Water Polo is Back!

WATER POLO IS BACK!!!

Announcement - 3rd July 2020 

On 30 June, it was announced that Stage 3 restrictions would move forward from 10 July to 3 July, which is exciting news for water polo! 

Stage 3 principles for Water Polo:

• Contact that relates to training and the playing of the game can take place, however social distancing must remain outside of the pool and in and around pool deck
• Facilities will not require a cap of people however the social distancing standard of one person per four-square meters is required and mandatory record-keeping is required.
• Facility usage and use of facilities, eg. changerooms, will be determined by the facility operators but general hygiene and cleaning practices remain. 
• Please liaise with you facility to ensure your Association/Club and members are complying with both the Aquatic Sports Covid Industry Safe Plan and the Swimming Pool and Aquatic Centre Industry Covid Safe Plans
• Please click this link to view the Water Polo Return to Play Guidelines. These documents have been developed specifically for water polo to assist Associations, Clubs and Facility Operators to provide a Covid Safe environment for all water polo participants for training, competitions and other water polo specific activities and programs.

What does STAGE 3 mean for Water Polo?

1. Full contact, within the rules of water polo within the field of play for training and games/competition. Which means we can train and play as normal!
2. Where possible, you should still be social distancing – so no high fives, hand-shakes or close huddles
3. All activities outside the field of play and in and around pool deck are still required to follow strict social distancing rules including staying 1.5m at all times
4. You still need to arrive dressed, ready to train or play and with a full water bottle
5. EVERYONE including spectators, parents, officials, and players MUST sign in when you arrive, and out when you leave a venue/facility (follow directions and requirements of facility operators and staff) 
6. Avoid sharing equipment and only coaches should touch and move communal equipment, eg. markers
7. Use hand sanitiser when entering and exiting the venue and as required during your session
8. DO NOT spit or blow your nose in the pool or in and around pool deck and if you need to cough or sneeze do so into your elbow/arm
9. Remember to follow venue signage including entry and exit points and follow the directions of the venue for use of facilities
10. Each facility may have its own practices and requirements so please follow the directions and instructions of facility operators and staff at all times

REMEMBER WHERE POSSIBLE - Get In, Train OR Play, and Get Out!

Below is the latest update from Sport & Recreation Qld. Please click the link for a copy of the most updated Aquatic Sports Covid Industry Safe Plan that aligns with Stage 3.

From: SR_Industries <SR_Industries@npsr.qld.gov.au> 
Sent: Wednesday, 8 July 2020 2:30 PM
Subject: Stage 3 - Industry Plan updates

Good afternoon, 

As you would be aware Queensland has progressed through the Roadmap to Easing Queensland’s Restrictions to Stage 3 which commenced from Friday July 3. The commencement of Stage 3 allows for the resumption of activity including competition and physical contact is permitted with more people permitted to gather. 

Both the Department and Industry have received numerous queries in relation to Stage 3 and the requirements for the resumption of events.

Industry COVID Safe plans have been updated to align to Stage 3 and the resumption of competition and physical contact.  However, further amendments will be made to the plans to eliminate any confusion and will be re-uploaded to the Return to Play - Industry COVID Safe Plan website shortly.

To assist your organisation in the planning and delivery of sport and recreation events the proposed amendments to the plans are as follows:

• Events organised and run by sport, fitness or active recreation organisations/ providers complying with an approved COVID Safe Plan do not require additional approval outlined in the Industry Framework for Events. However, organisations and providers should also review and consider the Key Public Health Principles and Event Specific Public Health Strategies set out in the Industry Framework for Events. 
• More information on the relevant approvals can be found in the following Factsheet: “ORGANISING AN EVENT: ADVICE FOR EVENT ORGANISERS  HAVING THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION AND APPROVALS IN PLACE.

In addition a further proposed amendment to the plans has been made regarding change rooms, with the definition of “field of play” to be extended to incorporate the use of change rooms by active participants, allowing the full team and required coaching / medical officials without the occupant density requirements.

If you have further questions in relation to this information, contact Water Polo Queensland via email at ceo@waterpoloqld.com.au