COOLUM TOUCH FACILITY MAP
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST SEASON 2
Coolum Touch 2020 Season 2 Teams Expression of Interest Requested
Great news everyone!!! The Coolum Touch Association Committees are going to attempt to return to competitions in season 2 under the Qld govt health restrictions, Qld Touch & Touch Football Australia guidelines.
There is still a lot of work & preparation to do & will need all your assistance to make any return to competitions possible. We are planning at this stage to recommence our competitions in late July or early August depending on how well our planning and preparations progress.
Please note: The Coolum Touch Association committees are obligated to advise any players & members intending to participate in future competitions at Coolum Touch they are not covered by the Touch Football Australia national insurance scheme against contracting COVID-19.
What does this mean for players & members? As a player or member of Coolum Touch Association you are & always have been covered by insurance against injury such as ankle sprains, dislocated shoulders etc but are not and never have been covered by insurance against illness such as the flu or that matter COVID-19. This means if you intend to participate in future competitions at Coolum Touch as a player or member you are not covered by insurance against contracting COVID-19 & will participate at your own risk of contracting COVID-19.
We want to make this point clear so that players or members are full informed of the risks prior to making any decisions to participate in future competitions at Coolum Touch.
We will understand & fully support any decision by players or members not to participate in our future competitions because they are not covered against contracting COVID-19 by the Touch Football Australia national insurance scheme.
However, in making our decision to return to competitions the Coolum Touch Association committees want to assure you the health and safety of our members is still and will always remain our priority. We will be doing everything possible & strictly adhering to the Qld govt health restrictions, Qld Touch & Touch Football Australia guidelines to ensure the health & safety of our players & members whilst participating in future competitions at the Coolum Touch Association.
To assist us in our planning and preparations we are requesting expressions of interest from any teams intending to participate in season 2 in 2020 at Coolum Touch should we be successful in recommencing competitions by late July or early August.
We require this expression of interest prior to commencing the online team and player registration process.
It is our intention should we receive enough interest to recommence the same competitions as we have previously run on Tuesday and Thursday nights in season 2 of 2020.
Tuesday nights – Open Mens, Over 40 Mens & Open Ladies.
Thursday nights – Open Mixed & Over 30 Mens.
It is our intention also at this stage to reimburse in full all fees paid by teams to participate in season 1 of 2020 prior to commencing our competitions in season 2.
Should you have a team wishing to participate in competitions at Coolum Touch in season 2 of 2020 please provide your expression of interest by email to coolumtouch@gamil.com outlining your team details & the competition/s you wish to play in.
Please be advised that due to the Qld govt health restrictions, Qld Touch & Touch Football Australia guidelines we will be restricting team numbers to a maximum of 26 on Tuesday or Thursday nights. It is anticipated that these team numbers could fill quickly & it is recommended you advise us of your expression of interest to participate in our competitions as quickly as possible to avoid missing out.
Looking forward to receiving all your expressions of interest in the near future.
Thanks,
Peter Feldman (Feldo)
President
Coolum Touch Association
Great news everyone!!! The Coolum Touch Association Committees are going to attempt to return to competitions in season 2 under the Qld govt health restrictions, Qld Touch & Touch Football Australia guidelines.
There is still a lot of work & preparation to do & will need all your assistance to make any return to competitions possible. We are planning at this stage to recommence our competitions in late July or early August depending on how well our planning and preparations progress.
Please note: The Coolum Touch Association committees are obligated to advise any players & members intending to participate in future competitions at Coolum Touch they are not covered by the Touch Football Australia national insurance scheme against contracting COVID-19.
What does this mean for players & members? As a player or member of Coolum Touch Association you are & always have been covered by insurance against injury such as ankle sprains, dislocated shoulders etc but are not and never have been covered by insurance against illness such as the flu or that matter COVID-19. This means if you intend to participate in future competitions at Coolum Touch as a player or member you are not covered by insurance against contracting COVID-19 & will participate at your own risk of contracting COVID-19.
We want to make this point clear so that players or members are full informed of the risks prior to making any decisions to participate in future competitions at Coolum Touch.
We will understand & fully support any decision by players or members not to participate in our future competitions because they are not covered against contracting COVID-19 by the Touch Football Australia national insurance scheme.
However, in making our decision to return to competitions the Coolum Touch Association committees want to assure you the health and safety of our members is still and will always remain our priority. We will be doing everything possible & strictly adhering to the Qld govt health restrictions, Qld Touch & Touch Football Australia guidelines to ensure the health & safety of our players & members whilst participating in future competitions at the Coolum Touch Association.
To assist us in our planning and preparations we are requesting expressions of interest from any teams intending to participate in season 2 in 2020 at Coolum Touch should we be successful in recommencing competitions by late July or early August.
We require this expression of interest prior to commencing the online team and player registration process.
It is our intention should we receive enough interest to recommence the same competitions as we have previously run on Tuesday and Thursday nights in season 2 of 2020.
Tuesday nights – Open Mens, Over 40 Mens & Open Ladies.
Thursday nights – Open Mixed & Over 30 Mens.
It is our intention also at this stage to reimburse in full all fees paid by teams to participate in season 1 of 2020 prior to commencing our competitions in season 2.
Should you have a team wishing to participate in competitions at Coolum Touch in season 2 of 2020 please provide your expression of interest by email to coolumtouch@gamil.com outlining your team details & the competition/s you wish to play in.
Please be advised that due to the Qld govt health restrictions, Qld Touch & Touch Football Australia guidelines we will be restricting team numbers to a maximum of 26 on Tuesday or Thursday nights. It is anticipated that these team numbers could fill quickly & it is recommended you advise us of your expression of interest to participate in our competitions as quickly as possible to avoid missing out.
Looking forward to receiving all your expressions of interest in the near future.
Thanks,
Peter Feldman (Feldo)
President
Coolum Touch Association
COVID Insurance
Staged Opening of Community Facilities
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE LIABILITY – COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Queensland Touch - Return To Play Guide Stage 2
COVID-19 RETURN TO TRAINING#2
In light of the information provided from State Government regarding the fast-tracking of Stage 2 restrictions and the announcement yesterday of an approved Industry COVID Plan, Queensland Touch Football (QTF) would like to stress that an Affiliate must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place prior to recommencing team training, that has been reviewed by its relevant Region.
As outlined previously, prior to the resumption of any team training an Affiliate must:
We understand the level of complexity of the requirements and therefore discourage any training until Affiliates are familiar and confident, they can implement the required protocols and guidelines. There is a number of templates and resources available to Affiliates on the QTF website and the Touch Football Return to Play Resource Hub.
In relation to the COVID Industry Approved Plan that allows more than the limit of people as prescribed in the current Stage 2 of the Roadmap to Easing Restrictions, an Affiliate must read and adhere to the additional requirements outlined in the approved COVID Safe Industry Plan.
As outlined previously, prior to the resumption of any team training an Affiliate must:
- Obtain written Council/Landowner approval to return to activity.
- Create and implement a COVID-19 Safety Plan that has been reviewed by the respective region.
- Complete the ‘Return to Play Checklist’.
- Ability to adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing protocols (4m Square & 1.5m Distancing).
- Ability to complete an Attendance Register for each training session for all participants attending training
We understand the level of complexity of the requirements and therefore discourage any training until Affiliates are familiar and confident, they can implement the required protocols and guidelines. There is a number of templates and resources available to Affiliates on the QTF website and the Touch Football Return to Play Resource Hub.
In relation to the COVID Industry Approved Plan that allows more than the limit of people as prescribed in the current Stage 2 of the Roadmap to Easing Restrictions, an Affiliate must read and adhere to the additional requirements outlined in the approved COVID Safe Industry Plan.
COVID INDUSTRY PLAN APPROVED
Queensland Touch Football (QTF) in collaboration with other State Sporting Organisations, submitted a COVID Safe Industry Plan to the Queensland Government, seeking approval for flexibility regarding the restrictions on behalf of all clubs and organisations within the sector including, where appropriate, allowing more participants than specified in the roadmap.
QTF is excited to announce that the Chief Health Officer (CHO) has approved a Sport Industry COVID Safe Plan which includes Touch Football and can be viewed here. This approval is for Stage 2 Return to Training only.
Under the approved Industry COVID Safe Plan, outdoor fields can now accommodate multiple playing spaces. On a touch football field, there is provisions for a maximum of two separate playing spaces/zones per field that can accommodate a total of 20 people per playing space. Please reference the field layout examples here.
Affiliates and Regions which have a COVID-19 Safety Plan, which is compliant with the requirements of the approved COVID Safe Industry Plan and the relevant Health Directions, including social distancing requirements and floor space limits, can have 20 people per playing space (a total of 40 people per field). This includes players, coaches, staff, trainers and instructors. This is more than the limit of people as prescribed in the current stage 2 of the Roadmap to Easing Restrictions.
Affiliates must read the approved COVID Safe Industry Plan prior to commencing training of more than 20 people. Please see below some key requirements.
If you can safely fit multiple groups of 20 people on an outdoor greenspace, allowing them to have 4 square metres each and remain 1.5 meters apart without co-mingling and any unnecessary risk, you may proceed with caution if you can adhere to the necessary Queensland Government requirements.
QTF will continue to work with the government as we progress through Stage 2 and will provide further updates when it comes to hand.
For more information regarding COVID-19 Safety Plans and return to training protocols and guidelines please Click here.
QTF is excited to announce that the Chief Health Officer (CHO) has approved a Sport Industry COVID Safe Plan which includes Touch Football and can be viewed here. This approval is for Stage 2 Return to Training only.
Under the approved Industry COVID Safe Plan, outdoor fields can now accommodate multiple playing spaces. On a touch football field, there is provisions for a maximum of two separate playing spaces/zones per field that can accommodate a total of 20 people per playing space. Please reference the field layout examples here.
Affiliates and Regions which have a COVID-19 Safety Plan, which is compliant with the requirements of the approved COVID Safe Industry Plan and the relevant Health Directions, including social distancing requirements and floor space limits, can have 20 people per playing space (a total of 40 people per field). This includes players, coaches, staff, trainers and instructors. This is more than the limit of people as prescribed in the current stage 2 of the Roadmap to Easing Restrictions.
Affiliates must read the approved COVID Safe Industry Plan prior to commencing training of more than 20 people. Please see below some key requirements.
- Co-mingling between playing spaces/zones is strictly prohibited.
- Each playing space/zone must be clearly marked.
- Separate entry and exit points per playing space/zone are required.
- 4 square metres required per person and physical distancing of 1.5 metres must apply.
- Schedule staggered start and finishing times, with a minimum 15 minutes between training sessions.
If you can safely fit multiple groups of 20 people on an outdoor greenspace, allowing them to have 4 square metres each and remain 1.5 meters apart without co-mingling and any unnecessary risk, you may proceed with caution if you can adhere to the necessary Queensland Government requirements.
QTF will continue to work with the government as we progress through Stage 2 and will provide further updates when it comes to hand.
For more information regarding COVID-19 Safety Plans and return to training protocols and guidelines please Click here.
COVID-19 – RETURN TO TRAINING #1
Over the weekend the Queensland State Government announced further easing of restrictions. Stage 2 of the Queensland State Government Roadmap to Easing Queensland’s Restrictions has been moved forward and as of midday yesterday, Monday 1 June 2020, gatherings of up to 20 people are permitted, including organised, non-contact community sport.
Touch Football Australia (TFA) in collaboration with Queensland Touch Football (QTF) has developed ‘Return-to-Play Protocols and Guidelines’, in addition to supporting collateral for Affiliates, which is available on the ‘TFA Return-to-Play Resource Hub’. These protocols and guidelines are consistent with Federal and State Governments’ return to play guidelines and provides detailed information on how to meet the restrictions and return to training safely.
Stage 2 – Midday June 1
Affiliates may resume non-contact organised activity for up to 20 people per venue (including players, coaches and parents) upon the following conditions.
QTF is currently working closely with the State Government and QSport to support the Roadmap to Easing Queensland’s Restrictions for sport. Return to training should only occur if Affiliates are confident, they are adequately prepared and can meet government requirements.
Touch Football Australia (TFA) in collaboration with Queensland Touch Football (QTF) has developed ‘Return-to-Play Protocols and Guidelines’, in addition to supporting collateral for Affiliates, which is available on the ‘TFA Return-to-Play Resource Hub’. These protocols and guidelines are consistent with Federal and State Governments’ return to play guidelines and provides detailed information on how to meet the restrictions and return to training safely.
Stage 2 – Midday June 1
Affiliates may resume non-contact organised activity for up to 20 people per venue (including players, coaches and parents) upon the following conditions.
- Obtained written Council approval to return to activity.
- Created and implemented a COVID-19 Safety Plan* and can adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing protocols.
- Completed the ‘Return to Play Checklist’*.
- Complete an Attendance Register* for each training session for all participants attending training.
- Groups must have approval from the Association (Affiliate/Club) to use the facility.
- Remain at home if you feel unwell or are in a vulnerable health category.
- Comply will ALL directions from the Association (Affiliate/Club).
- Parents and supporters are discouraged where possible.
QTF is currently working closely with the State Government and QSport to support the Roadmap to Easing Queensland’s Restrictions for sport. Return to training should only occur if Affiliates are confident, they are adequately prepared and can meet government requirements.
STATE OF ORIGIN POSTPONED UNTIL 2021
OINT STATEMENT FROM QUEENSLAND TOUCH FOOTBALL AND NEW SOUTH WALES TOUCH ASSOCIATION
After careful consideration and consultation between the New South Wales Touch Association (NSWTA) and Queensland Touch Football (QTF) along with the host venue and Coffs Harbour City Council, we can confirm the 2020 State of Origin will be postponed into the first half of 2021.
As previously advised, the NSWTA and QTF in collaboration with Coffs Harbour City Council, unanimously agreed to postpone the 2020 State of Origin due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve taken the time to monitor and assess the current global situation and with the current level of restrictions across both jurisdictions and an extremely heavy timetable in the second half the year, the 2021 date will enable the 2020 State of Origin event to proceed with certainty” – said Dean Russell, NSWTA General Manager.
The State of Origin will be held Friday 18 – Saturday 19 June 2021 and will remain at C.ex International Stadium, Coffs Harbour. This will see the event back to back in 2021 and 2022 before returning to its normal two-year cycle in 2024.
As host city for the State or Origin, Coffs Harbour looks forward to welcoming players from New South Wales and Queensland to the beautiful Coffs Coast now in 2021. Under the current circumstances the decision to move to 2021 is a sensible one, of which we fully support” said Daniel Heather, Council’s Section Leader for Stadium and Major Events.
Both parties believe that this is the most responsible and best decision for the sport. “During this time, we have a responsibility to ensure the recovery of our sport is focussed at the grassroots level and this means that the 2020 summer season is already heavily congested for both states with events and localised competitions” said Corey Bell, QTF CEO.
NSWTA and QTF recognise that many of its members have been or are currently undergoing hardship as a result of COVID-19 and believe it would also be unfair and irresponsible to add additional financial burdens to its members, many of whom are currently laid off from work or on reduced hours and salaries.
Both parties anticipate that this timeline will allow members (and the sport) adequate opportunity to recover and ensure that this significant event on the touch football calendar can be played in the appropriate environment, ensuring the most absolute elite level with the quality of player who deserves to participate at this level. This timeline, however, will still be heavily dependent on a continual flattening of the curve within the community before we can return to normality following this pandemic.
NSWTA & QTF will independently advise their members with further communication very soon surrounding current squads and future selections for the postponed 2020 State of Origin event. Both parties however were eager to find a silver lining in amongst a challenging and unique time for all. It was agreed that no player should be disadvantage due to a one in a hundred year event and therefore given the uniqueness of what we are currently facing, the age eligibility will remain as it currently stands in 2020 for the 2020 State of Origin that will be run in the first half of 2021.
After careful consideration and consultation between the New South Wales Touch Association (NSWTA) and Queensland Touch Football (QTF) along with the host venue and Coffs Harbour City Council, we can confirm the 2020 State of Origin will be postponed into the first half of 2021.
As previously advised, the NSWTA and QTF in collaboration with Coffs Harbour City Council, unanimously agreed to postpone the 2020 State of Origin due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve taken the time to monitor and assess the current global situation and with the current level of restrictions across both jurisdictions and an extremely heavy timetable in the second half the year, the 2021 date will enable the 2020 State of Origin event to proceed with certainty” – said Dean Russell, NSWTA General Manager.
The State of Origin will be held Friday 18 – Saturday 19 June 2021 and will remain at C.ex International Stadium, Coffs Harbour. This will see the event back to back in 2021 and 2022 before returning to its normal two-year cycle in 2024.
As host city for the State or Origin, Coffs Harbour looks forward to welcoming players from New South Wales and Queensland to the beautiful Coffs Coast now in 2021. Under the current circumstances the decision to move to 2021 is a sensible one, of which we fully support” said Daniel Heather, Council’s Section Leader for Stadium and Major Events.
Both parties believe that this is the most responsible and best decision for the sport. “During this time, we have a responsibility to ensure the recovery of our sport is focussed at the grassroots level and this means that the 2020 summer season is already heavily congested for both states with events and localised competitions” said Corey Bell, QTF CEO.
NSWTA and QTF recognise that many of its members have been or are currently undergoing hardship as a result of COVID-19 and believe it would also be unfair and irresponsible to add additional financial burdens to its members, many of whom are currently laid off from work or on reduced hours and salaries.
Both parties anticipate that this timeline will allow members (and the sport) adequate opportunity to recover and ensure that this significant event on the touch football calendar can be played in the appropriate environment, ensuring the most absolute elite level with the quality of player who deserves to participate at this level. This timeline, however, will still be heavily dependent on a continual flattening of the curve within the community before we can return to normality following this pandemic.
NSWTA & QTF will independently advise their members with further communication very soon surrounding current squads and future selections for the postponed 2020 State of Origin event. Both parties however were eager to find a silver lining in amongst a challenging and unique time for all. It was agreed that no player should be disadvantage due to a one in a hundred year event and therefore given the uniqueness of what we are currently facing, the age eligibility will remain as it currently stands in 2020 for the 2020 State of Origin that will be run in the first half of 2021.
COVID-19#7 ORGANISED SPORT NOT PERMITTED UNDER STAGE 1 RESTRICTIONS
The Department of Sport and Recreation overnight has released a ‘Return to Play guide for Queensland sport, recreation and fitness industries’ which provides clarification surrounding Stage 1 restrictions of the State Governments ‘Roadmap to easing Queensland’s restrictions’ recovery plan.
It has been reaffirmed that stage 1 of the restrictions does not include organised sport or recreational activities.
We all must adhere to the current stage 1 restrictions put out by the Department of Sport and Recreation, there should be no training or playing of any kind throughout stage 1 of the easing of restrictions.
The Queensland Government understands the critical importance of fitness, sport and active recreation to Queenslanders and the strong desire to safely phase in its re-introduction and has established a ‘Return to Play Guide’ which can be viewed here. This is a staged approach in line with the National Cabinets recovery roadmap.
More information will follow throughout the week and coming weeks as we receive updates.
It has been reaffirmed that stage 1 of the restrictions does not include organised sport or recreational activities.
We all must adhere to the current stage 1 restrictions put out by the Department of Sport and Recreation, there should be no training or playing of any kind throughout stage 1 of the easing of restrictions.
The Queensland Government understands the critical importance of fitness, sport and active recreation to Queenslanders and the strong desire to safely phase in its re-introduction and has established a ‘Return to Play Guide’ which can be viewed here. This is a staged approach in line with the National Cabinets recovery roadmap.
More information will follow throughout the week and coming weeks as we receive updates.
COVID-19 #6 – IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF SPORT & RECREATION
Following yesterday’s industry teleconference update with the Department of Sport and Recreation, Queensland Touch Football (QTF) and other State Sporting Organisations were informed that stage 1 of the State Governments ‘Roadmap to easing Queensland’s restrictions’ recovery plan commencing this Friday 15 May at midnight, does not include organised sport or recreational activities. The outdoor, non-contact activity gatherings of up to 10 people permitted by the Government in stage 1 is intended for families, groups of friends or members of the same household.
We understand many of you are eager to return to the field, however, we all must adhere to the current stage 1 restrictions put out by the State Government until further clarity is provided by the Department of Sport and Recreation. This includes any organised training sessions or face to face courses. QTF has been advised Police will be monitoring community sports venues over the weekend to ensure stage 1 restrictions set down by the State Government are being adhered to and any breach that occurs, may potentially result in a fine.
The health and well being of our touch community remains a priority. A breach of the stage 1 restrictions would not only jeopardise the safety of members but may also jeopardise the resumption of touch football and sport here in Queensland.
QTF has been informed, an official position and specific wording on the details above will be provided from the Department of Sport and Recreation to QTF on Friday. We hope this will provide further clarity and understanding for our touch community. QTF will provide further updates as soon as they become available.
We understand many of you are eager to return to the field, however, we all must adhere to the current stage 1 restrictions put out by the State Government until further clarity is provided by the Department of Sport and Recreation. This includes any organised training sessions or face to face courses. QTF has been advised Police will be monitoring community sports venues over the weekend to ensure stage 1 restrictions set down by the State Government are being adhered to and any breach that occurs, may potentially result in a fine.
The health and well being of our touch community remains a priority. A breach of the stage 1 restrictions would not only jeopardise the safety of members but may also jeopardise the resumption of touch football and sport here in Queensland.
QTF has been informed, an official position and specific wording on the details above will be provided from the Department of Sport and Recreation to QTF on Friday. We hope this will provide further clarity and understanding for our touch community. QTF will provide further updates as soon as they become available.
TFA EXTENDS COMPETITION SUSPENSION
Touch Football Australia (TFA), New South Wales Touch Association (NSWTA) and Queensland Touch Football (QTF) have extended the temporary suspension of all community competitions until 1 June 2020.
TFA is committed to playing our part in ensuring an effective community-wide response to COVID-19. Throughout the crisis, TFA has been guided by Federal, State and Territory government health authorities and the advice of these experts continues to lead our decision-making.
With Prime Minister Morrison announcing that current restrictions will be in place for at least another four weeks, TFA, NSWTA and QTF collectively agree the correct course of action is to extend the current suspension of competitions until 1 June 2020.
As has been the case to date, we will continue to monitor this situation closely and will update members as soon as more information comes to hand. We are buoyed by the reduction in numbers of new COVID-19 cases and the positive impact that government restrictions have had on this pandemic and we are confident we will be back on the field sooner rather than later.
TFA is committed to playing our part in ensuring an effective community-wide response to COVID-19. Throughout the crisis, TFA has been guided by Federal, State and Territory government health authorities and the advice of these experts continues to lead our decision-making.
With Prime Minister Morrison announcing that current restrictions will be in place for at least another four weeks, TFA, NSWTA and QTF collectively agree the correct course of action is to extend the current suspension of competitions until 1 June 2020.
As has been the case to date, we will continue to monitor this situation closely and will update members as soon as more information comes to hand. We are buoyed by the reduction in numbers of new COVID-19 cases and the positive impact that government restrictions have had on this pandemic and we are confident we will be back on the field sooner rather than later.
2020 STATE OF ORIGIN POSTPONEMENT
JOINT STATEMENT FROM QUEENSLAND TOUCH FOOTBALL AND NEW SOUTH WALES TOUCH ASSOCIATION
It is with deep disappointment that Queensland Touch Football (QTF) and the NSW Touch Association (NSWTA) advise that the 2020 State of Origin will be indefinitely postponed due to the impact of COVID-19.
Given the NSW Governments shutdown of non-essential activities announcement and the nature of Origin, which brings together a large group of people from across both NSW and Queensland in close quarters for a significant period of time, it is prudent we postpone to adhere to Government direction and in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus.
Both organisations have also taken into consideration the financial burden on all our players, team management and referees to attend this event given the current state of uncertainty and the Federal governments recommendation to suspend unnecessary travel.
Both the NSWTA and QTF will closely monitor the current COVID-19 situation and at this time no official date has been set to play the 2020 State of Origin. Be assured both organisations are committed to the continuation of the State of Origin in the future and we will be working hard with the venue operators to find an appropriate date.
It is with deep disappointment that Queensland Touch Football (QTF) and the NSW Touch Association (NSWTA) advise that the 2020 State of Origin will be indefinitely postponed due to the impact of COVID-19.
Given the NSW Governments shutdown of non-essential activities announcement and the nature of Origin, which brings together a large group of people from across both NSW and Queensland in close quarters for a significant period of time, it is prudent we postpone to adhere to Government direction and in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus.
Both organisations have also taken into consideration the financial burden on all our players, team management and referees to attend this event given the current state of uncertainty and the Federal governments recommendation to suspend unnecessary travel.
Both the NSWTA and QTF will closely monitor the current COVID-19 situation and at this time no official date has been set to play the 2020 State of Origin. Be assured both organisations are committed to the continuation of the State of Origin in the future and we will be working hard with the venue operators to find an appropriate date.
19/3/2020 -URGENT: Coolum Touch Competitions Suspended Until Further Notice - COVID-19
This evening Queensland Touch postponed their State of Origin selection camp weekends for 28 & 29 March & 4 & 5 April citing the COVID-19 community sport guidelines issued to national sporting organisations this afternoon by the Federal Government.
Those guidelines were issued after the following Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) coronavirus (COVID-19) statement on 17 March 2020 with respect to Community Sport.
All community sport participants must play a role to help reduce the transmission of COVID‑19, including those organising, attending or supporting attendance at these activities.
Participants should not attend and participate in Community Sport if they:
As with all gatherings, basic protective measures should be observed, such as regular hand hygiene practices before, during and after the match, do not share drink bottles, and avoid touching your face.
It is acknowledged that contact sports have a greater risk of transmission than other sports, and as such, should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
However, other mitigation strategies for match socialisation and contact must be employed to reduce the risk to players, visitors, and officials more broadly.
Given this latest advice from the Federal Government & the decision by QTA to postpone the State of Origin Selection weekend camps the Coolum Touch Committee had to unfortunately decide that it wasn’t practical & therefore necessary to suspend all our competitions until further notice.
We have not taken this decision lightly as the suspension of our competitions until further notice will have a devastating effect on the future of our club both financially & socially.
However there are far larger consequences to our community & our loved ones if we don’t take these drastic decisions now.
As your President I can assure you that the Coolum Touch Committee has always had the benefit & welfare of all our members in their thoughts for every decision they’ve made.
As your President I implore you not to abandon this wonderful club & keep supporting us through this challenging time.
In this year of our 40th anniversary we need your support more than ever & I know if we all stick together we will get through this crisis & all be back on the touch footy paddock being active & having a good time again sooner rather than later.
Please pass this message onto all the players in your respective teams.
Thanks,
Peter Feldman
President
Coolum Touch Association
Those guidelines were issued after the following Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) coronavirus (COVID-19) statement on 17 March 2020 with respect to Community Sport.
All community sport participants must play a role to help reduce the transmission of COVID‑19, including those organising, attending or supporting attendance at these activities.
Participants should not attend and participate in Community Sport if they:
- Have travelled internationally or been exposed to a person with COVID-19 in the preceding 14 days; or
- Are at a high risk including the elderly and those with pre‑existing medical conditions.
- Attendance at Community Sport activities
- Only essential participants should attend activities, i.e. players, coaches, match officials, staff and volunteers involved in operations and parents/guardians of participants;
- Players, visitors and officials should minimise physical contact as much as is practicable, for example no shaking hands, no walking out with player mascots, no pre- or post-match celebrations and no celebrating between players during the match.
- When spectating or attending a game or training session, ensure a distance of 1.5 metres is kept between yourself and others;
- Access to change rooms should be restricted solely to players, officials and essential staff;
- If spectating, try to maintain 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
As with all gatherings, basic protective measures should be observed, such as regular hand hygiene practices before, during and after the match, do not share drink bottles, and avoid touching your face.
It is acknowledged that contact sports have a greater risk of transmission than other sports, and as such, should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
However, other mitigation strategies for match socialisation and contact must be employed to reduce the risk to players, visitors, and officials more broadly.
Given this latest advice from the Federal Government & the decision by QTA to postpone the State of Origin Selection weekend camps the Coolum Touch Committee had to unfortunately decide that it wasn’t practical & therefore necessary to suspend all our competitions until further notice.
We have not taken this decision lightly as the suspension of our competitions until further notice will have a devastating effect on the future of our club both financially & socially.
However there are far larger consequences to our community & our loved ones if we don’t take these drastic decisions now.
As your President I can assure you that the Coolum Touch Committee has always had the benefit & welfare of all our members in their thoughts for every decision they’ve made.
As your President I implore you not to abandon this wonderful club & keep supporting us through this challenging time.
In this year of our 40th anniversary we need your support more than ever & I know if we all stick together we will get through this crisis & all be back on the touch footy paddock being active & having a good time again sooner rather than later.
Please pass this message onto all the players in your respective teams.
Thanks,
Peter Feldman
President
Coolum Touch Association
GOOD LUCK TO OUR COOLUM PLAYERS HEADING TO NTLS
Congratulations & best wishes for a successful NTL this week to Rachael Walsh, Caitlin Wark & Isaac Vincitorio (Open Mixed), Cassie Vincitorio, Kirsten Holmes & Di Rigby (Over 30 Women), Chris Jordan (Over 30 Men), Shane Rigby, Glen Millard & Ariki Edwards (Over 50 Men), Peter Feldman, Mike Thoars & Steve Garton (Over 55 Men).
We also have one of our members Marcus Farah going to the NTL this year as a coach of the Sunny Coast Over 30 Mens team 😍😍😍
We also have one of our members Marcus Farah going to the NTL this year as a coach of the Sunny Coast Over 30 Mens team 😍😍😍
