Archive for category: covid19 recovery

Latest Measures

On Friday January 21st 2022 the Irish Government made an announcement in relation to Public Health Measures and removed a large number of public health measures to include the following key items in relation to sport & physical activity;

1. Formal requirements for physical distancing (2m) removed
2. 8pm closing time for sporting events removed
3. Capacity restrictions for outdoor sporting events removed
4. Capacity restrictions for indoor sporting events removed
5. Seated only spectators at indoor sporting events removed
6. Use of pods for indoor sporting activities removed
7. Use of a COVID pass to access indoor events removed

Nothern Ireland followed by relaxing a number of measures the latest information can be found here Coronavirus (COVID-19) | nidirect

Both Governments have reiterated the need for ongoing close monitoring of the virus. We should continue to risk assess individual activities and events. This includes the continued implementation of good hygiene practices along with recommending symptomatic individuals do not participate in or attend sporting activities.

Additional Information for ROI:

Mask Wearing: The requirements for mask wearing in settings where currently regulated for will continue until February 28th 2021.
Close Contacts: This continues to follow the current advice for those with symptoms, cases and close contacts as announced by the government on 12 January 2022
International Travel: Organisations partaking in international sporting activity should continue to monitor the travel requirements both in Ireland and the destination country. Sports should also note that the use of the Digital Certificate will continue for international travel for the immediate future.

Further information can be found at www.gov.ie

Updated Public Health Measures from 20th December

A number of new public health measures were announced on December 17 effective today December 20 2021 through January 30th 2022.

Full details of the announcement can be found here – gov.ie – New public health measures announced – Friday 17 December (www.gov.ie)

In relation to organised sporting events the following apply:

Indoor Sport

  • Indoor sporting events will not take place after 8pm. For events happening earlier in the day, attendance should be limited to 50% of venue capacity or 1,000 attendees, whichever is the lower.
  • The 8pm time restriction does not apply to indoor sports training. This training can continue in line with previous guidance and with protective measures in place ( i.e. use of pods where applicable, cleaning/hygiene, ventilation, mask use etc.).

Outdoor Sport

  • Attendance at outdoor sporting events are limited to 50% of venue capacity or 5,000 attendees, whichever is the lower.
  • The 8pm time restriction does not apply to outdoor sporting events or outdoor training.

Sports should also monitor the various updates in relation to close contacts and international travel with a number of changes having come into effect

Updated Public Health Measures from Tuesday 7 December

On December 3rd the Irish Government announced a number of public health measure effective 7 December and remaining in place until 9 January.

Full details of the announcement can be found here – gov.ie – Statement on COVID-19 public health measures – 3 December 2021 (www.gov.ie)

In relation to organised sport,  there will a maximum 50% spectator capacity at indoor sporting events. As with previous guidance spectators at these events must be fully seated.

Separately in the fitness and leisure industry, there will now be a requirement for a COVID pass (vaccination or recovery). Swimming pools are currently excluded from this requirement.

Sports should also monitor the various updates in relation to international travel with a number of changes having come into effect yesterday Sunday 5th 2021.

Further details on travel requirements can be found here. gov.ie – New rules for travelling to Ireland (www.gov.ie)

Should you have any queries on the above please do not hesitate to contact the NGB, High Performance or Participation Units for assistance.

NCFFI Living with Covid – Circuit Breaker Northern Ireland

As we commence a two-week circuit-breaker period initial advise is that indoor and outdoors sport may not take place other than at elite level and therefore our competitions may not proceed. We urgently seek further clarification in relation to fishing.

Update: Further to our email of today we have received the following clarification from Inland Fisheries in relation to the impact of the current circuit breaker on our activities;

On 19 November 2020, the NI Executive agreed to introduce a two week circuit breaker from 27 November to 11 December 2020 to slow the spread of Coronavirus in the community and protect the Health Service. While the message is stay at home and reduce contact with others, members of the public are permitted to leave home for essential purposes such as outdoor exercise. The Department’s Public Angling Estate waters will remain open to allow individual outdoor exercise to take place, which includes angling.

Organised angling competitions, angling coaching and angling outreach events which involve groups of anglers are not permitted.

Anglers should refrain from travelling long distances to angling waters and must continue to stay safe by complying with the regulations and guidelines in place such as maintaining social distancing and regularly washing hands after touching shared hard surfaces

Latest Covid19 guidelines for clubs and events

Details of the Government’s plan for the next phase of the response to the pandemic can be found here. 

Clubs should continue to implement covid-19 guidelines to keep us safe in our sport. This should include;

The use of Covid19 officers

Collection of track and trace information

Asking all competitors to self-assess before attending any activity

The wearing of face masks in relevant settings

The continued promotion of good hygiene

For further information please refer to the Sport Ireland Return to Sport Guidance here

A Welcome Return to Competition

With restrictions now eased in both jurisdictions we can all enjoy our sport while following a cautious approach to keep our members safe.
As you head to the water this weekend please note;
Events should take place in adherence with NCFFI Protocol, with particular attention paid when using shared areas i.e. Blueways and jetties. Guiding principles include, trained Covid19 Officers, on-line prebooking, remote draws, self assessment of attendees and organisers, signage and sanitation, weigh protocol and the avoidance of congregation before or after an event.
In accordance with Sport Ireland guidance all events must be sanctioned by the NCFFI and its affiliated clubs. Visit the guidelines at www.ncffi.ie/covid19-guidelines-clubs You can use the form here to register open events with over 35 attendees.
We recommend that coaching continues in pods of 15.
The current government advice is to avoid non-essential international travel. From 19July, subject to prevailing public heatlh situation, Ireland will operate the EU Digital Covid Certificate for travel originating in the EU/EAA.
The on-going allowance of competition is dictated by the public health situation. Everyone can help by taking personal responsibility for the behaviour to prevent the spread of the virus.

A Return to Competition for All

From 7th June we can return to open competition with a maximum number of 200 at events outdoors. With restrictions now eased in both jurisdictions we can all enjoy our sport while following a cautious approach to keep our members safe.

Events should take place in adherence with NCFFI Protocol, with particular attention paid when using shared areas i.e. Blueways and jetties. Guiding principles include, Covid19 Officer role, on-line prebooking, remote draws, self assessment of attendees and organisers, signage and sanitation, weigh protocol and the avoidance of congregation before or after an event. Full guidelines can be observed here

In accordance with Sport Ireland guidance all events must be sanctioned by the NCFFI and its affiliated clubs. You can use the form found here to register open events with over 35 attendees.

We recommend that coaching continues in pods of 15.

The current government advice is to avoid non-essential international travel. From 19July, subject to prevailing public heatlh situation, Ireland will operate the EU Digital Covid Certificate for travel originating in the EU/EAA.

The on-going allowance of competition is dictated by the public health situation. Eveyone can help by taking personal responsibility for the behaviour to prevent the spread of the virus.

The Path Ahead

As head into the long weekend, there is just a short time to wait until we can enjoy the banter on the bank once again.

In line with the latest announcement from the Irish Government and the easing of restrictions the following applies from 10th May.

  • You can travel between counties
  • Outdoor training can resume for adults in pods of a maximum of 15 people (see guidelines for detail)
  • Three households, or 6 people from any number of households may meet up to fish (the limited does not include their children aged 12 and under)

Formal competition remains prohibited until 7th of June, we are seeking further clarification on this as we prepare for a return to full activities.

Clubs in Northern Ireland may resume competition up to 100 persons taking into consideration, organisers, coaches, stewards and competitors. Rules must be strictly observed.

The NCFFI has provided important guidance for all clubs, in both jurisdictions which has been communicated with club secretaries. The information can be observed at https://www.ncffi.ie/covid19-guidelines-clubs/

We are reminded that the successful return to full activities depends on, above all else, individual members taking personal responsibility for the behaviour to prevent the spread of the virus.

Easing of Restrictions – First Steps

Today represents the cautious first steps toward a return to our sport.
  • In Northern Ireland, up to 15 people, including coaches can take part in structured outdoor training, through clubs affiliated to Sports Governing Bodies.
  • Recreationally, we may continue to fish together with up to 10 people (including children) from a maximum of two households.
The NCFFI  in conjunction with the Return to Sport group and our provincial council the UCFF has provided important guidance for clubs as communicated with club secretaries which can be observed here.
Clubs who applied for and not received their PPE Sport Packs should get in touch with SportNI.
There has been some relaxation too for our members under the jurisdiction of the Irish Government with the easing of travel restrictions.
  • Two households can now meet up with one another to fish. Safe behaviours, social distancing and the use of masks should be observed.
  • With the relaxation of travel restrictions members may travel within their own county or within 20km of their residence if crossing county boundaries to fish
Members are urged to familiarise themselves with all available guidance. The NCFFI continues to work with Sport Ireland and the Return to Sport Group in relation to what this means for our sport going forward.
  • Competitions, matches and events are not permitted in either jurisdiction
The latest guidance from the NI Executive can be viewed here
The Sport Ireland recommendations can be found here
The latest government advice from the Irish Government can be found here gov.ie – Level 5 (www.gov.ie)

The Latest Pathway to our Sport

THE NCFFI welcomes all approaches for a return to our sport and is currently monitoring all guidelines carefully.
In Northern Ireland from tomorrow, 1st April we can fish together with up to 10 people (including children) from a maximum of two households.
From the 12th April up to 15 people, including coaches, can take part in structured outdoor training, through clubs affiliated to Sports Governing Bodies
The NI Executive’s Pathway out of Restrictions includes time frames dictated by data related to health, economic and community factors and the start of Phase 2 representing ‘Cautious First Steps’ is yet to be confirmed.
The NCFFI in conjunction with the Return to Sport group and our provincial council the UCFF have reviewed how we can move forward on this pathway and will be in touch with clubs in the coming days.
The latest guidance from the NI Executive can be viewed here
Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations guidance: what the restrictions mean for you | nidirect
The Sport Ireland recommendations can be found here
Pathway out of Restrictions for outdoor sport | Sport NI
The path ahead allows for relaxation of some restrictions for our members under the jurisdiction of the Irish Government. The NCFFI continues to work with Sport Ireland and the Return to Sport Group in relation to what this means for our sport and will share further information as soon as possible.
The latest government advice can be found here
gov.ie – Level 5 (www.gov.ie)