Coronavirus Guidance for Athletics

Athletics NI have put together some useful information below to help assist our clubs, athletes, coaches and officials during the Coronavirus outbreak in Northern Ireland.

This page will be updated on a regular basis, to reflect the latest guidance from the Government and Public Health Authority. Click here for an accessible version of this content.

COVID-19 Restrictions Update

Updated 23rd September 2021

Outdoor training sessions are no longer limited to groups of 15 and there is no limit to squad training. However, any training session of over 30 participants requires a risk assessment
There is no limit to the number of spectators allowed at an event
Social distancing guidelines are still in place, so please ensure your event or training session is still using hand santiser, masks are worn indoors and members are keeping the 2m distance apart where possible.
It is best practice for clubs to keep a register of attendance at training sessions, in order to inform close contacts should there be a Covid case.

Indoor Sport

A risk assessment must be completed where there will be over 15 people taking part.
Changing rooms and shower facilities can be opened, but you should avoid or minimise use where possible (for example, by arriving in kit and showering at home) and minimise time spent in the changing area.

Guidance Documents

Covid Exit Plan This is our Pathway for a return to sport, and covers venues, coaching, clubs and competition. It aligns with the NI Executive and Sport NI Frameworks and details what activity can resume in each category as we reach each Step. It is designed to be a flexible document and is likely to change depending on instruction and guidance from the NI Executive, UK Athletics and Sport NI.

Covid Risk Assessment Before commencing any training session coaches should complete a risk assessment to determine if it is safe to do so. This risk assessment has been designed to specifically assess Covid-19 related risks

Covid Coordinator Checklist This document has been designed to aid those who have been appointed their Club's Covid Coordinator.

Road Running Event Guidance Updated 29th September 2021

Cross Country Event Guidance Updated 29th September 2021

Back to T&F Competition Guidance Updated 25th May 2021

Return to Sport Guidance Athletes & Coaches Updated 25th May 2021

Return to Sport Guidance Clubs Updated 25th May 2021

Return to Track & Field Competition Guidance Updated 20th April 2021

Return To Sport Guidance for Clubs Updated 31st March 2021

Return to Sport Guidance for Athletes & Coaches Updated 31st March 2021

Guidance for the Resumption of Jumps Updated 25th May 2021

Sport NI- Guidance on Managing a Confirmed or Suspected Case

These documents has been developed with guidance from Marsh Insurance, UK Athletics, the Home Country Athletic Federations. They are subject to change as we fully return to sport and as further guidance is issued from the NI Executive and Sport NI. We would like to thank all our clubs, coaches and athletes for their patience and understanding during this difficult time. We appreciate the desire to return to training and competition and hope that these guidelines will assist everyone in their return to athletic activity.