1) OUTLOOK
a) Dates and restrictions continue to be dependent on the various tests set by the Government being met, but Government has now announced the start of Stage Three, a framework to progress the return to ‘Domestic Competition – No Spectators’ for elite teams/athletes, defined as those who derive a living from competing in a sport. The guidance for Stage One and Two activity must remain in place to underpin the progression of Stage Three which allows for elite sporting events to commence behind closed doors once the various parties concerned, the HPA, host clubs and players, are content that the necessary procedures are in place.
b) The aim is to allow HPA clubs to provide for players and all associated staff a safe environment which meets the requirements set by Public Health England and enable elite sports persons to prepare for and then play tournament polo as soon as they are deemed to be ready. The fitness of the ponies is an important aspect of readiness and hence clubs should ensure that members have had time to get their ponies fit before hosting competitive polo. One change has been made to the Victor/Victrix Ludorum fixture list and that is to delay the start of the Beaufort Prince of Wales 12 goal tournament which will now start on 16 June and finish on 21 June. The Dollar Cup at Cowdray will the start on 23 June and finish Saturday 4 July as planned.
c) The protection of all persons from Covid-19 is of the greatest importance and hence the numbers attending any training sessions or games must be kept to an absolute minimum. Only those who are essential may attend. Sadly, that does not include family members unless they are working and booked in as such. It is the responsibility of every individual player and person connected to the sport to follow the HPA’s Covid-19 guidelines at all times so as to ensure the continued health and safety of everyone involved in the game and thus the successful continuation of the sport.
d) To get the sport going as soon as possible rule changes are still being considered, minimising line outs and unnecessary contact, but only for as long as necessary.
e) Testing is not currently a condition of the Government but will be kept under review as new tests are being developed. In certain circumstances a negative test may enable the isolation period to be reduced and Directive No 2 takes account of testing for this purpose.
2) PROCEDURES
– These have been revised and updated. Levels 4 and 5 have been added in preparation for the start of the 22 goal and VL tournaments. Level 4 will only be approved at this stage for domestic club training games and practices of 8 goals and above. These will also be used to confirm any rule changes. In the meantime, face coverings must continue to be worn as set out in the Updated Procedures dated 03.06.20 at Annex A but this will be kept under review and clubs should focus on hosting Level 3 for the purposes of training and getting ponies fit.
3) COACHING
The Government rules now allow gatherings of up to 6 individuals provided that social distancing is maintained. This means that an individual coach may now instruct up to 5 people in a group lesson.
4) QUARANTINE
The Government has imposed a 14 day quarantine for those entering the UK on or after 8 June, with a review after 3 weeks.
FOR THE UPDATED PROCEDURES, CLICK HERE.
PHOTO CREDIT: HELEN CRUDEN.