WPNSW Covid 19 Update - August

Dear Water Polo Community, 

Covid 19 continues to impact our daily lives and as we approach what is traditionally our start of Summer season we must be prepared for how it will impact a traditional season. The challenges we face will all impact us differently, but we must work together as a community to ensure how we engage in our sport and within our community is with the up most care and caution and within the NSW Health and Office of Sport recommendations. 

NSW Health Recommendations 

From Wednesday 19th August NSW Health with the support of Sport NSW are putting the following recommendations in place that will last for 6 weeks (ending 29th September): 

• Cease activities that result in the mixing of participants and staff from different regions 

• Cease any activities that result in overnight stays 

• Cease face-to-face social activities relating to community sports 

• Avoid carpools or bus travel with people from different household groups where possible 

• For local activities, limit spectators to one parent only, where the child requires parental supervision during the sporting activity. 

For the full update click here to view it on the WPNSW Website. 

What does this mean for clubs, members, and summer programs?          

For Clubs: 

• Training can continue as per usual provided the club is acting on an approved Covid-19 Safety Plan. Click Here for a template.  

• Do not hold any pre-season functions/ fundraisers/ BBQs 

• Follow the Come. Play. Leave good practice 

• Keep training to the one venue where possible 

• Avoid excess bodies on or around pool deck 

For Members: 

• Consider how your actions may affect others 

• If you are a parent or guardian consider if you need to be on pool deck or in the stands. Don’t expose yourself or others to extra risks 

• If you or a member of your household show any signs or symptoms (click here) get tested and avoid going out in the community 

• If you live in a NSW hotspot (click here) reconsider participating in community sport for the time being  

• Practice good hygiene before and after participating in sport. Wash your hands and sanitise your equipment 

Summer Season: 

• Summer Water Polo is going to be different and we are all going to need to be flexible with competition structures and timings 

• Regional Associations can contact WPNSW to discuss season plans and how to best manage risks. 

• Metro Clubs can expect a start in early October 

• Clubs will be engaged in the planning of Summer comp and activities 

• WPNSW will continue to work with pools to provide opportunities for training and competition for clubs and members 

Metro Competition: 

• A planning discussion with clubs will be held early September 

What to expect?? 

• The season will likely be broken up into two halves Oct-Dec | Feb-Apr 

• Possible conference style competition to reduce travel 

• Initial games to be between local clubs to reduce travel 

• Weekly games: 

Div 2 Men – Tuesday night 

Div 2 Women – Wednesday night 

Div 1 Both – Saturday 

Juniors – Sundays 

• Further information will come out to members in September 

Our sport, our clubs, and our members all make up a community that provides more than just a place to be active. It is a place to make and meet friends, be part of something that has proven benefits to mental and physical health. We as a community can get through these tough times together and come out better and stronger for it. 

Kind Regards, 

Alex Godbold 

WPNSW Operations Manager