VOLLEYBALL IRELAND RETURN TO PLAY PROTOCOLS
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VOLLEYBALL IRELAND
RETURN TO PLAY PROTOCOLS
Updated July 07, 2020
info@volleyballireland.comReturn to Volleyball, Phase 3 Protocols FINAL
Volleyball Ireland – Return to Sport Protocol, FINAL
1.0 Introduction
The guidelines in this document relate to Phase 3 & 4 in the Government’s Return to Sport Roadmap,
and the first part of Volleyball Ireland’s return to sport plan. These measures are part of a phased
approach of lifting the public health restrictions that were put in place to protect us all from COVID-
19.
The measures outlined, were developed following guidance from Sport Ireland. These measures will
come into effect from June 29th, but only if the National Public Health Emergency Team says that the
conditions are right for a further relaxation of the restrictions in place to protect us all.
Phase 3 of the Government’s Road Map permits “Sporting activities may recommence, including:
Team leagues for adults and children, Close contact sports, Organised sporting spectator events and
fixtures. The following may reopen: Indoor Gyms and exercise facilities, Yoga, Pilates and dance
studios, Sports clubs and public swimming pools”.
In Phase 3, Volleyball Ireland are recommending that only non-competitive Volleyball takes place.
Competitions can begin in Phase 4, on July 20.
Our Protocols cover all our members including our members who have a disability and may wish to
return to their club. The return of participants with a disability should be considered on a case by case
basis depending on the nature of the activity, the environment, and if the participant has any
underlying health conditions. It is important to note that not all people with disabilities will have an
underlying health condition that may pose an added risk to their health and wellbeing in relation to
COVID-19.
Further information on restrictions and protocols for phase 4 will be published in due course.
2.0 Return to Sport Road Map
The protocols for the reopening of Volleyball in phase 3 are restrictive, however as we progress
through the Government’s Roadmap for reopening society and business, restrictions on these
activities may be eased.
In summary, phase 3 will only permit social Volleyball and training. In phase 4, this will move to
competitions will now be permitted.
The following tables lays out the Road Map outline for the gradual reintroduction of Volleyball
activities. It should be noted that any change or additional guidance received from Sport Ireland
and/or the DTTS may result in amendments to the plan.
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Phase Phase 3, from June 29 Phase 4, from July 20
Type of Play Social Volleyball + Competitions Indoor & Outdoor
Training
Group Sizes Max 24 players per session outdoor Max 200 players indoor
Max 24 players per session indoor Max 500 players outdoor
Bookings Must have electronic record of session Must have electronic record of session
attendance attendance
Who Can Play Licensed players only Licensed players only
3.0 Communications
Volleyball Ireland will continue to provide regular updates through the weekly Monster Block
Newsletter which is distributed to all licensed players. Furthermore a dedicated webpage on
VolleyballIreland.com/coronavirus will feature relevant advice, guidance, resources and relevant links.
Webinar sessions for players and clubs will be held regularly.
Comprehensive checklists and information guides for players and clubs are provided before they
return to Volleyball.
Clubs should ensure that the promotion of positive inclusive images of people with disabilities
participating in sport, coaching and volunteering opportunities are used.
Clubs should communicate the measures they are taking to return to their club and publish all
changes that have been made in the programmes activities and facilities.
Clubs should use where possible alternative formats such as Large Print, Print Only, Easy Read in all
your new resources.
Clubs should use a number of platforms to get your information out to people with disabilities and
remember not everyone uses social media.
Clubs should ensure they connect with Volleyball Ireland and their Local Sports Partnership to help
increase the promotion of the work you are doing to ensure an inclusive return to your sport.
4.0 General Principles
Phase 3 will permit the return to training social Volleyball programmes and training. There will be
some restrictions including, but not limited to;
4.1 For every one volleyball court available, a maximum of 24 players can attend
4.2 A maximum of 12 people can be on court outdoor at any one time
4.3 Physical distancing on court to be adhered to where possible
4.4 Social distancing off court to be adhered to, this includes a no handshake or High5 policy
4.5 All other HSE guidelines related to phase 3 of the Governments Road Map to Reopening
Society and Business being adhered to
4.6 Activity sessions being ‘signed off’ by Volleyball Ireland
4.7 A Covid 19 officer must be present at every session. The Covid lead must have completed
Sport Ireland’s online Covid awareness training course for Covid officers.
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4.8 All players must have completed online Sport Ireland Covid Awareness training and be a
signed up member of Volleyball Ireland.
4.9 The needs of members with a disability should be considered when planning activities or
facility access
4.10 Volleyball Ireland’s appointed Covid Officer is Norma McIntyre
4.11 Volleyball Ireland have established a Covid Committee including the General
Manager, Volleyball Ireland appointed Covid Officer & the President of the Association.
Before any organised activity can take place the following must be submitted by clubs and teams to
Volleyball Ireland:
• Details of the clubs appointed Covid19 Officer
• Risk Assessment Completed (template provided)
• Assurance that VI Protocols have been received and reviewed by club/commission committee
• Assurance that the club has delivered a ‘Members Induction’ to inform of protocols and
outlined the list of measures in place
• Ensure that all participants complete VI ‘Fit to Play’ Survey prior to returning to play and
update as required
• Communicate to Members to Complete Sport Ireland E-Learning Training and any other
Recommended Training
• Ensure All Equipment Being Used is Sanitised Regularly (Before, During, After)
• Liaise with Venue Management regarding Facility Protocols Incorporating as Necessary into
Club Protocols and Risk Assessment (Note: it is recommended the club gets written assurance
from the venue that approved protocols are in place)
• Have a Booking and Register System in Place to Record Players Attendance
• Ensure First Aid Supplies are Stocked and Additional PPE (Gloves, Clean Masks etc.) Available
should First Aid be Required
• Ensure Covid-19 Signage is Displayed around the Venue and Hall
• Ensure this Checklist is Fully Completed and Submit to VI and the Club Receives Formal
Approval Prior to the Commencement of the First Session
5.0 The Facility & Equipment
The club appointed Covid-19 Officer must complete a risk assessment for the training or playing
venues.
5.1 Outdoor Facilities: From phase 3, there will be a maximum of six courts at any one
outdoor venue. Each court will feature a socially distanced ‘rest’ area for pairs as well as a
‘3v3m emergency zone’ especially for players that may have developed Covid symptoms
during the session. Covid related signage will be visible and clear on all courts.
5.2 Indoor Facilities: Courtside, there will be a socially distanced ‘rest’ area for pairs as well as
a ‘3v3m emergency zone’ especially for players that may have developed Covid
symptoms during the session. Covid related signage will be visible and clear on all courts.
5.3 All equipment will be cleaned with disinfectant before and after each session
5.3.1 Clubs must allocate time before and after each session to clean equipment
5.3.2 New gloves must be worn by cleaning operatives
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5.3.3 A system for separating and identifying newly cleaned and uncleaned
equipment should be in place
5.3.4 The Clubs Covid Officer should oversee the cleaning of equipment
5.3.5 Any waste produced from equipment cleaning must be disposed of safely
securely
5.4 Changing areas are not in use, unless required to assist people with physical and/or
intellectual disabilities to participate in activity
5.5 ‘Common areas’ are not permitted
5.6 Clubs should get written assurance from facility operators that their own Covid19
protocols are in place
5.7 Clubs should not organise the usage of ‘communal’ water bottles. Players must bring their
own clearly marked water bottles and/or snacks
5.8 Ensure access to accessible toilets and changing rooms when appropriate. This includes
Changing Places, ambulant accessible and accessible options.
5.9 Ensure any assistive technology or specialist equipment is working. If you are limiting the
amount of equipment, you need to ensure that inclusive products remain available e.g.
Hoists, indication loops etc.
6.0 Participation Eligibility
To participate in any Volleyball sessions all participants must:
6.1 Not have been out of the country in the last 14 days
6.2 Not have been around anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 in the last 14 days
6.3 Not be in a period of self isolation and/or cocooning under the current Health Policy Rules
6.4 Not be displaying Covid19 symptoms, such as a high temperature or feeling unwell
6.5 Be in line with any travel restrictions advised by Government
6.6 Be booked in to participate in the session
6.7 Participation in sessions is of an ‘opt-in’ basis. Participants should take responsibility for
their own decision on whether to return to sport at this stage.
6.8 Completed the Volleyball Ireland fit to play survey. This must be updated if your situation
changes.
6.9 Sign in at each session completing the Declaration of fitness form provided by the club
6.10 Have completed the return to play Covid 19 awareness training through the Sport
Ireland website > https://www.sportireland.ie/covid19/course
6.11 Attendees should actively use the Governments Covid Tracker App
6.12 Players should bring their own hand sanitisers to sessions
6.13 Players should not share drinks nor snacks
7.0 Before the Session
7.1 Session booking is required for all activities
7.2 Sessions must be planned to take into account the additional needs of attendees with
physical or intellectual disabilities. For example, the adaptation of facility access routes
and/or the inclusion of carers in participation numbers should be considered
7.3 Players should travel to the session alone or with members of the same household
7.4 All attendees must ensure hands have been sanitised before attending a session, bringing
their own hand sanitisers with them
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7.5 If players are using a public car park, and park next to another car, they should wait for
the other person to exit or enter their car before doing so themselves
7.6 Players should arrive at the court no more than five minutes before the scheduled start of
the session. It is important players maintain social distancing during this time
7.7 Players should observe social distancing and resist the temptation to mingle
7.8 Players should where possible, wear face masks
7.9 No changing rooms will be used, players should arrive ready to play
7.10 Players should ensure they use toilet facilities at home, before travelling to play.
However, toilet facilities may be open for usage
7.11 Any player repeatedly not adhering to these guidelines will be asked to leave the
session and may be prohibited from participating in future events
7.12 At the beginning of the session, the Covid19 compliance officer will check in each
player. An electronic record of this will be kept to help with contact tracing, if required
8.0 During the Session
8.1 Hand shaking and high fives are not permitted
8.2 Players where possible, should aim to social distance during games
8.3 Courtside chairs will be removed, as will referee stands
8.4 Equipment such as towels, food and drink must not be shared amongst players
8.5 Players should avoid touching their face after handling a ball or other equipment
8.6 Players should bring a small bottle of sanitiser with them to keep for personal use
8.7 Players should remain apart from other players when taking a break
8.8 If external objects such as other balls enter the court, players are advised to kick them
away, rather than handling
8.9 Caution is advised for those who intend to engage in high intensity activity following a
recovery from Covid19. All individuals should seem medical advice prior to a return to
training.
8.10 A designated first aider must be present at all sessions, and must be equipped with
appropriate PPE including gloves, mask and where possible goggles
8.11 Where possible, only one first aider per injured person should be performing first aid
8.12 Where possible, the first aider should ask the casualty to do things for them,
minimising physical contact and minimising time in the same breathing zone.
8.13 A specific area in the facility should be identified for first aid treatment
8.14 Advice on performing CPR during Covid 19 can be found here >
https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/media/pressrel/covid-19-hse-advice-on-
performing-cpr-cardiopulmonary-resuscitation-cpr-in-the-
community.html#:~:text=Perform%20chest%20compressions%20only.,early%20defibrill
ation%20until%20help%20arrives.
9.0 After the Session
9.1 Once the session has ended, players should leave the activity promptly, sanitising their
hands and resisting the chance to mingle
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9.2 If a player becomes unwell after playing, they should first contact their GP/HSE and then
inform their club. The club should contact the HSE and follow the advice provided to
them on the next step.
10.0 Suspected Case during the session
If participants develop Covid symptoms during a session the following response plan will be activated:
10.1 Provide a mask for the person presenting with symptoms.
10.2 The participant should wear the mask at all times
10.3 Assess whether the unwell individual can immediately be directed to go home and
call their doctor and continue self-isolation at home.
10.4 Facilitate the person presenting with symptoms remaining in the outdoor emergency
area in isolation if they cannot immediately go home and facilitate them calling their
doctor.
10.5 The participant should avoid touching people, surfaces and objects.
10.6 Advice should be given to the person presenting with symptoms to cover their mouth
and nose with the disposable tissue provided when they cough or sneeze and put the
tissue in the waste bag provided.
10.7 Arrange transport home or to hospital for medical assessment. Public transport of
any kind should not be used.
10.8 Carry out an assessment of the incident which will form part of determining follow-up
actions and recovery.
10.9 Arrange for appropriate cleaning of the isolation area and work areas involved.
10.10 Provide advice and assistance if contacted by the HSE.
10.11 Inform the Volleyball Ireland Covid Officer.
10.12 Send direct and personalised text message and email with links to official HSE
guidance and support to the player.
11.0 Auditing and Monitoring of Covid Protocols
11.1 Clubs must complete a checklist of protocol implementation before activity can be
recommence.
11.2 A checklist of club compliance will be kept on file.
11.3 Clubs must provide written assurance on a monthly basis that the protocols continue
to be implemented.
12.0 Other Protocols
Mental Health: Infectious disease pandemics like coronavirus (COVID-19), can be worrying. This can
affect your mental health. But there are many things you can do to mind your mental health during
times like this. Please see the HSE’s dedicated webpage for more information;
https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/mental-health/covid-19/minding-your-mental-health-during-the-
coronavirus-outbreak.html
13.0 Covid19 Background
The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has evolved rapidly and the Department of
Health is leading the Government response in Ireland to this national public health emergency and it,
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along with the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC), is
providing up to date information and advice on its website.
The advice and guidance for Ireland takes account of guidance from the European Centre for Disease
Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization, and decisions of the National
Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
An Expert Advisory Group (EAG), which includes experts in Public Health Medicine, Infectious
Diseases, Infection Prevention and Control and Virology, has also been established which provides
expert scientific advice relating to the novel coronavirus and advises NPHET.
Exposure to COVID-19 is a public health risk which affects all citizens. The COVID-19 pandemic also
has implications for all workplaces as it can present a health risk to workers and other persons at a
place of work.
The reopening of the economy goes hand-in-hand with the provision of public health measures to
reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19 as well as the existing occupational safety and health measures.
14.0 About Volleyball
14.1 General: There are several formats of Volleyball approved by the International
Federation (FIVB), these are: Volleyball – indoor 6-a-side, Sitting Volleyball – indoor 6-a-
side, Beach Volleyball – outdoors 2-a-side, Snow Volleyball – outdoors 3-a-side. Volleyball
is independently verified as the fifth most popular sport in the world. Teams have a
maximum of three touches to get the ball on to the opposite side of the net. A point is
scored when the ball lands on the ground on the opposite side of the net.
14.2 Outdoor Volleyball: Each year in Ireland around 200 people register to play Beach
Volleyball. Activity is mainly located on the East coast, around the greater Dublin area.
Through a dedicated Beach Volleyball Development Group (Beach Volleyball Ireland or
BVI) Volleyball Ireland operates a ‘Tour programme’ which takes in 6 events across the
country in Dublin, Kerry, Mayo, Clare and Meath. For 2020, the tour programme has been
restricted to two events. The season typically runs from May-September.
14.3 Outdoor Facilities: Outdoor Volleyball is typically played on council owned beaches
with no access to clubhouses, changing facilities or toilets. In phase 3, this will remain
with a maximum of four x 16x8m courts being created on one beach venue. Each court
will feature a socially distanced ‘rest’ area for pairs as well as a ‘3v3m emergency zone’
especially for players that may have developed Covid symptoms during the session. Covid
related signage will be visible and clear on all courts. Hand sanitisers will be available for
all participants.
14.4 Volleyball (Indoor): Around 1500 people have player licenses to compete in Volleyball
around Ireland. These are spread across 21 full member National League clubs and 15
recreational clubs. The season typically runs from September to May.
14.5 Indoor Facilities: 90% of clubs train in school or college facilities. Neither Volleyball
Ireland nor its clubs own any facilities. Courts are 9x18m. Courtside, there will be a
socially distanced ‘rest’ area for pairs as well as a ‘3v3m emergency zone’ especially for
players that may have developed Covid symptoms during the session. Covid related
signage will be visible and clear on all courts. Hand sanitisers will be available for all
participants.
Volleyball Ireland Return to Play Protocols
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