SRC happy with sport return progress

Deputy Sports Editor

THE Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) have expressed satisfaction with preparations for the resumption of sport, and have since given the greenlight to 10 other disciplines.

Basketball, bodybuilding, darts, karate, kickboxing, korfball, judo, netball, squash and volleyball become the latest sports codes to be given the nod.

“It is important to note that as we are opening up and assessing more sporting and recreational activities and facilities, there have not been any major incidences of non-compliance recorded from the sports codes that have been authorised to resume activities,” said acting director-general Sebastian Garikai.

“Compliance is an ongoing process, and SRC is currently monitoring activities to review compliance to stipulated protocols and procedures for resumption as outlined in the conditions for the safe resumption of sport.

“These assessments are important as the approval to resume sporting activities is based on the premise that the approved sports codes will implement laid down guidelines and protocols as set by the World Health Organisation and the Covid-19 regulations on the prevention and containment of the pandemic.

“The aim is to ensure the safety of athletes, officials and the wider community,” he said.

The regulator will soon be taking a proactive approach when monitoring compliance.

National sport associations have since been briefed on the consequences of violating protocols.

“The SRC, with the assistance of law enforcement agencies, will not hesitate to shut down any truant sport or recreational organisation.

“It is also important to advise the national sport associations (NSA) to ensure that their members operate within the set parameters for resumption.

“NSA’s are the custodians of their sport codes, specific protocols and therefore should ensure strict adherence to these by their members.” Hybrid virtual and physical training workshops on ensuring a continued safe resumption of sport have been lined up.

The workshops will be attended by compliance officers and technical directors of national associations, provincial coordinators and officers, representatives from the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, Zimbabwe National Paralympic Committee, Special Olympics Zimbabwe, and Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board.

There will also be random onsite visits to sport facilities and venues by SRC compliance officers, who will evaluate the degree of compliance to WHO protocols and national regulations.

Following each activity, event organisers are expected to produce reports and submit them to the commission.

The SRC are currently working closely with appointed compliance officers from the national associations, clubs and other delivery agencies.