2020 National Strokeplay and Opens Latest

Return to Play Guidelines

2020 National Strokeplay and Opens Latest image

Following further guidelines received from Sport Ireland on the "Return to Outdoor Competition" from the 7th June 2021, the NEC have had to reschedule the Gents National Strokeplay. The Junior Gents will be played in St. Anne's on Saturday 12th June, the Intermediate Gents will be played in St. Stephen's on Saturday 12th June, and the Senior Gents will play in St. Anne's on the 13th June.

The following is an excerpt from the Guidelines:

Such activity will take place under strict protocol and Without spectators.

The capacities in individual and non-team focused sports will reflect the nature of the particular sport, the size and scale of proposed venues and the standard operating procedures of NGBs.

NGBs remain best placed to determine the final capacities and develop the required structures for safe competition.

In the initial stages Sports should focus on the minimum number of participants required to stage a meaningful event safely. Additional thought will also be required by NGBs if organising events that take place (fully or partially) on public grounds or roads

To assist NGBs in planning during the initial return a starting number of approximately 100 is recommended.

This number would include participants, officials, management and essential support personnel.

These numbers can be reviewed further as the broader re-opening of sport continues across the summer months.

If events cannot be organised within these recommended structures, then they should not take place in the initial stages.

In relation to Open Scotch Foursomes and other Opens, Timesheets are essential, the following is another excerpt from the document received:

Guiding Principles

The following guiding principles should be considered as part of the development of any competition protocol.

  • Pre-booking of activity by all competitors is essential.

  • Health screening of all participants leading up to and on the day of the event should be completed. This includes 0fficials & support personnel.

  • Participants, officials and support personnel should not attend if unwell.

  • Participants arrive ready to participate and leave immediately. (i.e. No changing room or shower use).

  • Additional signage, hand sanitization stations and deep cleaning measures should be implemented.

  • Broadly, participants should aim to maintain social distancing (2m) on the ‘field of play’. The ability to implement this will be dependent on the nature of each individual sport.

  • Educational information should be made available to participants, officials and support personnel in advance of the activity.

Additional Points to Note

  • It is important to note that Sporting Organisations wishing to deliver outdoor competition should incorporate the guidance outlined in this document into their existing Competition, Covid 19 Return to Work and Return to Sport Policies and Procedures. This Guidance is not sufficient in isolation.

  • The ongoing allowance of competition will be dictated by the Public Health Situation.

  • This guidance applies to the outdoor sporting competition of National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs).

  • The guidance may also be used in organising sporting activity by the Network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs).

  • The activity must be sanctioned / supervised by the NGB/LSP or it’s affiliated / partner organisations.

  • NGBs / LSPs will have responsibility for approving the activities to be undertaken. Sport Ireland is available to provide guidance to Sport Ireland recognised NGBs/LSPs where required.

NGBs/LSPs must give an assurance that protective measures Will be strictly adhered to and that they have the resources locally to monitor compliance by clubs and groups.

We will continue to update as we receive more guidelines.