RESPONSE PLAN TO COMBAT COVID-19

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY OUR RESPONSE PLAN TO COMBATING COVID-19 The following plan signifies the objective of Accelerate Futsal in how it intends to operate in its return to Futsal programs during the COVID-19 outbreak with the health of its players, coaches and parents of its most paramount importance. SITUATION Accelerate Futsal is aware that from midnight on 19 June 2020 the ACT entered into the second phase (Step 2.2) of recommencement for community sporting activity. This phase allows social and community sport to resume in indoor and outdoor spaces with a maximum of 100 people. Step 2.2 supports the continuation of activities in groups of up to 100 participants/players, however, the one person per 4 square metre rule will continue to apply. Full-contact training activities are permitted under Step 2.2, including tackling, grappling, blocking and sparring. The introduction of full-contact activities is focused within the training environment, recognising that sports/participants require the reintroduction of full-contact training to adequately and safely prepare for a competition which, for most major winter sports, is earmarked to commence under. Stage 3 is identified to commence from 10 July. This will support the recommencement of full-contact competition activities and the likely easing of a number of other measures that support “normal” competition delivery. CRITICAL OBJECTIVES In a return to Step 2.2 training restrictions Accelerate Futsal is focused on the following objectives:
  • Maintaining the health of its players across all grades in addition to that of coaches, parents and the general public.
  • Will implement measures to reduce contracting and spreading of the COVID-19 virus and act as an advocate in demonstrating so to the ACT Futsal community and sports Community across Canberra in general.
THREAT ASSESSMENT Accelerate Futsal is aware that the COVID-19 virus is a respiratory illness that contains symptoms of fever, coughing, sore throat and shortness of breath. Accelerate Futsal takes the threat of COVID-19 very seriously and is conscious of the fact that there have been around 108 confirmed cases in Canberra resulting in 3 deaths. RISK ASSESSMENT Accelerate Futsal understands that in order to keep a very low to minimal risk of contracting and spreading the COVID-19 virus throughout its football operations certain practices and procedures must be implemented and enforced. These steps have been considered primarily from the Return to Football Guidelines which have been forwarded to all coaches and officials within Accelerate Futsal for their reference and adherence and will be administered onto the players. It is expected that the practices and procedures Accelerate Futsal will implement into its operations will assist in restricting the spread of the COVID-19 virus. TACTICAL PLAN With recommendations and considerations obtained primarily from the Return to Football Guidelines Accelerate Futsal will implement and exercise the following measures and procedures to limit the effects and transfer of COVID-19 which includes but is not limited to:
  • All coaches, managers and officials of Accelerate Futsal will be encouraged to download the COVID-19 Safe App and will be asked to encourage others to do so.
  • Accelerate Futsal will maintain records and attendance information of players at training in case this is required for tracing efforts by ACT Health.
  • Practice good hygiene before and after training with hand sanitiser available for all.
  • Comply with a maximum of 100 people rule and maintain 4 square metre social distancing requirements.
  • Players can report to training 15 minutes prior to the start time and leave the venue immediately upon completion of the training session.
  • The message to adhere to non-contact principles such as no high fives, no handshakes, etc will be promoted throughout Accelerate Football.
  • The message to ensure that personal equipment is not shared will also be promoted throughout Accelerate Football with respect to sharing of drink bottles, towels, shin pads, bibs, etc.
  • The training message to “Get In – Train – Get Out” will be promoted throughout.
  • Accelerate Futsal will be vigilant and conscious in maintaining the restriction of 100 people per field at any one time.
  • The travel message to avoid carpooling to and from Accelerate Football training will be promoted.
  • The message to “Don’t use equipment unnecessarily” will be promoted throughout Accelerate Football and if the equipment is used steps will be taken to ensure it is cleaned and disinfected before and between training sessions.
  • Training is allowed to consist of contact skills and gameplay including tackling.
  • No change rooms will be opened or available at training venues and similarly, there will be very limited access to storage areas.
  • One adult per minor is permitted within the gymnasium in addition to the 100 participants and coach/instructor.
  • Players will be instructed not to appear at training if they show any symptoms of COVID-19 if showing symptoms upon arrival or during training, they will immediately be sent home from the venue.
EXECUTION and TRAINING SCHEDULE Coaches of Accelerate Futsal programs will administer and facilitate this plan at all training sessions. For Futsal programs teams this will take place on Thursday & Friday nights at Gungahlin College, Hibberson Street Gungahlin and for Football programs teams this will take place on Wednesday at Erindale College, McBryde Crescent Wannissa ACT.
Accelerate Futsal Pty Ltd is a registered business and online merchant located in Canberra, ACT Australia.