In light of the period of restriction announced today in relation to the outbreak of COVID-19, the Irish Field Archery Federation have issued the following guidance for clubs and members:
IFAF recognises the need for adherence to the revised guidelines as issued by the HSE today (12th March 2020) and encourage clubs/members to observe them fully.
The restrictions (from 6pm today until Sunday 29th March) do not prevent club competitions or training taking place, however we need to be cognisant of the social nature of our game and how this element of it is impacted.
Archery is a great sport for people generally to get out and about, exercise and enjoy the fresh air.
It is normally in an outdoor setting where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low.
All clubs should, at this time, aim to keep their members safe and well.
As such, everyone should be keenly aware of the vulnerabilities we will face:
- The older age members of IFAF must be borne in mind.
- Groups having close and prolonged contact should be avoided.
- The social aspect of archery should be curtailed, including limiting the potential for the following types of social interaction in accordance with the guidelines as issued today.
- Prolonged near contact is to be avoided.
- Visitors either require some form of screening or should be discouraged for the time being.
- Club activities where food and social interaction is involved afterwards should be limited in accordance with the latest guidance
- Common courtesies, handshakes and other embraces– should be avoided and participants may bump elbows as an alternative.
Clubs should observe the need for the following:
-Increase social distancing through greater space between seating in indoor venues
-Increase social distancing through greater space between targets in indoor venues
-Availability of hand sanitisers
-Ask members not to come to the club with colds or any symptoms of COVID-19
-Regular cleaning of surfaces including door handles
All clubs and members should note, act upon and continually monitor the advice and guidance issued by the Health Service Executive in relation to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
It is important that we all work together, following the advice of experts, in controlling the spread of COVID-19 infection.
This is a very fluid situation and we ask clubs to monitor the latest advice regularly.
HSE: http://www.hse.ie
