Department of Communities Sport and Rec Update

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The following update is from the Department of Communities, Sport and Recreation;

A reminder during Stage 3 restrictions sporting organisations need to remain vigilant and prepared for any COVID-19 related issues as they arise. Here are some questions your sporting organisations should consider as it resumes activities:

  • Has my organisation reviewed its return to sport plan to ensure alignment with Tasmania’s Roadmap for Recovery, Level C of the AIS Framework and Worksafe Tasmania COVID Safe Workplace Guidelines for the Sport and Recreation Industry?
  • Do I check the Tasmanian Government coronavirus website regularly for updates on restrictions and developments?
  • Has my organisation made use of the Post COVID-19 Support Centre, including the Return to Sport Toolkit?
  • Is my organisation adhering to COVID-19 safety plans, return to play plans, and doing all it can to minimise the risk to its members?
  • Is my organisation prepared to deal with any COVID-19 cases that could arise in the future?

It is pleasing to see sport and recreation activities return as they are an important part of Tasmanian life. Sport and recreation organisations should remain aware of the risks and maintain safe practices so that Tasmanians can continue to enjoy sporting activities 

Guidance for non-seated activities in premises where alcohol and food are sold

On Friday 11 July 2020, Public Health released updated guidance for management of premises where food and alcohol is sold.

The guidance provides specific advice in relation to seated and non-seated activities in these premises, including community clubs and multi-purpose sporting venues.

Please note the following advice:

  • The maximum density limit remains at two square metres per person. Where practical, patrons should maintain 1.5 metres distance.
  • Food and drinks must be consumed by patrons in seated areas only.
  • In premises where food and/or drinks are sold, patrons cannot participate in non-seated activities such as dancing, eight ball, pool, darts or snooker. Seated activities such as quizzes, bingo and cards are allowed.
  • This guidance applies to the whole of the licensed premises, regardless of whether the food and/or drink are provided in the room where the activity is being undertaken.

There are some exceptions to this advice:

  • For community clubs with multiple separate rooms, non-seated activities can occur in a room that is separate and distinct from the room where licensed activities occur.
  • Operators of community clubs must ensure the groups using the licensed and non-licensed spaces do not mix.
  • Likewise, if activities are occurring outdoors, operators must ensure indoor and outdoor patrons do not mix.
  • For multi-purpose sporting venues, the same guidance applies (for example, sport can be played in indoor spaces separate to licensed operations but do not mix patrons)

Improving the Playing Field Grant Program – Now Open

The Improving the Playing Field Grant Program offers financial assistance to eligible Tasmanian councils and sporting organisations to upgrade amenities and facilities to cater for all participants. There is $10 million available over two years through small ($25 000 to $50 000) and large ($50 001 up to $250 000) grant rounds, with funding targeted at building and construction jobs in Tasmania. Guidelines and application forms are available at: www.communities.tas.gov.au/csr/Grants/covid-19-improving-the-playing-field-grants-program 

Sports Trainer COVIDSAFE - Webinars

Last week’s update introduced new COVID Safe guidelines and resources for Sports Trainers, a resource provided by Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) and Sport Australia. SMA this week announced free webinars to support Sports Trainers in a COVID-19 environment. The next webinar is:

Fundraising Smarts for Good Sports Clubs – Webinars The Alcohol and Drug Foundation have released a series of webinars exclusive to Good Sports club members nationally. These webinars are focused on topics such as how to create a fundraising proposition; how to manage and recruit sponsor partners; successful grant applications and; top tips for digital community fundraising. Community sports clubs that are not currently members of the Good Sports program can register for Good Sports at www.goodsports.com.au/become-a-good-sports-club.  Once a Good Sports member, clubs are eligible to register for the webinars. Further details on the webinars are provided in the attached flyer. 

A recap on previous weekly updates:

COVIDSafe app

A reminder to encourage those within your networks to download the COVIDSafe app. We have noted a number of organisations have already promoted the use of the app and appreciate your ongoing support in this regard.

Tasmanian Government COVID-19 information and support

The Tasmanian Government’s coronavirus.tas.gov.au website is the first point of call for COVID-19 information relating to Tasmania, including

Australian Government COVID-19 information and support

For regular Australian Government updates, download the Coronavirus Australia app in the Apple App Store or Google Play, or join the WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android.

Contact us Contact Communities, Sport and Recreation on 1800 252 476 or at sportrec@communities.tas.gov.au