March 18, 2020
COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT
Due to the continued development of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its impact on the Sporting community, Motorcycling NSW are taking measures to ensure we are following all the recommendations provided by the Federal and State Governments as well as other government organisations including the Office of Sport.
MNSW take our responsibility to all our members very seriously and this includes doing all we can to minimize the spread of the virus and help keep our community safe.
As a result of the advice and recommendations from government organisations Motorcycling NSW has made the tough decision to postpone all state title events for all disciplines scheduled up until 31st of May. Events currently postponed are:
- NSW Off Road Championships scheduled for 18th & 19th April (Nowra) and 23rd May (Dungog)
- King of MX Qualifiers scheduled for 28th & 29th March (Wagga), 18th & 19th April (Bathurst) and 9th & 10th May (Dargle).
As a result of postponing the King of MX qualifiers, the Final to be held over the June long weekend has also been postponed.
Following on from the above, all clubs, promoters and coaches are to postpone or cancel all events with over 500 people expected to be in attendance effective immediately until new information is provided.
MNSW also strongly recommends that clubs and promoters consider postponing their events regardless of numbers. We understand that clubs with upcoming events which are expected to draw fewer than 500 people may wish to continue and in doing so MUST consider the below information.
- MNSW will enforce that there be no club championship or series scoring. All events will be stand-alone meetings. If these competitions continue to run on a point or series scoring basis, this will place unnecessary pressure on riders to compete even if they have concerns over their health in doing so. It may also place pressure on riders to compete who are currently self-isolating and should not be in attendance.
- No spectators are to attend the event other than family of competitors.
The below are also recommendations for clubs to consider before running any event:
- Clubs must take measures to ensure there is absolutely no more than 500 people in attendance. This includes all participants, parents, medics, volunteers, siblings and officials
- Clubs must ensure the medics are still available to attend the event
- Clubs are to consider whether ambulance services are still readily available to their track and if it is appropriate to utilise these services in your community
- Ensure the club is able to provide suitable hygiene products and practices throughout the venue including canteen and toilets
- Consider limiting attendance for junior events to rider + 1
- Consider if the event can run safely including filling all required track marshal points
- Consider running open pits at your events
- Consider if you have the ability to run your Riders Briefing over a PA system to minimise close contact and gatherings
- If you have a presentation ensure the area is large enough to limit close contact (noting that a 1.5m distance between people is recommended)
- Communicate to all members, participants, parents etc that anybody who is feeling unwell and showing flu symptoms, or has returned from overseas in the last 2 weeks does NOT attend the event
For further information regarding Covid-19 management and recommended protective measures, we strongly suggest you visits the below sources of information:
- World Health Organisation: https://www.who.int/
- Office of Sport: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/
- NSW Government Health Department: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
In order to ensure all clubs/promoters are meeting their legal obligations, MNSW will require the following to be added to all event Final Instructions and be noted at Riders Briefings until further notice:
We take our responsibility for the safety of our members and the wider community seriously, and as such we will be adhering to the NSW Government’s most recent determinations with regards to Covid-19. Please take note of the following points as advised by NSW health;
- All participants, family members, and volunteers should not attend the event if they are feeling unwell
- You must not attend if you have returned from overseas in the last 14 days
- Be sure to manage your own personal hygiene by cleaning your hands regularly
- Please assist the club/promoter by bringing your own sanitary items where possible (toilet rolls, hand sanitizer etc)
- If you need to sneeze or cough, please do so into a tissue/handkerchief or your upper arm or elbow.
Motorcycling NSW will continue to monitor the situation, work with the organisation’s and follow the recommendations provided by the government agencies. MNSW will make necessary adjustments and provide regular updates as further information is provided.