Stage 2 Return to Play! What You Need to Know

Published Mon 01 Jun 2020

Dear WPQ Associations, Clubs and Members,

Yesterday the Qld Government announced further relaxations to the ‘Roadmap to easing Queensland’s restrictions’ by bringing forward elements of Stage 2 to be effective as of midday today (June 1^st, 2020). Below please find an email from QSport that details the amendments to Stage 2 and what this means for sport in Queensland plus further information can be accessed here and via the Industry Plan for Sport, Recreation and Fitness.

What does that mean for water polo in Queensland?

gatherings of up to 20 people in non-contact outdoor and indoor community sport (including pools) is permitted.

organised/structured, non-contact, individual and team training is permitted during Stage 2 – no competition or playing during Stage 2.
training groups of 20 (includes all players, coach and spectators)
a COVID Safe Industry Plan for the Aquatic Sports within Qld was submitted to State Government on Friday and is currently being considered by the Chief Health Officer
this plan is seeking flexibility regarding the restrictions on behalf of all clubs and associations within the sector, including,
- permission to conduct activities for multiple groups (Stage 2 limited to 20 people) within venue capacity and density limits and taking into consideration the overall size of a venue and multiple facilities within a venue and social distancing observed between groups
- a relaxation of 1.5m for training and/or competition, particularly if outside and for those sports with accidental/unintended contact (exemption whilst participating in the sporting activity only), ie. playing/competition during Stage 3
social distancing and hygiene measures must still be adhered to as much as possible regardless of the Stage

attendance of spectators/parents/guardians and non-essential personnel should be limited where possible and will be considered within the specified limit of people 20 people, ie. encourage parents to drop off/pick up or remain in car during training
associations and clubs may need to adhere to any other specific venue/facility specific guidelines or other Industry COVID Safety Plans developed by venue/facility owners or managers where groups use aquatic facilities for training, programs & competition.
In addition to any venue/facility Industry Plans, associations and clubs will need to adopt and follow very carefully the WPA and WPQ sport specific guidelines and checklists distributed last week. Facility owners/operators/managers may also require a copy of these documents.
at present Stage 3 is still scheduled to commence as of Sat 11^th July but we need to be prepared that this date may also be brought forward.

Please note:

at present, gatherings of 20 people are per venue/facility and not 20 people per pool for facilities that may have multiple pools. The Industry Plan has requested a relaxation to permit 20 people per pool/zone/playing space but this will not be known until the Chief Health Officer considers the Aquatic Industry Plans over the next few days.
at present, Primary and secondary schools which use swimming pools and accompanying facilities for training purposes may continue to do so without a limit on the number of swimmers per lane or per pool.
the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport and the National Principles for the Resumption of Sport & Recreation Activities have been used as a guide only when planning a ‘Return to Play’ in Queensland
Each State/Territory Government has developed their own guidelines/directives. The Stages within the AIS Framework do not necessarily align with the stages within the Queensland Governments ‘Roadmap’ but the AIS principles have been considered.
The health and safety of members, participants, coaches, officials, administrators/volunteers, visitors, families and the broader community is the number one priority for the Queensland Government.
Members, participants, coaches, officials, administrators/volunteers, families and the broader community need to be engaged and briefed on the Aquatic Sporting Industry Plans – for the use of aquatic facilities AND the delivery of water polo activities.
At every stage of the return to sport process, the Aquatic Sporting Industry must consider and apply all applicable State Government restrictions and guidelines as well as those of venue/facility owners/operators and WPA/WPQ.

We are very excited that Stage 2 has commenced as of today, however, we also understand this may now put pressure on associations, clubs and volunteers to plan for a more urgent return to training in Stage 2 and hopefully competition in Stage 3 (as of July 11 ).

WPQ are here to assist associations, clubs and volunteers in this regard. Click here to review the water polo specific guidelines sent out by WPQ last week which have been developed in conjunction with WPA, Sport Australia, QSport and Sport and Recreation Qld.

If you require any further information or assistance with planning for a return to Stage 2, please contact the WPQ Office via email at admin@waterpoloqld.com.au or phone 3367 1661.

Kind Regards,

Melanie Woosnam
Chief Executive Officer
Water Polo Queensland

31 May 2020 – Member Update 25/20

COVID-19 UPDATE

This morning, the Premier announced further easing of some COVID-19 restrictions, with Stage 2 commencing from 12noon tomorrow Monday 1 June.

A copy of the updated Roadmap to easing restrictions is attached.

It indicates that gatherings of up to 20 people in non contact indoor and outdoor community sport activity and in pools (indoor and outdoor) and community sports clubs will be permitted as of tomorrow.

More than 20 will be possible subject to the COVID SAFE Industry Plans submitted for the four sport sub-sectors (Aquatic, Field Team, Indoor and Outdoor) submitted last Friday for approval by the Chief Health Officer anticipated in the next few days.

Discussions are ongoing with sport and recreation agency and health officials and you will be advised further as soon as possible.

In the meantime, I expect SSO members will advise their constituent affiliates / clubs of the above as the next step in moving to activity.

https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/roadmap-to-easing-queenslands-restrictions/sport