1. Introduction

The government approved the practice of close contact sports in phase 3 of the ‘Roadmap for re-opening’ (starting 19 June 2020). However, as we try to return gradually to normal activities, we must do so in a way that is responsible and safe.

This document incorporates advice from:

• Sport Ireland COVID-19 Return to Sport Online e-Learning Course: https://www.sportireland.ie/covid19/course
• Sport Ireland guidelines, 21 August 2020: https://www.sportireland.ie/news/sport-ireland-issues-practical-guidance-for-sport-on-covid-19-measures
• Irish Martial Arts Commission (IMAC) Return to Training Protocol, 24 August 2020: https://www.imac.ie/returntotraining

In addition, all members (including the instructors) must abide by the requirements of St Joseph’s Community Centre whenever we use that facility.

2. COVID-19 response plan

2.1 Responding to symptoms

Members must not attend training:

1. If they show any symptoms of the virus, which include:

• • Fever (high temperature, 38 Celsius or above)
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Changes to taste or smell

2. If they have been in close contact within the past 14 days with someone showing symptoms of the virus.
3. If they have been in a country within the past 14 days that is not on the government green list.

Members who show symptoms of the virus must inform the instructors if they have been present at training within the past 14 days.

If a member starts to show symptoms of the virus during training, they must stop training, put on a facemask, inform the instructor and return home immediately.

2.2 Contact tracing and testing

The instructor will:

• • Retain contact details for all members of the club.
  • Keep a record of attendance for all training sessions.

If a member who has been training within the past 14 days reports symptoms of the virus:

• • The instructors will inform all other members who trained at the same sessions over the past 14 days.
  • Training sessions will pause until the sick member has received test results (since the instructor might also have been affected).
  • If a test result is negative, regular training will resume.
  • If a test result is positive, the club will close until the instructor and all members who have had contact with the sick individual can be tested. The club will re-open only to members who have received a negative test result.

Members who have smartphones should also use the government’s COVID Tracker App.

2.3 Compliance and screening

All returning members and any new members admitted to the club will have to complete an online questionnaire confirming that:

• • They have read and understood these guidelines.
  • They have not been diagnosed with the virus, or shown symptoms, or been in contact with someone showing symptoms, or been in a non-green list country over the past 14 days.
  • They have not been advised to self-isolate or cocoon.

3. Protocol for use of training facilities

Before training:

• • Travel separately (i.e. do not share cars), unless part of the same household.
  • Bring your own gears if possible. If the club provides a gear, the member should clean and disinfect it before use.
  • Arrive dressed for training. Changing rooms should not be used.
  • Wear a facemask.
  • Sanitize hands on entry.
  • Maintain 2m social distance.

During training:

• • When more than 6 people are training, the group will be divided into pods of maximum 6 who will practise together.
  • Maintain 2m social distance while not practising contact training.
  • Practise good respiratory hygiene: when coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue; discard the tissue afterwards and clean your hands.
  • Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Sanitize hands regularly.
  • Facemasks should normally be worn, unless by consultation with the instructors.

After training:

• • Sanitize hands.

• • Maintain 2m social distance.
  • Wear a facemask.
  • All members to help sanitize the training area, following the instructor’s guidance. (Instructor to provide a checklist of tasks.)
  • Any shared training gears should be cleaned and disinfected.
  • Showers and changing rooms will not be available.
  • Leave the training facility promptly.
  • Training clothes or gi must be washed after each session.