Important New COVID-19 measures for Victorian regattas

As you may not be aware for regattas and events to proceed within the current COVID environment, a range of protocols to ensure the safety of the community have needed to be developed, approved by Gov’t then implemented. These include the well documented COVIDSafe principles of Social distancing, record keeping and enhanced hygiene measures.

Rowing Victoria continues to work with the Dept of Sport & Rec, VICSPORT and the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure we’re able to hold regattas within a COVIDSafe environment. Despite many sporting events through Victoria in January being cancelled or being unable to continue as Event Permits had not been granted, Rowing Victoria, with the support of our hosts, have continued to operate the traditional schedule of regattas.

It is Rowing Victoria’s responsibility, with overall accountability, to ensure our regattas are operated safely for all those involved.

Many of you will have seen at recent regattas COVIDSafe signage, QR codes and restrictions on movement between precincts including no access to the boat parks by non-competitors.

Moving forward, following Government advice, new, enhanced Social distancing protocols are needing to be implemented to enable us all to enjoy attendance at our larger Regattas. Our first priority is our athletes; so that they may compete safely. However, we acknowledge an important fabric of our regattas are our volunteers, parents and supporters.

Therefore, moving forward within the spectating precinct at each regatta, in addition to existing COVIDSafe measures, each attending club (s)/ School will be allocated a fenced enclosure from which to enjoy their attendance. This fenced enclosure will ensure we minimise the movement of people through the regatta spectator precinct and keep our community safe. Within each enclosure, zones will be highlighted indicating the number of people permitted at the Gov’t prescribed density quotients of 1 person/ 2 square meters. Marquees will be permitted but are to be placed (as indicated on the day) at the rear of each enclosure to enable optimal viewing of the course by as many people as permitted.

To support adherence to the keep safe principles, additional staff will be on hand to both monitor spectator movement and provide improved and continuous cleaning of public facilities.

To assist in the cost mitigation to our sport for these enhanced requirements, all spectators will be required to purchase a nominal $5 per person/ day entry fee per regatta day. This fee will assist us in keeping our community safe and ensure that we can continue to deliver safe regattas for our athletes and broader community.

To paraphrase the State Government; Keep Safe, Keep Rowing!

Tickets are able to be purchased on each individual regatta page and will be available the week of the regatta. Spectators will need to show proof of purchase at the Entry Gate to be permitted access to the Spectator precinct. We kindly ask that spectators please purchase your tickets prior to arrival to minimise congestion at entry points.

Athletes, Coaches and Children under the age of 12 will not be required to purchase a spectator ticket.

Rowing Victoria acknowledges your support in keeping our community safe. We look forward to your continued cooperation, especially with these new measures, as it is only as a community working together will we be able to continue our enjoyment of our sport for the balance of the current season.

2021 Regatta COVID Measures

4/2/2021

• Each school and club spectator enclosure will be required to be separated by fencing and spectators will not be permitted to access:

o The Athlete Zone.

o Other school/club enclosures.

• Each spectator enclosure will have a maximum capacity of attendees present at one time.

o Enclosure signage will indicate maximum capacity numbers for each enclosure and internal sections of each enclosure.

o Rowing Victoria and regatta hosts will endeavour to provide enclosures of suitable size to avoid spectators missing out however this will be dependent on the size of available land.

• Non family members and spectators will be required to social distance at all times, in particular on the waters edge and under marquees.

• All attendees must register via QR codes prior to or on arrival at each event.

• All spectator groups must have a nominated Marshall present at all times.

o The Spectator Marshall is requested to assist the COVID Marshall and event staff to ensure their school/club is adhering to all COVID Measures.

o The spectator Marshall must wear a Hi-Vis vest provided by Rowing Victoria at all times so they can be identified by the Event COVID Marshall.

• Spectator marquees must be set up at the rear of each spectator site and be staggered from the school/club spectator tent beside you.

o Sites will be marked within each enclosure.

• A $5 spectator entry ticket has been introduced to support regatta hosts, manage the increased infrastructure, security and cleaning requirements.

o Tickets can be purchased from each individual Regatta page.

o We ask that you please purchase tickets prior to arriving at regattas to avoid congestion at entry points.

o Athletes, Coaches and Children under the age of 12 will not be required to purchase a spectator ticket.