By Anyway Yotamu
The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has given the green light to twelve National Sports Associations (NSAs) deemed to be ‘low-risk disciplines’ to start activities this week subject to meeting a number of different listed requirements.
In a statement to the associations, the SRC gave notice of the decision by the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Dr. Kirsty Coventry to allow the 12 low-risk disciplines to commence activities despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘The Minister’ or ‘Ministry’ to grant authority to the following qualifying low-risk sport disciplines to commence activities, with effect from Monday, 1st June 2020, subject to the following provisions:
The Zimbabwe Golf Association is to provide list of all golf courses to be used and to reset the timelines for golfers. No caddies and accompanying family members allowed.
Zimbabwe Aquatic Union -four (4) persons allowed in a lane at any given time -a maximum of 32 people in a standard pool -levels of chlorine should be according to the required standards
Cycling Zimbabwe to avoid riding slip stream.
Triathlon Zimbabwe is to avoid riding or running slip stream.
Zimbabwe Cricket – No game situations and no spitting on or shining of the ball.
Zimbabwe National Bass Federation and National Anglers Union of Zimbabwe – No intercity travel and use of log books compulsory
Polo Association of Zimbabwe – Approved as proposed Polocrosse Association of Zimbabwe with contact scrimmaging prohibited.
Zimbabwe Archery Association -Approved as proposed
National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe -only track events approved and no field events at this stage including relays.
Zimbabwe Equestrian Federation -No competitions and one accompanying parent permitted Zimbabwe Shooting Sport Federation -No use of indoor facilities
Rowing Association of Zimbabwe -Four men (4) and eight (8) men not approved and sharing of equipment and apparel prohibited.
Tennis Zimbabwe -Balls to be stored on site and balls to be sanitised before use.
”The above sports disciplines shall, in addition to the above conditions, adhere strictly to the provisions of Statutory Instrument 115/2020 and related legislation (collectively ‘the Legislation’) concerning the containment of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe; as well as any additional guidelines that may be issued from time to time by the SRC, the Ministry or their respective national sports association’s.
”The respective NSAs, above, shall, for monitoring purposes, provide the SRC with a list of ALL the venues or sports facilities or clubs where the approved sport activities shall take place before 1600 hours, Monday, 1st June, 2020,” read the statement.
The SRC said multi-disciplinary sports clubs were strongly encouraged to seek the guidance of the SRC, or relevant NSA, in implementing the above approval, and conditions, from the Minister.
“The approved sport disciplines are reminded that when intending to hold a competition they must apply for EACH and EVERY such event individually through their respective NSA. No approval will be granted to a monthly or yearly competition.”
“The Ministry may consider new applications, on a weekly basis, provided that these meet the requirements set out in the Legislation. NSAs or sport disciplines or clubs, to the extent that they have not done so already, may apply for such consideration through the SRC. All applications will receive written notice of the Ministry’s decision from the SRC, and the public shall be notified accordingly as well,” the SRC said.
Enforcement Officers will monitor compliance with the said conditions, Legislation and any future guidelines according to the statement.
“Full cooperation from the respective NSAs, sport facilities and clubs, is expected. Inspections will be conducted without notice. If any NSA, sports facility or club is found to be non-compliant, immediate enforcement, including the shut-down of the facility concerned or withdrawal of authority granted to commence activities, will occur,” read the statement.
To this end, the SRC is carrying out investigations into allegations that certain golf clubs had commenced sporting activities without obtaining the prior authority of the Ministry as required in terms of the Legislation.
”In the event that these allegations are proved, the sports clubs concerned will be disciplined accordingly, including the imposition of penalties or the suspension of the authority granted by the Ministry, above, in respect of any such particular club.” The SRC said affected athletes, institutions and the general public are encouraged to seek guidance directly from the SRC, in writing, regarding the provisions of the Legislation or the implementation thereof; taking into account that the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and its containment may, at times, require the issuance of pronouncements, directives and other instruments of law with little or no notice to the affected parties.