The following update is once again the position of the sport as a result of the new ALERT Level issued by today by the New Zealand Government. This BMX New Zealand (BMXNZ) statement regarding BMX activity for all clubs and members for BMXNZ and Cycling New Zealand.
As per the original statement, a key point still stands, ‘our responsibility to society as a sporting body’.
This continuing responsibility covers keeping up our personal hygiene, still being mindful of personal space and staying away when sick.
Once again, please note that due to the fluid nature of a viral pandemic, where the Government are continually monitoring the situation, these recommendations will change when the status is reviewed in two weeks as noted by the Prime Minister.
The BMXNZ ALERT Level2 recommendations below, cover all affiliated clubs & licenced riders;
– All BMX Club facilities and functions may be opened to members and the public. All Club organised gatherings MUST follow the government regulations of ALERT Level 2.
– Club gatherings may proceed, with the Level 2 conditions of GROUPS of 10 people, up to a TOTAL of 100 people at a BMX facility. This includes riders, spectators, parents, siblings, official and public visitors. Please note each group of 10 people CANNOT intermingle with other groups of 10 people.
For example, gate or training sessions MUST only be in groups of 10 or less. You may have multiple groups, but these groups CANNOT intermingle.
– All club gatherings should have a Level1 Club Official/Commissaire to manage the gathering in regards to the required GROUP numbers, social spacing and total numbers attending. Clubs should also have a nominated Club First Aid person at all gatherings.
– ALL CLUB GATHERINGS MUST HAVE ELECTRONICLY RECORDED CONTACT TRACING RECORDS, of all people attending or visiting any Club organised gathering. BMXNZ is working a quick and easy tracing form process to help clubs, this will be advised ASAP before the change to ALERT Level 2.
– Clubs must run a track inspection procedure prior to the first time opening & then prior to all future gatherings. BMXNZ has a H&S checklist for this process online and this should be recorded as part of the normal operating process at all Clubs.
– Sport NZ have made it very clear is it a responsibility of all clubs to constantly clean & sanitize common touch points withing the club environments. All clubs MUST stock and use cleaning products to protect its members. Recommendations include using disinfectant spray bottles to quickly spray things like doors, handrails, gates, track tools etc.
– BMXNZ requires that ALL Clubs have for member use, running water & soap OR hand sanitizer OR both. It is in the clubs interest that we make it easy to clean members hands and touch points.
– NO HIRE GEAR is allowed under level 2. For the safety of the riders and of the people assisting in this process. It is safer NOT to offer this service until Level 1.
– All Clubs MUST NOT serve food during ALERT Level 2. Government guidelines regarding food service and public health requirements for workplaces would require certified food prep areas, trained staff and full PPE for prep and service. Then also contactless click & collect or seated & served food.
– Rider Risk Levels. Clubs need to manage the risk riders are taking in this level a little more than normal. BMX is a risky sport, now is still not the time to pushing the upper limits of skills.
– While your club bubble will be larger, management of this bubble is key to looking after each other and helping everyone stay safe and well. Stay in your groups of 10, don’t accept sick people into your club bubble, be aware of each other, tell your grandparents or immune deficient family to stay away for now.
– Physical Distancing. If your club bubble is tight and managed, Sport NZ has made allowances for 1m distances. This can allow 8 on a gate for example. If there are people unknown to the club present, then the 2m physical distancing applies
-At ALERT Level 2, National, Regional and Local racing is still off limits due to the gathering numbers. The 2020 end of year season is also dependent on the ALERT Level status. Information to come as and when it is available.
– Major Events. Delivery of Nationals and Norths will be dependent on the change of ALERT Level from Two to One. Further updates will be advised as soon as they are available.
-All Government notifications and Ministry of Health policies must be adhered to at all times. Please see the following link: https://www.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/
-Attached to this are the two UPDATED Ministry of Health COVID19 ALERT Level descriptions (Summary and Detailed) dated 7th May.
This list is a reminder of the basics, it is recommended that the club committees get together prior to the Level 2 change over and PLAN the delivery of BMX at your club in this ALERT Level, before you actually start.
As noted above BMX is a high-risk sport, these risks come with injury. BMXNZ would like to remind all riders to take extra care while riding any type of bike.
This is a strong call to be responsible for your actions.
If you are riding your local neighborhood, be aware, be kind, be safe and smile.
BMXNZ will continue to provide further updates as more information is available.
Please contact BMXNZ if you have any questions or need assistance.
Regards
Dion Earnest
Executive Officer
BMX New Zealand
COVID-19-alert-levels-detailed 7 May COVID-19-alert-levels-summary-7 May
