By Trevor Makonyonga
The government of Zimbabwe has through the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) advised National Sport Associations (NSAs) that with effect from September 1 2021, all sports codes have been approved to resume activities.
The approval is subject to the observance of World Health Organization guidelines on safe resumption of sport, NSA approved protocols, national legislation and policy directives, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and International Federation protocols relating to the prevention and containment of COVID-19.
According to the SRC, it is strongly recommended that all athletes, including children who are of fourteen years in age and above, be vaccinated. In this respect, the SRC will liaise with NSAs for implementation.
The SRC also recommends that “All athletes, including children under the age of fourteen years are to adhere to all Covid-19 protocols as appropriate to the sporting activity, all staff at sports facilities to be vaccinated before the admission of patrons, all coaches, managers and support staff involved in sports activities or working at sports facilities are to be vaccinated before their involvement or resumption in any such activity, sport or attendance at any sports facilities, subject to compliance with the foregoing clauses 3 and 4, gyms (including dojos, boxing and wrestling clubs), health spas and fitness centres shall admit only vaccinated patrons.”
All sporting activities are to be held without spectators and venues shall be registered and maintain registers of participants and their vaccination status.
It has also been advised that mandatory sanitization, temperature checks, masks (where applicable) and the practice of social distancing protocols (where applicable) shall be adhered to at all such sports venues and facilities.
However, NSAs who wish to conduct or participate in competitions whether regionally or internationally will still have to apply to the SRC for approval.
For local competitions, fourteen business days prior to the intended competition date are required for approval and for Regional, Continental, and international competitions thirty business days prior to the intended travel date for the competition date.
The SRC said, “No competition in Zimbabwe, or travel outside of Zimbabwe shall take place without the written authorization of the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.”
Stakeholders are encouraged to contact the SRC should there be in any doubt as regards the implementation of their respective sporting activities or opening of sports facilities.
