Following the announcement from the Irish Government on the phased easing of public health restrictions, the Rowing Ireland COVID-19 working group, in consultation with Sport Ireland have published guidance on the changes that the phased lifting of restrictions will have for the clubs in
the Republic of Ireland. This guidance is published in the form of Questions and Answers.
The lifting of restrictions must be done by our clubs in a controlled manner. We would encourage clubs to stick rigidly to the guidelines so that in time, all our rowers can return to the water to partake fully and safely in our sport.
A set of protocols is being drawn up and will be communicated to all clubs before the resumption of activities on the 26th of April. The easing of restrictions allows for rowing to return as a form of exercise but no date has been announced to allow regattas or events to return. If we continue to
behave in a sensible and measured manner, we will get back to competitive rowing soon.
As our boathouses have been shut for a considerable time, a set of protocols to assist with the safe return to rowing is being brawn up and will be communicated to all clubs before the resumption of
activities on 26 th of April.
No date has yet been set for the resumption of regattas and other competitive events but we continue to lobby for the return of competitive rowing in a safe manner. Clubs can assist us in this regard by ensuring we remain compliant in administering the Return to Rowing protocols.
| Can we open the boat house? | YES 19th Certain HP Athletes as approved by Sport Ireland 26th Junior Athletes and Adults as defined below | Boat house may be open to allow access to equipment |
| Can high performance rowers attend training? | YES (19th of April) | Rowing Ireland have submitted a list of names and protocols to Sport Ireland for approved athletes. |
| Can we open the clubhouse and gym? | NO | Clubhouse and gym must remain closed, no indoor training allowed at this time. |
| Can toilets be open in the club? | YES | Essential use only. Appropriate sanitizing protocols in place. |
| Can Junior rowers recommence training | YES from 26th of April | Junior Rowers non-contact outdoor training in pods of 15 can recommence |
| Can adults return to training? | YES In single sculls only | 26th of April outdoor distanced sport for adults can begin to take place. Activities should be on a socially distanced basis and may take place between a maximum of two households. |
| Can we row in crew boats? | YES Juniors only | Pods of 15 junior can train outdoors in non-contact sports. |
| Can coaches attend the session? | YES | They must be included in the pod of 15. |
| Can parents carpool to get juniors to and from training? | NO | At this time, it is still advised not to carpool. |
| Can Rowers travel outside their own county to attend training sessions? | YES (12th of April) | From 12 April, travel is permitted within your own county or within 20km of your home if crossing county boundaries. |
| Regattas and Events | NO (Not at this present time, however, we are working with Sport Ireland to identify when this may be possible) | No other matches or events are to take place. |
