The RAS collective would like to assure everyone that in undertaking the event, that the health and safety of all participants is paramount in our planning and delivery.
The Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) collectively agreed last week to a united and consistent approach to protocols around the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation.
Please be aware that we are taking every precautionary measure to mitigate any risk and keep our athletes, coaches, umpires, families, staff and community safe in these challenging times.
Whilst COVID safety protocols are continually changing, the RAS has adopted the process outlined below:
Pre-Academy Games
- RAS strongly recommends that every participant (athletes, coaches, staff, families attending) has a RAT test PRIOR to departure to Wagga Wagga.
This is to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID and keep everyone safe. It is very important that you must NOT attend the weekend if you have tested positive on a RAT or PCR test within 7 days, have any COVID symptoms or be deemed a close contact of someone with COVID (NSW Government Health Regulations). - If you do present with symptoms prior to Academy Games, please get yourself tested ASAP and let your Academy staff know of results. (RAT kits will be available at each venue)
- If you test positive, please follow current NSW Health guidelines, inform your Academy staff of the positive result and Do Not Travel.
- If you present with symptoms and do not get results back before Friday morning (8 April), please contact us and we would ask you to NOT attend the games.
During Academy Games - If you present with symptoms whilst at the Academy Games, the current protocol (in line with NSW Health guidelines) will be:
- Get a Rapid Antigen Test as soon as possible (each Academy staff will have RAT tests available).
o If positive, the respective Academy staff will isolate the athlete, implement safe handling procedures and contact the parents immediately to facilitate logistics. - Those that shared accommodation with the athlete overnight will be deemed as household contacts and will be immediately withdrawn from future competition and treated as a household contact (as recommended by NSW Health) with parents appropriately notified.
- Athletes who have tested positive to COVID (and completed 7 days isolation) within the past 12 weeks will not be required to isolate as per NSW Health.
- Get a Rapid Antigen Test as soon as possible (each Academy staff will have RAT tests available).
Wearing Masks
RAS strongly recommends that you wear a mask during bus travel as well as at indoor venues such as the Basketball and Netball, unless they are playing or umpiring. Please ensure you have an adequate supply with you for the weekend.
Please reach out to the RAS Games team should you need clarification on anything.
On behalf of the NSW Regional Academies of Sport and the SSA Academy Games Organising Committee, thank you for your co-operation in communicating and observing these COVID safe protocols. We look forward to welcoming you to Wagga Wagga later this week … safely.