The Acting Minister for Sport Dr Geoff Lee has confirmed that our equestrian sport may commence a phased resumption of activities.
Attached are three documents to help clubs during this process:
1. a Coronavirus Coronavirus Self Declaration Form that must be completed by everyone attending any rally or event
2. the Resumption of Sport Guidelines and Checklists and
3. an example Risk Assessment for Clubs (at the bottom of a few pages of information relating to the stages/phases of resuming)
All activities may commence from Friday, 22 May but clubs must contact their venue owners (Council, Trusts etc.) to confirm that the grounds are available for use and must completed a risk assessment document for your venue.
All risk management forms and further information, including some excellent example signage can be found on the PCA NSW website COVID resources.
Please ensure that members comply with the PCA NSW, NSW Health Guidelines and NSW Public Health Orders so that they do not compromise their position in the event of an insurance claim.
We do not want our sport/clubs to be the next COVID-19 cluster so if someone is not well they should stay at home or must be sent home.
Further detailed information for running events, including current insurance advice:
As of Friday 22nd May 2020, Pony Club Association NSW (PCA NSW) clubs and zones may commence training activities only if they do not breach the NSW Public Health Orders dated 15th May 2020. These guidelines must be used in conjunction with a Clubs Risk Assessment document and completed COVID-19 safe self-declaration forms.
To minimise the risk of contracting or transmitting COVID-19, at all times:
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– Do not attend pony club if you are unwell and experiencing symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, fever, fatigue or shortness of breath;
– Do not attend pony club if, in the last 14 days, you have been unwell or had close contact with a known or suspected case of COVID-19;
– Anyone who is unwell should see a doctor in accordance with NSW Public Health Authority guidelines.
The NSW Public Health Orders restrictions as released on Friday 15 May 2020 include:
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– A total of ten (10) people may gather in a training group including coach and supporters;
– A maximum of 500 people may gather in any single venue at one time (note: this is the responsibility of the venue owner or council);
– Physical distancing must be maintained at all times (i.e. 1.5m apart);
– Change rooms to remain closed – toilets may be available for use. If a toilet is accessed via a change room, the toilet may be used, the change room may not;
– Outdoor sport only – no indoor sport at any time.
To ensure consistency, sport related guidelines are:
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– The basic rule is ‘arrive, play sport/ride, leave;
– All participants should be strongly encouraged to download the Governments CovidSafe app;
– Gathering as a group before or after sport is not possible;
– No close contact is allowed i.e. passing of equipment as this would be within the 1.5m distancing rules;
– An area of 4m2 is required per person (i.e. a minimum of 40m2 for 10 people);
– There may be more than one group of 10 people at the same time at the same outdoor venue providing that clearly defined and separated areas of more than 70m2 for each group are allocated;
– No ‘mixing’ of people (including coaches) between separated groups of 10 people;
– Coaches, instructors, gear checker, volunteers, and spectators are included with participants in the total number attending (i.e. a maximum total of 10 people);
– Spectators or people providing transport should remain in their vehicle or leave the venue where possible.
It is strongly suggested that all participants:
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– Prepare or dress for riding at home;
– Shower at home before and after riding;
– Bring hand wash or sanitiser to wash/sanitise your hands before and after riding or handling equipment;
– Bring their own drink bottle, food, towel etc;
– Avoid unnecessary contact (i.e. shaking hands, high fives etc);
– If required, changing or putting on gear before and/or after sport should be done in, or near to, your own vehicle – or elsewhere away from the riding;
– All equipment (particularly if touched by hands) should be wiped clean afterwards (e.g. jump poles, flags etc.);
– If there is a riding group of less than 10 and spectators are present, 1.5m distancing must be observed by spectators;
– Participants should gradually return to riding to reduce the risk of injury.
Clubs and Zones will need to contact their local council/venue owners prior to returning to sport to confirm that PCA NSW have sanctioned their events for insurance purposes.
Members are reminded that the insurance brokers have extended Personal Accident coverage during restrictions as below:
It is hereby declared and agreed with effect from 31 March 2020 to 31 December 2020 the following amendments are noted:
Due to restrictions imposed in respect of the COVID-19 crisis, the operative time in respect of Pony Club Riding Members is amended to read as follows:
Pony Club Riding Members
(excluding Open Competition Riders and Day Members)
24 hours a day 7 days a week in respect of all hazards which a member is exposed to whilst a member is engaged in non-income earning activities involving riding, caring for or handling horses or ponies, and travel to and from events, which are run by the insured.
This amendment will remain in force until such time as State and Federal government restrictions in respect of gatherings of multiple persons are lifted, at which time the operative time will revert to that in place prior to this Endorsement.
Members are reminded that they must comply with PCA NSW, NSW Health Guidelines, NSW Public Health Orders, complete COVID-19 declaration forms and follow all directions from PCA NSW officials at all levels in order to ensure that might compromise a members position in the event of a claim.
PCA NSW are very mindful that we do not want our sport and any club or area to become the next COVID-19 cluster and want to ensure the health and well-being of all our members. PCA NSW recommends the following phased resumption of sport to commence on the 22nd May 2020.
Keep in mind that clubs/zones may need to modify their normal rally day procedures to ensure that riders are not disadvantaged in any way.