Queensland Restrictions’ and more specifically the ‘Return to Play Guide’ for sport and recreation. Please remember that we are now in Stage 1 until Friday 12^th June and we have also received further clarity from Local and State Government regarding specific restrictions around pools.

STAGE 1: FROM 15 MAY TO 12 jUNE 2020 This stage is focussed on people engaging in informal, unorganised physical activity:

SPORT

• No formal organised individual or team community sport or training (unless an exemption is approved)

• groups of up to 10 people can gather for non-contact, informal outdoor activities only
• parks, playground equipment, skate parks and outdoor gyms
• hiking and recreation activities in national and state parks
• travel up to 150km from home or 500kms within the outback if you live in the outback
• maintain physical distancing 1.5m, 1 person per 4 square metres.

POOLS

Some pools may or may not open during Stage 1 for up to 10 people per pool and a maximum of 10 people per venue/facility

Communal swimming pools may open for recreation, training and rehabilitation purposes, under the following rules:

• one person per lane per lap swimming
• a maximum of 10 swimmers per pool (or per facility if more than one pool in a venue/facility)
• no spectators, except for up to one parent/carer per child, if necessary
• communal showers and change rooms are closed
• toilets may remain open
• minimise the use of communal facilities
• shower with soap before and after swimming (at home, not at the pool).

WPQ advise all of our Associations, Clubs and Teams not to plan or organise any immediate formal, organised training sessions under Stage 1. We must utilise this time during Stage 1 to plan for a safe return to non-contact training during Stage 2 (from Sat 13^th June) and a possible return to normal training and competition in Stage 3 (from Sat 11^th July). There are a number of details and processes still to be finalised and put in place before we can get back in the pool safely and WPQ will support and assist all Associations, Clubs, Teams and members in this regard.

I acknowledge we are all very excited to recommence water polo and to make sure we can reach Stage 3 and resume competitions, we need everyone to be patient and continue to follow the advice and directives of Queensland Health and Sport and Recreation Qld.

Below is some additional information from QSport and the Active Queenslanders Industry Alliance which Associations, Clubs and members may find useful.

Thankyou for your patience and please continue to stay safe, implement appropriate personal hygiene and safety practices and above all, adhere to the above restrictions so that we can look forward to a safe return to organised water polo in Stages 2 and 3.

QSPORT COVID-19 UPDATE

• Return to Play Guidelines were circulated last Friday 15 May in advance of commencement of Stage 1 of Queensland Roadmap for easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
• Discussions are underway with State Government on clarification of questions/issues raised by QSport Sport Groups on 14 May and since release of Return to Play Guidelines last weekend.

STATE GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

• The State Government yesterday announced a $100 million package to assist small business counter the impact of COVID-19 via up to $10,000 adaptation grants. For further information, including how to apply and eligibility, visit https://www.business.qld.gov.au/

AUSTRALIAN SPORTS FOUNDATION – FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY SPORT

• The Foundation (ASF) yesterday launched a national campaign and survey to formulate a substantive argument to access public ancillary funds to raise funding to help community sporting bodies recover from the impact of COVID-19. ASF is looking to obtain information from clubs to quantity the financial impacts of COVID-19.
• QSport member SSOs are encouraged to forward details of the survey as soon as possible to affiliates to ensure Queensland sporting clubs are included in ASF considerations. The relevant link to the survey is https://covid.sportsfoundation.org.au/

The latest Active Queenslanders Industry Alliance webinar in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will focus on Marketing and Diversity for the post COVID-19 era.

Thursday, May 28th at 12:30PM
Marketing and Diversity Business Webinar
For the Fitness, Sport and Recreation Industry
This webinar will help prepare your organisation for the post COVID-19 era. Understand the opportunities that are available through smart marketing decisions and by attracting a diverse range of clients or customers.

Marketing with Natalie Cook OAM OLY

• Helping your business or organisation stand out in a crowd in the post COVID-19 era.
• Who do you want walking through your door?
• What is your single message to your customers, participants, and spectators?

Five-time Olympian and an experienced female motivational speaker on the international stage, Natalie Cook is an inspirational speaker who injects energy, excitement and purpose into the fitness, sport and recreation industry. As a former small business owner/operator in the sector, Natalie knows the importance of marketing and cutting through with a persuasive message and story that will bring your customers and participants back post COVID-19.

Diversity with Chelsea Roffey

• Factoring diversity and inclusion into your business strategy.
• Understanding some of the key questions to ask when aiming to attract diverse clients and customers.

Chelsea is an AFL umpire and was the first woman to have officiated in an AFL Grand Final. She holds bachelor degrees in music and journalism, is a speaker, author, researcher and Winston Churchill Fellow who has travelled the globe examining diversity, gender and storytelling. Chelsea facilitates courses to help organisations perform better through equity and diversity.

Kind Regards,

Melanie Woosnam
Chief Executive Officer
Water Polo Queensland