Sport Northern Ireland has published advice and guidance for a progression towards a resumption of sport and physical activity after lockdown restrictions are eased.
The 24-page document outlines specific advice and guidance for a range of sporting activities including outdoor recreation, water sports, contact sports and also advice aimed specifically at professional athletes. Each category of sport details the relevant steps that will need to be taken before sport gradually returns, although there may still be some restrictions in place such as a limited number of live spectators.
The first step will be making the transition from Red (Lockdown) to Amber which will enable sports to prepare for their return by completing risk assessments and putting in any measures to limit the risks and ensure the safety of all involved. The following phase is Yellow where further facilities will be opened and larger groups will be allowed before the final phase of Green in which facilities and groups will be unrestricted, but the number of spectators will be.
Sport Northern Ireland has stressed that the next step will only be implemented once it is safe to do so, if the restrictions and conditions are adhered to safely then the next step will be enacted. The CEO for Sport Northern Ireland has said “We commend the leadership which sports have already shown in responding to Covid-19 and recognise that, through responsible actions within each phase and at each of the five steps of the Executive's pathway to recovery, all sport participants can play their part in gradually and safely transitioning NI towards a new type of normality.”
You can read the guidance here.