Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
FOLLOWING Cabinet’s decision to allow the resumption of all sporting activities, the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has provided guidance on how the restart will occur.
Sport was a major casualty of the Covid-19 outbreak in Zimbabwe in March last year after the resultant lockdown halted every sporting activity.
However, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa delivered good news to the sporting industry on Tuesday evening when she announced that Cabinet had resolved to allow the return of all sports with effect from yesterday under strict adherence to Covid-19 health protocols and guidelines.
The SRC has now provided details of how resumption would be done.
“The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) advises National Sports Associations (NSAs), delivery agencies and all stakeholders that with effect from 1st September, 2021 all sports codes have been approved to resume activities.
“The approval is subject to observance of World Health Organisation guidelines on safe resumption of sport, NSA approved protocols, national legislation and policy directives, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and International Federation protocols relating to the prevention and containment of Covid-19,” the SRC said.
It also listed additional conditions that shall apply to the restart of every sport.
1. It is strongly recommended that all athletes, including children who are of fourteen years in age and above, be vaccinated.
In this respect, the SRC will liaise with NSAs for implementation.
2. All athletes, including children under the age of fourteen years are to adhere to all Covid-19 protocols as appropriate to the sporting activity.
3. All staff at sports facilities to be vaccinated before the admission of patrons.
4. All coaches, managers and support staff involved in sports activities or working at sports facilities are to be vaccinated before their involvement or resumption in any such activities or attendance at any sports facilities.
5. Subject to compliance with the foregoing clauses 3 and 4, gyms (including dojos, boxing and wrestling clubs), health spas and fitness centres shall admit only vaccinated patrons.
6. All activities shall be held in a “No Spectator” environment.
7. Sports venues shall be registered and maintain registers of participants and their vaccination status.
8. Mandatory sanitisation, temperature checks, masks (where applicable) and the practice of social distancing protocols (where applicable) shall be adhered to at all such sports venues and facilities.
The SRC said for all local, regional, continental and international competitions, travel and hosting requests must be submitted separately per event.
To hold local competitions, the NSAs must submit their applications at least 14 business days prior to the event, while regional, continental and international competitions require at least 30 business days prior to the intended travel date.
“No competition in Zimbabwe, or travel outside Zimbabwe shall take place without the written authorisation of the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Child Care. The Ministry, SRC, NSAs, delivery agencies’ compliance officers along with the relevant law enforcements authorities shall continue to monitor all sports facilities and centres for compliance.
“Violations of health protocols and other stated conditions will result in the summary suspension of the relevant sport code and the prosecution of the offending persons or responsible officials. Stakeholders are encouraged to contact the SRC should they be in any doubt as regards the implementation of their respective sporting activities or opening of sports facilities.”
Online Reporter