Ministry issues SOPs for sportspersons as pools open from October 15
It is the responsibility of the centre head and coach in-charge to ensure complete adherence to training protocols and to secure agreement from respective athletes that any training activity undertaken shall be in full compliance to the protocols mentioned, the ministry stated.
The Ministry of youth affairs and sports on Friday issued SOPs for training of sportspersons at swimming pools in the wake of coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19).
The SOPs apply to all Sports Authority of India (SAI) and non-SAI centres wherein training of sportspersons may resume, provided no orders of the local authorities prohibit such facilities to resume operations i.e. micro-containment zones and are meant to serve as safety guidelines for operating the facility in consonance with any other guidelines issued by state government while granting such permission, the ministry said in a statement.
After being shut since March to contain the deadly coronavirus, swimming pools across the country were finally allowed to reopen for training of sportspersons from October 15 in areas outside containment zone.
The SOPs directed by the ministry are as follows:
1. Competitive Swimmers to be defined as all sports person not below the age of 12 and engaged in training for purposes of preparing for participating in swimming competition, and shall not include contact sport like Waterpolo, learn to swim or swimming for general fitness.
2. Coaches and Support Staff directly responsible for the training of these athletes. Head coach shall ensure that the training is carried out with the minimum required staff only.
Protocols and precautions for the training of (Athletes/Coaches/Support Staff/Facility Management) Residential and Non Residential trainees
1. It is the responsibility of the centre head and coach in-charge to ensure complete adherence to training protocols and to secure agreement from respective athletes that any training activity undertaken shall be in full compliance to the protocols mentioned hereunder.
2. Obligatory self-declaration of the infection-free condition by players and staff re-joining the centre shall be provided to Covid Task Force officers before entering the premises.
3. All personal training equipment belonging to an athlete shall be disinfected while the athlete is inducted into the training centre.
4. Athletes and staff shall be screened before being allowed access to common field-of-play/ training facilities.
5. RT-PCR test shall be conducted for new/returning athletes. Public health authorities may be consulted for the same regarding Government guidelines and the cost of testing.
For residential trainees:
1. They need to produce a negative Covid Report 72 hour/96 hours before arrival to the centre followed by 14 days quarantine period.
2. On the 6th/7th Day of the quarantine period, another Covid Test must be conducted. Thereafter, trainees can mix with the other quarantined trainees only. Only after completing 7 more days, they can mix with other trainees.
This SOP applies to all SAI and non-SAI centres wherein training of sportspersons may resume, provided no orders of the local authorities prohibit such facilities to resume operations.
SOP for Training Facilities :
1. Resumption of training of sportspersons in swimming pools at any place within the facility other than toilets shall be prohibited.
2. Athletes shall also perform hand hygiene before and after the use of all training equipment.
3. Athletes/coaches/facility staff who begin to cough/sneeze/above normal temperature for any reason must move away from others until coughing/sneezing dissipates.
4. In case of above normal temperature, a coach or staff member should ask athletes, as they come into practice, specifically listing certain symptoms, and send home those athletes reporting illness or experiencing symptoms.
5. Use of the Arogya Setu app shall be made mandatory for all athletes and staff at the centre. The Task Force shall ensure a 100% coverage of Arogya Setu among all athletes and staff at the centre.
Protocols and precautions at Swimming Pools
1. Maximum Pool Capacity / Batch 50 M 10 lane – 20 Swimmers 25M/50M8lane-16/16swimmers
2. Chlorine levels in the pool will be measured 45 min before the start of practice.
3. Toilets and showers will be off-limits. In case swimmers required to use the toilet facilities at the pool, coaching staff shall ensure not more than one person is in the toilet at the same time.
Protocols and precautions at Facility (Swimming Pool Management)
1. A Covid Task Force shall be constituted at each training centre to guide and monitor all trainees, coaches and staff within the centres. 2.The Task Force shall be responsible for the overall implementation of protocols outlined in this SOP.
3. Swimming pool operators should have a dedicated officer responsible for Covid-19 considerations.
When Preparing to Swim
1. Use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available before going to the pool.
2. Do not share equipment.
3. Wear your suit to and from practice. Change in your respective room.
4.If you need to sneeze or cough, do so into a tissue or upper sleeve/arm
5.Arrive as close as possible to when activity begins.
6. Avoid touching gates, fences, benches, etc. if you can.
7. Do not attend practice if you do not feel well.
When Swimming
1. Follow directions for spacing and stay at least six feet apart from others.
2. Do not make physical contact with others or giving a high five.
3. Try not to take water in your mouth while swimming and if you need to spit do so in the gutter
4. Avoid physical contact with other swimmers when taking a break.
After Swimming
1. Leave the facility as soon as reasonably possible after practice.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly or use a hand sanitizer after leaving the pool.
3. Do not use the locker room or changing area.
4. Shower at one after you reach your respective room.
The Covid Task Force shall work closely with the coaches and support staff to define guidelines and protocols to conduct the training in the Covid environment.
