Sporting activities allowed to resume under specific protocols

Sporting and recreational activities can once again resume in the British Virgin Islands now that Cabinet has approved specific protocols which must be adhered to in order to participate.

Sports Minister Dr Natalio Wheatley said it was necessary for government to safely resume such activities in the territory considering that they provide an avenue for health benefits, stress relief, enjoyment, and even a source of income for some.

“Following the recent change to restrictions on social gatherings issued by the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands, outdoor sports and recreational activities will be able to take place adhering to strict guidelines. Cabinet passed these specific protocols for the safe operation of sports such as tennis, basketball, softball, as well as recreational activities such as dance, table tennis, and pool,” Dr Wheatley stated.

“These protocols speak to the issue of spectators, the need for social distancing, the sanitization of equipment and hands, the number of participants for any particular activity, how changing rooms are dealt with, how coaches operate, among other things,” he explained.

Sporting organisations must develop specific rules

Minister Wheatley also warned that clubs must undertake risk assessments and develop specific rules for how their respective sports and recreational activities will operate. 

He advised these clubs to also seek guidance from their respective national governing body of sport as the protocols will be shared with all sporting associations and made available at the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports.

“The recently Cabinet-approved Sports and Recreation protocols place specific sports in specific categories based on whether they are team sports versus individual sports, whether they involve contact or not, and the degree of risk presented by each activity,” Dr Wheatley stated.

He added: “Some sports and recreational activities are permitted with few alterations; some require adaptations, and some have severe restrictions.”

The minister is, therefore, encouraging all interested persons in sports and recreation to familiarize themselves with the new protocols and to put in place their specific plans for operations.