The latest Volleyball Ireland Covid-19 related Protocols are available here: VLY Covid Protocols updated Nov 24 2021
The key principles of the Protocols, that are directed by Government through Sport Ireland are:
- Social distancing off court to be adhered to, this includes a no handshake or High5 policy.
All other HSE / Govt guidelines should be adhered to. - A Covid 19 officer must be present at every session or match. The Covid lead must have completed Sport Ireland’s online Covid awareness training course for Covid officers.
- All players should have completed online Sport Ireland Covid Awareness training.
- The needs of members with a disability should be considered when planning activities or facility access.
- If some players declare that they are unvaccinated or refuse to declare their vaccination status then activity must happen only in pods of 6. This means that competitive matches or 6v6 training cannot take place.
- Pods should operate independently of each other with no sharing of equipment or interaction with each other. Pods should not stray into each other’s playing space.
- Clubs should be inclusive and respect a person’s right not to be vaccinated or their right not to declare their health status.
- Covid Checklists (fit to play survey) should be used for activities/sessions that has mixed immunity status.
- Players should not participate in training or matches if they have any symptoms of Covid 19 or have been in close contact with a person who has Covid19.
- All participants in a full Volleyball session (not pods), including Coaches, Referees and Players should present either a Certificate of Vaccination or a valid Certificate of Recovery to access the activity.
- Continue to advise masks to be worn where appropriate and sanitising of balls/no handshakes etc.
No restrictions on outdoor activity. - Host clubs or venues should check for proof of vaccination or recovery before access is granted to spectators or people involved in competitive matches. Clubs have the right to refuse access to matches of full training sessions to anyone that does not have proof of vaccination or recovery from Covid 19.
- People aged under 18 can participate, coach or referee in matches or full training, regardless of their vaccination status. If unvaccinated U18 players are present, trainings must be conducted in pods of 6 with no exchange of equipment among pods, except for 6vs6 match training.
- Volleyball Ireland will be carrying out spot checks throughout the season. Clubs not compliant with these protocols will face penalties and disciplinary action.
These protocols should not impact on existing match rules.
