15th April 2021
As the Government begins to lift restrictions in the country, we felt it relevant to update clubs on the current situation of volleyball.
The country is currently at Level 5 of the Governments COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead plan. The government have set out what restrictions are set to be lifted on a gradual and cautious basis between April 12th and 4th May.
These restrictions can be found here https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/ From the 26th April, the plan stipulates that underage non-contact outdoor training can resume in pods of 15 and this is subject to public health advice at the time.
It also states that there should not be any return to team sports or training activities for adults. National Governing bodies are required to liaise with Sport Ireland to determine if their sport can resume from that date.
At present, Volleyball Ireland are communicating and working with the National Governing Body Unit in Sport Ireland, who will determine whether underage volleyball can resume from the 26th April.
Volleyball Ireland have put a forward a case supported with protocols to demonstrate to Sport Ireland that our sport can return in a safe manner for our underage players and their coaches. We are awaiting feedback from Sport Ireland on this, and once it is received we will inform clubs of the outcome. Until such information is communicated to clubs, volleyball activities remain suspended.
We appreciate our underage members are eager to get back to playing the sport they love and clubs are keen to provide sessions and get back to some sense of normality. We appreciate and thank you for your patience during this period.
Clubs who are planning on delivering underage sessions should consider beginning preparations while we are waiting. An email is being sent to clubs with information as to how to prepare for returning to sport.
Members can keep an eye on the Volleyball Ireland website for more updates. Updates will also be sent to the club secretary.
