Basketball Ireland Guidelines

Basketball Ireland is pleased to inform you that most of the restrictions have been removed. However COVID is not gone and we advise all our community to be careful and stay safe. In line with the updated government guidance of 22nd January 2022, please note that it is an individual decision, or in the case of under 18’s - it’s a parent/guardian decision, if they or their child participate in any activity, training or games. Please adhere to all the guidance and stay safe.

This guidance does not constitute legal advice or replace any government or health advice; nor does it provide any commentary or advice on specific health-related issues for teams or individual athletes. This is guidance and any breach of this guidance will result in strong reprimand to the offender.

As of the 22nd of January 2022 please be advised that as per Government Guidance:

Indoor sporting events

· Maximum spectator capacity is allowed, standing and seated for all events.

· Training can take place as per pre COVID

· COVID pass (vaccination or recovery) for entry to training, games, gyms and leisure centres is not required

· No physical distancing is required (2m COVID related) please ensure all child safety regulations are adhered to.

· Pods of 6 for indoor activities no longer required

· No requirement to take or maintain contact tracing details

· If you have any symptoms – isolate and get a test. If you are a close contact follow the guidance on the HSE website, https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/

· Continue to wear masks in appropriate settings

Under 12’s down are no longer required to train in pods of 6. Competitive games are allowed. League and cup matches are permitted in accordance with the rules of Basketball Ireland and FIBA.

Competitive Training and Games

Competitive training and games are allowed, for all levels and age groups.

Competition Games

Competitions can take place, league and cup matches for all levels and age groups.

Transport To and From Activities & Events

Public transport is operating at full capacity. Protective measures such as mask wearing should be used in line with guidance for travel on public transport.

Carpooling is allowed and all persons should be aware of the higher risks to unvaccinated individuals. The use of face coverings is recommended as per current government guidance on public transport and taxis.

Mask Wearing & Close Contact Guidance

Mask Wearing requirements in settings where currently regulated will continue until February 28th 2021. More info

Close Contacts continues to follow the current advice for those with symptoms, cases and close contacts as announced by the government on 12 January 2022. More info

If you have symptoms of COVID-19,

Further guidance is available here

· anyone with symptoms should immediately self-isolate and get tested

· those aged 0-3 and over 39 years old and all healthcare workers should seek a PCR test

· everyone else (that is everyone aged 4-39) should use repeated antigen tests. If you have a positive antigen result, you should regard it as definitive and register it with the HSE – a PCR confirmation is not required

· if you have an underlying health condition, and you have symptoms of COVID-19, talk to your GP by phone

· regardless of negative results, anyone with symptoms should continue to self-isolate until 48 hours after symptoms have substantially or fully resolved

· all those aged 13 years and older with symptoms should use a well-fitted medical grade or FFP2 face mask, including when they may be at risk of coming into contact with others in their household

· children aged 9-12 years old with symptoms should wear a well fitted mask, including when they may be at risk of coming into contact with others in their household.

If you have a positive test result, as per the HSE,

· all those with a positive test result, PCR or antigen, should isolate for a minimum of 7 days

· those with symptoms should isolate for 7 days from the date of onset of symptoms

· those without symptoms should isolate for 7 days from the date of the first positive test (PCR or antigen)

· ending of self-isolation after 7 days is on the basis that symptoms have substantially or fully resolved for the final 2 of those 7 days

· all those aged 13 years and older with a positive result should use a well-fitted medical grade or FFP2 face mask for 10 days, including when they may be at risk of coming into contact with others in their household

· children aged 9-12 years old with a positive result should wear a well fitted mask for 10 days including when they may be at risk of coming into contact with others in their household

All positive cases should, for 10 days (including 7 days self-isolation):

· limit close contact with people outside their household, especially in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces

· wear an appropriate face mask in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces and where they are in close contact with other people

· avoid contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with COVID-19

· follow all public health protective measures

International Travel

We should continue to monitor the travel requirements both in Ireland and the destination country and also note that the use of the Digital Certificate will continue for international travel for the immediate future.

Return to Play Physical Preparation Programme

Basketball Ireland has launched a ‘Return to Play’ physical preparation programme, which has been designed to help players return to the court. The programme, which includes a series of instructional videos, aims to reduce the risk of injury following a long period of inactivity. It can been accessed here: Return-to-play.pdf

Queries

If you have any queries for the Basketball Ireland 'Return to Play' Committee, they can be emailed to rtp@ireland.basketball