Athletics activity in South Australia postponed until May 1

Athletics SA, together with Athletics Australia wishes to advise that we, along with other State Member Associations have decided and agree to the postponement of all competitions and events until May 1 2020 at the earliest. This includes local and state cross-country, track and field, road and walks events.

Having regard to the advice of their State Governments and Health Departments, this decision is supported by all of our Member Associations.

Competitions have already commenced in some states, so for the latest information and updates the relevant Member Associations should be contacted.

With the current threat of COVID-19 impacting the health and welfare of Australians, Athletics Australia continues to take guidance from National and State health authorities. This decision is in line with recommendations that non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people outdoors and 100 people indoors should not proceed, and social distancing measures be put in place.

Athletics Australia and Athletics SA advises this postponement does not apply to training however we encourage clubs, athletes, coaches and officials continue to exercise the appropriate hygiene measures and implement self-exclusion if displaying flu-like symptoms or have recently returned from overseas. Any member with flu-like symptoms should self-exclude from training and coaching at the first sign of the symptoms and seek medical advice. When training we strongly recommend that you practice social distancing and other measures at the levels advised by Australian Government Department of Health. We recommend that you confirm with Local Council and/or the Management Committee for your training venue who may have already implemented restrictions / requirements that could impact non-essential activities.

Athletics Australia Chief Executive Officer Darren Gocher said; “The community’s health and well-being was our major concern, and athletics has a responsibility to assist authorities in limiting the spread and impact of COVID-19,”

“We have an obligation to assist in slowing the peak of the pandemic and to minimise the workload of our health care professionals,” Mr. Gocher said

"This decision is consistent with the recent measures taken to safeguard our high performance athletes with the postponement of the Australian Track & Field Championships and is supported by our Member Associations.

"While athletics is a non-contact sport there are considerable measures that need to be in place to adhere to expert advice around reducing the risk of spreading the virus. We focused specifically on minimising the risk and impact on the athletics communities that we support, as well as their families.  We appreciate your understanding through this difficult time.”

Athletics Australia and Athletics SA acknowledges the uncertainty of the current situation and that this advice can rapidly change as the situation evolves. As such, we will continue to monitor, and act accordingly, in response to statements and policies enacted by both Federal and State Health authorities. The Federal Minister for Youth and Sport has this afternoon released Community Sport guidelines which can be found through this link. 

Further advice on the Coronavirus COVID-19 can be found from the Australian Government Department of Health (www.health.gov.au) or for general advice regarding COVID-19, call the Australian Government's Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.

Regards,
Shane Fuller

Athletics SA CEO