SENIOR sporting competitions across the region will be back in action from 1 July, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today welcoming the further easing of the State's COVID-19 restrictions, to allow the recommencement of adult community sport.
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Initially the decision was to only allow junior sport, 18 years and under, to start from next month however that's now changed to include all senior sport.
"Today's announcement is a huge win for bush people, with winter sports like rugby league, netball, soccer and hockey all important in boosting social wellbeing and providing income for local small businesses," Mr Marshall said.
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"It gives me great pleasure to say from next month, regular sports competitions will be back up and running, though there will be some restrictions in place."
Food and drink premises at sports grounds can open subject to the same requirements that apply in other food and drink premises and pubs and registered clubs, while individual organisations will have to comply a COVID-19 safety management plan.
Restricted numbers will also be enforced with only one person per four square metres and up to 50 people in each of the existing seated food and drinks areas, whichever is the lesser excluding staff members.
Contact details of persons entering the premises must also be kept.
"I acknowledge some of these measures will be difficult for smaller sporting organisations to manage, however they must be adhered to if we want to get back out on the pitch whilst still preventing the spread of coronavirus," Mr Marshall said.
On the basis of health advice, he said crowds could not at this point gather in the stands.
"Today's announcement is about a staged re-opening of the sports economy in a way that minimises the risk to the public. This makes a level playing field for sports stadiums, in line with the clubs and pubs re-opening to patrons.
''The virus has not gone away and so it is imperative that once sports resume all players, spectators and officials follow the advice of their codes and competitions and continue to maintain physical distancing and good hand hygiene."
More information about COVID-19 Safety Plans can be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/safe-workplaces/employers.
