On Friday, June 5, the GAA, An Cumann Camogaíochta and the LGFA published their plan for a safe return to Gaelic games. Our gates will re-open on June 29 and we will be delighted to welcome you all back.
However, we now have to prepare for re-opening to ensure the safety of all members. The GAA has issued strict guidelines that we all must adhere to and familiarise ourselves with before June 29.
The document issued on Friday states that from June 29 grades from U12 and below can train in small groups; with no more than ten including players and coaches in one area of the pitch for non-contact training under social distancing guidelines.
Players aged between 15-18 can begin training too, with not more than ten in a group. Parental or guardian sign-off will be needed for underage training. Meanwhile, adults can also begin training in small groups of five, while adhering to social distancing.
Phase 4 commences on 20 July when all forms of team and group training are permitted and resumption of club competitions for all grades can start on July 31.
It is important to note that water bottles cannot be shared and all equipment must be washed and sanitised at the end of every training session. Contract tracing will also be in place for all players and backroom members.
The club will appoint a ‘Covid Supervisor’ and his or her duties will include taking temperature levels of players on entry to our grounds. If the temperature level is over 37.5 the player must return home.
Everyone that is on the field will have to sanitise their hands upon entry and exit from our grounds and we will also display Covid-19 signage on our premises.
The final phase of re-opening will commence on August 10 when access to the clubhouse and dressing rooms will be permitted again. Regular cleaning of these areas will be carried out and indoor social distancing will be maintained.
Contract tracing measures will be in place and hand sanitiser will be placed all through our facilities.
With all the above in mind we are urging our members and parents of our young players to familiarise themselves with the GAA’s roadmap for re-opening. It is imperative we all work together to ensure the safe re-opening of Walterstown GFC.
You can read the full document below.
