Return to Competition; Competitors & Supporters Update

23/11/2020

Rowing Victoria - Return to Competition; Competitors & Supporters Update

As you are aware, over the weekend the Government announced a number of changes in COVID management protocols; many of which affect our upcoming regattas. We have been liaising closely with the Dept of Sport & Rec as many of the intricacies of these changes are not in the public domain. The implications of these changes are as follows:

Regattas

• The “arrive, compete, leave” rule no longer applies. Therefore, the regatta format and event schedule will reflect the opportunity to compete in more than one event per person, however,

• Regattas will currently need to be capped at 500 athletes. As above, a schedule will be developed (and possibly amended vs. what is currently published) to optimise participation. Once capacity is reached, entries will be closed. Additional permits and criteria (yet to be released by Gov’t) are required for regattas with 501+ athletes. We are working to understand these criteria.

• As a result, we’ve placed a hold on entries for the upcoming Melbourne Head and will work with the Melbourne Head team to develop an appropriate schedule of events based on the new requirements and based on interest generated. With the Geelong regatta on the same day, it is planned that everyone who wants to compete on that day will be provided that opportunity.

• If sharing equipment, it is to be washed with touch points disinfected between uses.

• This weekend’s Carrum regatta event schedule has changed (and date for entries closing amended to Wednesday) to reflect the changes, so please enter asap. As always, RV reserves the right to cancel the regatta if the entry numbers are insufficient to operate effectively.

• Spectators are unfortunately discouraged to attend regattas. Club/ school marquees are prohibited.

Training/ Boat houses/ Clubrooms

• No masks required outdoors, or indoors when exercising in the gym/ on the ergo.
• Masks required indoors and when supervising the gym/ ergo.
• Maximum of 20 people in the gym/ session excl. coach(es) at 1 person/ 8m2.
• Cap of 150 people inside entire clubhouse, subject to density quotient of 1person/ 4sqm.
• There are no restrictions by age or school; under 18’s and adults can mix as can schools.
• Maintain 1.5m distancing rules
• If club is used for hospitality, hospitality guidelines apply for that space.

Thank you for your support

As you’ve seen, we are keen to be able to offer our rowing community as many opportunities to race safely this season. To do this successfully and enjoyably plus to also minimise the chances of any COVID-19 transmissions occurring at our events, we ask for your continued collaboration, adaptability and strong support.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to reach out.

We look forward to seeing you on the water! Stay Safe, Stay Racing

Ian Jickell & The Rowing Victoria Team