Updated 12:28 am 26/11/2021
UPDATE ON FURTHER EASING OF RESTRICTIONS
The NSW Government has updated the roadmap for easing restrictions after the State reaches the 95 per cent double dose vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever comes first.
Adjustments to previous settings scheduled for this milestone include:
- Masks will only be required on public transport and planes, at airports, and for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated (previously all indoors front-of-house hospitality staff regardless of vaccination status).
- Masks will be strongly encouraged in settings where you cannot social distance;
- No density limits (previously one person per 2sqm);
- COVID safety plans will be optional for businesses and will be supported by SafeWork NSW;
- QR check-ins will only be required at high-risk venues including hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, gyms, places of worship, funerals or memorial services, personal services (e.g. hairdressers and beauty salons), limited hospitality settings (including pubs, small bars, registered clubs and nightclubs), and for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people; and
- Proof of vaccination will no longer be required by Public Health Order for most activities (businesses can still require proof at their own discretion). Proof of vaccination will still be required for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people.
FREEDOMS AND RESTRICTIONS
What is currently possible?
Organised community sport, including club training, trials, friendly and competition matches, may now take place provided that:
- People aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated or have a valid medical exemption (medical certificate required). Note: There is no requirement for attendees aged under 16 to be vaccinated.
All clubs are expected to have a Community Sport COVID-19 Safety Plan for all gatherings of the above nature.
As part of a Community Sport COVID-19 Safety Plan:
- Attendance must be capped at the lesser of 1,000 people or 1 person per 2 sqm.
- Attendees must check-in using a Service NSW QR Code.
- Premises will operate at a 1 person per 2sqm outdoors and indoors.
- Any use of changerooms or communal facilities (e.g. gyms) are subject to the 1 person per 4sqm rule, and masks are required to be worn in all indoor settings.
- Social distancing of 1.5 metre is required between spectators (e.g. parents).
What about indoor recreation facilities?
The return of community sport will allow for the running of futsal training, trials, friendly, and competition matches within an indoor recreation facility provided that:
- People aged 16 and over must be fully vaccinated or must have a valid medical exemption. A medical certificate is required.
- The occupier of the facility must not allow more than 20 people to attend a group activity at the facility, including but not limited to futsal training, trials, friendly and competition matches.
- Multiple group activities of up to 20 people may take place within an indoor recreation facility provided the facility complies with the PHO.
- The occupier of the facility must not allow the total of more than one person per four square metres.
- The operator of the facility must have a ‘Gyms and indoor recreation’ COVID-19 Safety Plan in place.
- The occupier of the premises must take reasonable steps to ensure that all participants check-in via the Service NSW App and that no unvaccinated adults (aged 16 years and over) are on the premises.
- There is no requirement for people aged under 16 to be vaccinated.
- All indoor facilities require a mask to be worn unless engaged in physical exercise.
These rules also apply to clubs who elect to train indoors e.g. wet weather training.
RULES AND RESTRICTIONS
What rules and restrictions apply from Wednesday 20 October?
As part of a Community Sport COVID-19 Safety Plan:
- Attendance must be capped at the lesser of 1,000 people or 1 person per 2 sqm.
- Attendees must check-in using a Service NSW QR Code.
- Premises will operate at a 1 person per 2sqm outdoors and indoors.
- Any use of changerooms or communal facilities (e.g. gyms) are subject to the 1 person per 4sqm rule, and masks are required to be worn in all indoor settings.
- Social distancing of 1.5 metre is required between spectators (e.g. parents).
- For more information visit www.nsw.gov.au
COMMUNITY SPORT COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN
Does my club need the new Community Sport COVID-19 Safety Plan?
The NSW Government has advised that all clubs are expected to have a Community Sport COVID-19 Safety Plan for all gatherings of the above nature from Wednesday 18 October.
How do I complete a Community Sport COVID-19 Safety Plan?
- Download NNSWF’s advice regarding what to include in your plan
- Complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan (using NSWF’s advice)
- Register as a COVID Safe business
- Access your QR code and business resources online
VACCINATION STATUS
Do I need to be vaccinated to participate?
Only the fully vaccinated (over 16 years old) can participate.
Those who are not fully vaccinated cannot participate until the State reaches the 95 per cent double vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever happens first.
What if I’m not fully vaccinated?
Those who are not fully vaccinated cannot participate until the State reaches the 95 per cent double vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever happens first.
UNDER 16s
What about participants under the age of 16?
There is no requirement for people aged under 16 to be vaccinated.
PROOF OF VACCINATION
Do I need to show proof of vaccination?
Yes, proof of vaccination is required to participate.
How can I prove my vaccination status?
Once fully vaccinated (two doses) with an approved COVID-19 vaccine, there are several options to access and share proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
VACCINATION COMPLIANCE
Do clubs and volunteers need to ensure vaccination compliance of participants?
Clubs are expected to take all reasonable steps to ensure participants are vaccinated, that they check-in using a Service NSW QR Code and are compliant with the PHOs. Read the NSW government factsheet on ‘Vaccination compliance and obligations’ for more information.
- It is also the responsibility of those participating in any gathering to comply with the vaccination or medical exemption requirements and to obey the PHOs at all times.
- Volunteers must not get involved in confrontations or be subjected to physical or verbal abuse for trying to keep participants safe and compliant. If individuals are not complying with the PHOs, it is a matter for the police.
MASKS
Do I need to wear a mask?
Masks required in all indoor settings including on public transport, planes and in airports (except children under the age of 12).
Masks no longer required in outdoor settings (except for front-of-house hospitality staff).
COVID-19 POSITIVE PEOPLE
What if a COVID-19 positive person visits my facility?
As NSW commences reopening at 70 per cent full vaccination rates, COVID-19 will continue to circulate in the community.
The NSW Government has outlined obligations if a COVID-19 positive person attends your facility.
INSURANCE
Will my club be covered by Northern NSW Football’s insurance?
Northern NSW Football insurances only apply to sanctioned football activities while those activities and while participants are compliant with the PHOs.
Participants who are injured while participating during a sanctioned football activity are covered by the Northern NSW Football personal injury insurance for injuries sustained as a result of football participation (subject to policy terms and conditions), however, claims related to COVID-19 are an exclusion under our policies.
RESOURCES
Where can I find resources to help with return to play?
For more information on the re-opening roadmap visit the Roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions or see this infographic.
Information to assist organisations with reopening, are available by clicking here.
Fact Sheets are available covering the following items:
- Proof of vaccination requirements
- Guidance on vaccination compliance and obligations
- Details on what to do if your business becomes an exposure site
Visit posters and signage to download further materials which can be displayed at your venue to assist with compliance and meeting the requirements of your COVID-19 Safety Plan.
Click on this link for full details on QR codes and check-in requirements.
FOOTBALL FIVE5 LEAGUES
When will Football Five5 return?
Football Five5 senior summer leagues will commence on Monday 25 October and run through to 16 December.
These leagues will recommence after the Christmas break on 11 January and conclude 25 February.
When will Football Five5 registrations open?
Football Five5 summer leagues are currently open, click here to register.
Do I need to be vaccinated to participate?
Only the fully vaccinated (over 16 years old) can participate.
Those who are not fully vaccinated cannot participate until the State reaches the 95 per cent double vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever happens first.
Do I need to show proof of vaccination?
Yes, proof of vaccination is required to participate.
How can I prove my vaccination status?
Once fully vaccinated (two doses) with an approved COVID-19 vaccine, there are several options to access and share proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
What if I’m not fully vaccinated?
Those who are not fully vaccinated cannot participate until the State reaches the 95 per cent double vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever happens first.
Will Fast Five5 and Football Five5 youth leagues return?
Fast Five5 and Football Five5 summer youth leagues will not recommence in 2022.
Can I access a Fast Five5 and Football Five5 youth leagues refund
Yes, to discuss refunds or Active Kids vouchers please email reception@northernswfootball.com.au
SUMMER FOOTBALL
What is happening with Summer Football?
Similar to other football activities, Summer Football is possible for the fully vaccinated from Monday 18 October.
Those who are not fully vaccinated cannot participate until the State reaches the 95 per cent double vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever happens first.
Northern NSW Football is currently working with clubs to determine feasibility of the 2021 Summer Football program.
