COVID-19 Update

Updated 11:243 on 26/05/20

COVID -19 / CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION TO LACROSSE CLUBS

(as at 20 May 2020)

Revised LWA 'Return to Training' Guideline 

A copy of the Lacrosse WA 'Return to Training' Guideline can be found here

A copy of the Lacrosse WA 'Return to Training' Checklist can be found here

Revisions include:

Toilets - 

• Members may have access to toilets if the following requirements are met:

• Access to toilets will be limited to 50% of the total toilet capacity (ie: one single toilet – one person, four toilets – two people).  If an odd number of toilets, the least number of people are permitted (ie: seven toilets – three people).
• Hand sanitiser to be available outside each bathroom with people encouraged to use on entry.
• Soap and paper towels to be provided in all bathrooms.
• All bathrooms must be sanitised before and after each training session.
• The entrance and exit of your bathrooms should be managed to ensure social distancing.  A dedicated entrance and another dedicated exit to promote one-way traffic flow (where possible) can help minimise congestion.

Refer to the following Environmental Cleaning factsheet for further advice: https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/Files/Corporate/general%20documents/Infectious%20diseases/PDF/Coronavirus/COVID19-Environmental-Cleaning-for-workplaces.pdf

Lacrosse goals - 

• Lacrosse goals may be used if the following requirements are met:

• Goals must be accessed by two designated members.
• Goals must be sanitised prior to and after each training session.
• If your club has permission from your respective land manager/council to have more than one zone, goals are not to be shared between training groups.
• High traffic areas of the equipment shed must be sanitised prior to and after each training session. ie: door handles, keys etc.

Training Zones - 

• As of 18th May 2020, a maximum of 20 participants can train in any one zone, at any one time.  If there is more than one group training they must be on either end of the oval. The 20 participants per gathering includes players and spectators, but excludes coaches.

• A training zone for each group should allow 4sqm per person, with appropriate distancing between each group to maintain social distancing and ensure there is no crossover.  No equipment is to be shared between each group and no player or coach may switch between groups.

• Clubs must contact their respective land managers/councils prior to training commencing and enquire how they have set up their zones.  This will also alert clubs to any other group booking which may encroach on your zone.

• No full ground exercises are to be conducted where the groups cross over or come in contact with other participants. The groups must maintain separation, and lacrosse balls and goals must not be shared or transitioned between the groups.

20 person gathering - 

The 20 participants max gathering includes players and spectators, not coaches. 

_______________________________________________________________________________

Updated 16:24 on 13/05/20

COVID -19 / CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION TO LACROSSE CLUBS

(as at 13 May 2020)

LWA 'Return to Training' Guideline 

A copy of the Lacrosse WA 'Return to Training' Guideline can be found here

A copy of the Lacrosse WA 'Return to Training' Checklist can be found here

'Return to Training' (from May 18) 

Lacrosse training can resume when the following protocols are in place:

1. Clubs / teams strictly adhere to the maximum of 20 participants (inclusive of coaches), as per the current State Government restrictions, and following the principle of ‘Get in, Train, Get out’.  Implement staggered training times.

2. The club has received approval from their Land Manager to access the oval for training, and understand that they must follow the direction and advice of Police, Local Government and Lacrosse WA at all times.

3. Strictly no physical contact between players to occur.

4. Social distancing of 1.5m must be maintained at all times, along with ensuring only 1 person per 4sqm.

5. No access to club rooms, changerooms or wet areas.

6. Players may use their sticks, protective gear, balls and cones for small group training.  No additional equipment can be used during training sessions, this includes the use of lacrosse goals.

7. A log, or register, of all participants in attendance at each training session MUST be maintained and sent to Lacrosse WA weekly.  The register must be available upon request by either Lacrosse WA or Health authorities.

8. The ‘Return to Training’ hygiene practices outlined in this document are to be strictly adhered to.

9. Clubs must complete a ‘Return to Training’ checklist and send to LWA before the commencement of your first training sessions.

10. Online education is to be completed by coaches, presidents and other club personnel and sent to LWA before the commencement of your first training sessions. https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-infection-control-training

Return to Training Hygiene Practices

Hygiene Protocols for ‘Return to Training’:

• Alcohol based hand sanitisers must be available for all team training sessions, which players must use prior, during and following training.

• There is strictly to be no sharing of water bottles or towels, and it is important to clean and disinfect these items following each training session. Players should also disinfect mouth guards after each session.

• Particpants must not share any food, drinks, snacks, fruit or lollies.

• Players and coaches should avoid spitting or clearing nasal passages at training.

• Avoid high fives, hand shakes or other physical contact.

• Changerooms, club rooms and wet areas are not to be utilised for training i.e. players should arrive at venue in training gear ready to train.

• Lacrosse balls to be wiped with antibacterial wipes or alcohol-based sanitiser prior to and after each training session.  Alternatively, balls can be disinfected with antiviral products such as chlorine based disinfectants or freshly made diluted bleach solution.

• Players should disinfect their sticks and helmets (men) prior to and after training sessions. 

• Players are responsible for their own strapping if required.  

• If you, or people you have been in contact with are sick, please DO NOT attend training and advise your coach.

General Hygiene Practices:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds - If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home and seek medical treatment when you are sick.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue.  Used tissues should be placed immediately into the bin.

Clubs must ensure that these hygiene protocols are in place for all teams that are training.

If these protocols cannot be achieved then training should not proceed.

 

Small Group Training Protocols

In order to ensure that clubs / teams adhere to the strict protocols required to ‘Return to Training’, the following will be required:

• All clubs / teams must receive approval from their respective land managers to utilise their facilities. Please ensure you get the appropriate approval for oval access.

• As of 18th May 2020, a maximum of 20 participants (inclusive of coaches) can train on any one oval, at any one time.

• Clubs must introduce a staggered training schedule for the groups of 20 max that may include different start times, different days and /or different locations.

• Where possible ensure that there is a gap between training times to limit the potential for a crossover of training groups at the same venue. Training times may need to be shorter to accommodate this requirement.

• Players should arrive at the venue in the gear ready to train as no change rooms or club rooms will be available.

• Training must not include small sided games or match simulation where players may make contact with each other.

• It should also be considered that anyone returning to sport and exercise after a period of social isolation and not exercising regularly may be at an increased risk of injury. Clubs and individuals should apply a graded return to mitigate injury risk, understanding that sudden increase in training load will predispose to injury.

• Clubs must limit spectators at training sessions with a recommendation that junior players are dropped off, or only maximum of 1 parent/carer present. Spectators must also observe 1.5m social distancing practice.

Education Requirements

As clubs, and leaders in the community, it is important that all participants, coaches, volunteers and parents are educated in the key principles of the ‘Return to Training’ protocols, and the required hygiene practices required for lacrosse.

As such, the following education processes must be undertaken by clubs:

• Clubs must brief coaches, and club officials, on the requirements of ‘Return to Training’ in order to ensure that they reinforce the protocols consistently.

• Clubs must brief participants on the protocols and expectations prior to training.

• WA Government Health resources to be prominently displayed outside all venues.

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-good-hygiene-practices-poster-for-businesses

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-print-ads-good-hygiene-is-in-your-hands

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-keep-that-cough-under-cover

• Online education is to be completed by coaches, presidents and other club personnel. https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-infection-control-training

Participant Briefing (players, coaches, volunteers, parents):

Prior to the recommencement of training, clubs should provide a briefing to all participants, coaches, volunteers and parents that includes:

• Intended training dates, times and procedures established to limit team cross-over on ovals.

• Hygiene practices that have been implemented by the club, including hygiene procedures around the venue and equipment.

• Hygiene expectations of all participants.

• What to do if you are feeling unwell or have been into contact with people who are sick.

• Opt-out options for individuals who may not yet feel comfortable returning to training.

• Measures that the coaches are taking to prevent physical contact of players (i.e. social distancing guidelines, etc).

• Restrictions on support staff (i.e. assistant coaches, managers etc.).

• Restrictions that are in place on club rooms, changerooms etc.

• Restrictions on people attending the training venue – i.e. limited spectators, parents, etc.

Coaches Briefing:

Clubs should also brief all coaches on the required expectations as leaders within the club environment, including:

• Importance of the required hygiene protocols and practices.

• Limiting crossover of teams.

• No use of changerooms and club rooms.

• No match simulation or small sided games where incidental contact can occur.

• Understanding what are acceptable skills and drills for training.

• Responsibility as Leaders to influence behaviour change in this period.

• Coaches to reiterate social distancing and hygiene protocols at the start of each training session.

Insurance

Clubs and the Association will be covered as usual under the ALA’s Public Liability policy. Participants will also be covered as usual under the Personal Accident policy for physical injuries sustained in lacrosse activities, however the cover does not extend to a sickness or illness. Cover under these policies is always subject to terms, conditions and exclusions.

Canteen and Bar facilities

Canteens and Bars are to remain closed at this stage.  LWA will advise clubs upon advice from the WA Government when canteens and bars can open again.

Club Requirements

All Lacrosse Clubs play an important role in:

• Reducing the spread of COVID-19;

• Promoting good hygiene practices amongst players and officials;

• Adhering and promoting the State Government Requirements around social distancing, and gatherings; and

• Following the clear protocols and requirements around ‘Return to Training’.

It is important that clubs are respectful in adhering to the protocols outlined as part of ‘Return to Training’, as they form part of the current Government directions, and sanctions can be applied to individuals and to clubs if they are in breach. By every club, and individual playing their part in adhering to the protocols, will mean that lacrosse would have played its part in the community through a commitment to community health outcomes, but will also improve the opportunity for lacrosse to return to play sooner.

Please Note:

Individuals can be imprisoned for up to 12 months, or fined up to $50,000, whilst sporting clubs can be fined up to $250,000 for breaching an enforceable direction as set by the Commissioner of Police. These directions form a key part of the ‘Return to Training’ protocols.

Clubs found to be in breach of the ‘Return to Training’ protocols may also be sanctioned by the Association by way of fine or suspension.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Updated 09:05 on 01/05/20

COVID -19 / CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION TO LACROSSE CLUBS

(as at 1 May 2020)

As you are aware, on 26 April 2020 the State Government announced the cautious easing of restrictions. To clarify, the cautious easing of restrictions does not mean community sport is back on. To assist with the interpretation of the updated Directions, Frequently Asked Questions can be found here https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/cautious-easing-of-restrictions-frequently-asked-questions

For our sport of lacrosse, where close contact is formally part of the game, the underlying principle when determining whether lacrosse can now commence is that social distancing guidelines must be adhered to. The State Government’s easing of restrictions does not remove the requirement for people to stay 1.5 metres apart and a minimum of 4 square meters per person in any setting.

Clubs are advised to check commencement of any activities with Lacrosse WA before doing so as there are insurance considerations to consider before the resumption of activities in response to the new 10 person gathering limit.

The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee has been tasked with developing key principles for the formal recommencement of community and professional sport, and recreation activities. We have been advised that it is likely these will be considered by National Cabinet in the near future.

To assist Lacrosse WA and clubs in developing a “Return to Play” objective, a Covid-19 Member Impact Survey was released yesterday through clubs, LWA website and social media.  Responses will be collated and shared with clubs for discussion at our next Club President’s Meeting.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Updated 12:40 on 26/03/20

COVID -19 / CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION TO LACROSSE CLUBS

(as at 26 March 2020)

Due to the Federal Government’s continual announcements enforcing tighter restrictions across our country to slow the spread of COVID-19, Lacrosse WA met with the ALA and other Member Associations Monday night to discuss the commencement of our respective 2020 domestic lacrosse seasons.  With the constant change in restrictions, the LWA Board met last night and taking into account information from the Government and health agencies, LWA has made the following decision after careful consideration, the WA 2020 season will be postponed indefinitely.

The LWA Board will continue to review this decision in line with Government protocol.

The LWA Board is meeting informally each day and formally via teleconference weekly.  We will continue to provide our clubs and members updates as the situation progresses.

A formal meeting between the LWA Board, Club Presidents and ALRA(WA) is scheduled for tonight.  The above decision regarding the 2020 season is on the Agenda for discussion as well as suggested scenarios for an irregular season, fees (ALA, LWA, Club), club facilities/grounds and any further concerns.

We are facing an unprecedented crisis with the spread of the coronavirus, and the health and safety of everyone involved in lacrosse and the communities we play and live in must come first. We implore all our members to continue to act responsibly by socially distancing and using good hygiene measures. 

_______________________________________________________________________________

Updated 7:42 on 18/03/20

COVID -19 / CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION TO LACROSSE CLUBS

(as at 18 March 2020)

Message from Sport Australia | COVID-19 guidance regarding Community Sport

For community sporting events under 500 people, there are a number of additional risk mitigation strategies that clubs and event organizers should consider to help limit the spread of COVID-19:

• Hand hygiene remains the single best action individuals can take to reduce their risk of acquiring any respiratory or gastrointestinal tract infection.  Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and where possible, place freely accessible hand sanitisers at your venue. Strategic placement may include at the entry/exit, and other high throughput areas.
• If you are coughing and sneezing, do so away from people and into a tissue, your elbow or hands. Dispose of tissues immediately and wash your hands.
• Understand that crowd attendance at sporting events in Australia is likely to facilitate the rapid spread of COVID-19. Consider the nature of crowd attendance for crowds of under 500 people and facilitate social distancing
• Clean all communal sporting equipment after each use.
• If manual therapies are deemed an absolute necessity, additional time per patient should be allocated to complete cleaning with appropriate surface disinfectant of all equipment. Changing a disposable covering is not a sufficient infection control strategy. If the therapist is unwell themselves, they should not provide manual therapy while unwell.
• Do not share drink bottles. Individuals should label their drink bottle and clean it in soap and water after each training session.
• Print and place signage throughout your venue to remind people of the recommended infection control practices. These resources can be found here:

https://www.health.gov.au/news/launch-of-the-coronavirus-covid-19-campaign

<https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healt

h.gov.au%2Fnews%2Flaunch-of-the-coronavirus-covid-19-campaign&data=02%7C01%7

CJulia.Adam%40ausport.gov.au%7C8edae8c2d529485ed66608d7ca35aff1%7C8d2e0f4c55

f24cb18ee7da5dd3ff3600%7C0%7C0%7C637200204246247402&sdata=m%2FjKJoBd0g5XsSbS

%2FECWKPl1rWlqJNT3iM4C1Si2Ahc%3D&reserved=0>

• Close physical contact with an opponent may expose an athlete to risk. This exposure will vary by sport. For example, tennis has effectively no contact between opponents. Combat sports, however, significant close contact for minutes at a time.
• If a case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in a member of your sporting club or a confirmed case has attended your event, please contact your state health authority to get further advice on what steps need to be followed. Sporting clubs can assist the state public health authorities to provide prompt advice by:

• Keeping a record of who has attended training, what day and time training or the event took place;
• Provide the contact details of those who have attending the event or training.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Updated 12:15 on 17/03/20

COVID -19 / CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION TO LACROSSE CLUBS

(as at 17 March 2020)

Lacrosse WA had discussions with the ALA and all Member Associations last night and the overwhelming decision was for the 2020 U18 Boys and Girls National Championship to be cancelled.  Following guidance from the Australian Federal Government, Sport Australia, the Australian Institute of Sport and the World Health Organisation the decision was made to ensure the health and well-being of our U18 boys and girls and their staff to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

This was a difficult decision and we appreciate that our players and coaching staff have invested a lot of time, effort and resources preparing the teams for the U18’s.  We also acknowledge the disappointment from the other States, New Zealand and Eltham Lacrosse Club who has been preparing for this Championship for many months.

The Lacrosse WA Board also met last night with a focus on the U18 National Championship, Senior Men’s and Women’s State team trials, U19 Hong Kong Men’s team’s visit, the Anzac Round and our domestic competition.

In consultation with LWA, Subiaco and Wembley Lacrosse Clubs, a decision has been made to postpone the ANZAC Day State League games between Subiaco and Wembley.

At this stage the other games (commencing in 6 weeks) will be going ahead as planned, but we will continue to monitor the situation.

Below are further details regarding our High Performance Teams, individual events and programs for March and April:

2020 WA Senior State Team Trials – March/April 2020

Senior State Team trials have been postponed until further notice.

ALA Quick Stix Coach/Instructor Training – 23-27 of March 2020

Postponed.

LWA Junior Officiating Clinic – 28 March 2020

Postponed.

2020 U18 National Championship – 8-13 of April 2020

With the cancellation of the 2020 U18 National Championship, LWA is currently working with our Travel Agent and accommodation to ensure we can get the best possible reimbursement for our team members.

LWA Junior Lacrosse Council Meeting – 6 April 2020

Postponed

LWA Club Administrator/Manager/Bench Official Training – 22 April 2020

Postponed

U19 Hong Kong Men’s Team Perth visit – 23-27 of April 2020

Cancelled.

Anzac State Leagues games – 25 April 2020

Postponed.

 

General Hygiene Practices

The precautions outlined below are recommended to limit your chance of exposure and will help to prevent the spread of germs. We encourage everyone to ensure they are practising frequent hand hygiene and cough etiquette as this is the best defence against most viruses. We therefore ask everyone to comply with the following practices:

• Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub (60% alcohol or greater) more frequently than usual and before and after eating and after going to the toilet. Aim to complete hand hygiene in around 20 seconds. Please encourage all players / parents to wash hands regularly in your club environment (i.e. training sessions) and also at home.
• Cover coughs and sneezes, dispose of tissues, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or arm if you don’t have access to tissues. This will stop you accidently spreading germs by your hands.
• Do not share water bottles or towels at training.
• Avoid basic contact with others (kissing hello, hugging, and hand shaking).
• Avoid contact with sick people and if in contact with sick people maintain a distance of 1.5 m where possible.
• Stay healthy and support your immune system by eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising, considering vitamin supplements, and getting quality rest.

If you have returned from international travel in the last 14 days, you will need to follow the government’s advice, of self-isolating.

We also ask the clubs to:

• Inform players, coaches and volunteers who are feeling unwell to avoid training until they have been given clearance by their doctor.
• Ensure you are educating your club members regarding your club requirements relating to attendance and non-attendance at training.
• Educate club members about general hygiene practices.
• Clean any surfaces that are of regular use in your clubrooms and any other items that may be shared, both before and after training sessions.
• Do not share water bottles.
• Ensure soap dispensers are always available wherever sinks are located and ensure hand sanitiser is readily available around club facilities.
• Prepare your club’s own risk assessment of its venues and practices in relation to COVID-19.

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Updated 16:15 on 12/03/20

Lacrosse WA has been keeping across the health warnings regarding COVID-19 through information provided by the WA Health Department, the Federal Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and updates from the ALA. As your State Body, we wanted to share the information we have gathered and also advise that the Lacrosse WA Board will be discussing some of the challenges if the COVID-19 outbreak continues to increase. As we work through what those challenges are, and ask ourselves some relevant questions to consider, we will be sharing this with you as an opportunity for you to consider what actions you may need to take within your own community.

The Board will be looking at how we enable and support lacrosse continuity plans, contingency plans in the event that the State or Federal Government ban mass gatherings, and what measure we can put in place to try to minimise the spread of the virus within our lacrosse community. As always, the welfare of our people (players, officials, parents and volunteers) is at the forefront of our actions.

In collating the information from the sources we have to date, please find attached the following for your consideration:

1. Australian Government Coronavirus website
2. Link to the WA Health Department website Healthy WA:  https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/
3. Link to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website Smartraveller:  https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/coronavirus-covid-19#health

Please also see further information below that is specific to Lacrosse in WA.

Please feel free to share any of this information within your own community and reach out if you have any specific queries that we may be able to help you with.

It is important to note the current advice from Government is that we are operating in a business as usual environment and that includes people attending major events or sporting matches. Whilst we are taking a business as usual approach, the more preventative measures we take, and the more proactive we can be as an industry, will better place us if/when the situation escalates.

Whilst we are going to be continuing to provide you with updates on the actions that the ALA is initiating, you should also continue to keep updated through the WA and Federal Government links as provided above.

3. Water Bottles

LWA recommends that players do not share water bottles with other players, and this may mean players bringing their own bottles to training and games and being vigilant in not sharing it with others.

4. Mouthguards

Please ensure that players follow appropriate hygiene procedures for mouthguards including disinfecting after use.

5. Overseas Travel

If you, a family member or friend, who you are in close contact with is:

• traveling overseas
• is currently overseas
• has returned from overseas - Please be mindful of below:

Returning from Overseas (current restrictions – please note this may change)

If you have travelled to or transited through Mainland China, Iran, or South Korea (countries listed by the Australian Government) in the last 14 days, you will need to:	• stay at home and self-isolate for the next 14 days • monitor your health • seek medical advice and testing ASAP if you have Symptoms • obtain a medical clearance from a doctor before returning to the Club
If you have travelled to or transited through Italy (countries listed by the Australian Government) in the last 14 days, you will need to:	• you will have been met at the border for screening and unless you are instructed to, you do not need to isolate at home, but you must monitor your health for 14 days • seek medical advice and testing ASAP if you have symptoms • obtain a medical clearance from a doctor before returning to the Club
If you have travelled to or transited through Japan, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore or Thailand in the last 14 days, you will need to:	• you must self-monitor your health for 14 days • if you have any symptoms you should seek medical advice ASAP • obtain a medical clearance from a doctor before returning to the Club

6. Feeling Unwell?

If as a Club you want to ensure that your players understand their responsibility in self-isolating when unwell, then LWA would recommend that the following statement be provided to players in respect to their health.

“If you are feeling unwell, we ask that you please seek prompt medical advice and inform the

Lacrosse Club immediately. Importantly if you are unwell please stay at home for both training and games and follow medical advice”.

7. Potential Impact on Lacrosse

Currently it is Business as Usual for the upcoming lacrosse season, however as you would be aware the Australian government has activated plans to deal with Coronavirus (Covid-19 Plan). At present, the Government has only updated travel warnings and restrictions for the countries listed above, however various meetings of Government are taking place regularly to monitor any changes in the situation and to consider implementing any further measures which may include the following actions which may affect our sport:

• cancelling/restricting large gatherings,
• asking people to work from home,
• bringing in "social distancing" measures (which could include closing schools and workplaces, quarantining people, cancelling events and even shutting down public transport),
• implementing infection control guidelines and healthcare safety and quality standard.

LWA, in conjunction with the ALA, will continue to monitor the status of the government Covid-19 planning and update Clubs accordingly. The LWA Board will commence scenario planning to look at all elements of community competitions, and potential impacts that could occur. This planning will focus on matters including looking at processes and requirements around reimbursement of fees if required, representative games and Quick Stix and club clinics. The Board will be undertaking a comprehensive review of our domestic competition and potential impacts. This will be communicated wider as required.

It is important to remember it is Business as Usual, but ensure that appropriate hygiene practices are adopted.

8. State Team Interstate Trips

Currently there are no restrictions on travel domestically in Australia, however for our U18 boy’s and girl’s teams that have trips planned for next month, the recommendation of LWA is to continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. If this situation changes then LWA will advise the team personnel immediately.

 

Other articles from Mar 2020:

• COVID-19 Update