Resources

• AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport, Australian Institute of Sport, (May 2020). The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Sport Australia welcome the release by National Cabinet of the National Principles for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities, which provides the pathway for a safe return to sport. The AIS team, led by Chief Medical Officer, Dr David Hughes, developed this Framework in collaboration with sport CMOs around Australia and in consultation with the Federal Government’s CMOs.  The Framework underpins the Principles, and has been adopted by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and National Cabinet as the guide for the reintroduction of sport and recreation in Australia following the COVID-19 pandemic.
• COVID-19 and Sporting Activity, Australian Institute of Sport, (accessed 19 June 2020). The Australian Institute of Sport, partnering with the Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia in the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, is committed to providing the National High Performance Sports System with timely, evidence-based information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) that recognises the unique concerns and context associated with high performance sport. Resources include AIS Frameworks and Toolkits; FAQs; Mental health and wellbeing; Body image and eating behaviours during isolation; Funding and assistance for athletes; Travelling to sporting events; Athletes arriving in, or returning to, Australia; Sport relevant updates.
• Return to Sport Toolkit, Sport Australia (accessed 19 June 2020). State and Territory governments and their public health authorities are responsible for decisions about the resumption of sporting activities in each jurisdiction, both at the professional and community sport level. This Return to Sport Toolkit may be updated from time to time as further guidance material from governments and public health authorities is provided. The Toolkit builds on the AIS Framework for Rebooting of Sport and the Australian Government’s National principles for the resumption of sport and recreation activities and includes easy to use templates and step-by-step checklists for organisations to follow when planning their resumption of sporting activities.
  • Sport Trainer practices (July 2020). To successfully perform the role of Sports Trainer in a COVIDSAFE Australia, it is recommended that all Australian Sports Trainers follow a simple 4-step process. This is to ensure the safety of all athletes, support staff and community members.
• COVID-19 and international travel for sport, Australian Institute of Sport, Australian Olympic Committee, Commonwealth Games Australia, Paralympics Australia, (1 September 2020). Athletes have a natural desire to compete internationally in the 12 months preceding an Olympic/Paralympic Games. Athletes, coaches and sport organisations need to recognise however that in these extraordinary times, the potential risks of international travel may outweigh the perceived benefits.
• How to wear a mask. AIS Medicine have produced resources to educate the high performance sector on the safe and effective method of using a face mask. View the poster, video, and fact sheet below.

Resources

• COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS): What it is, how to prevent spread [mini-course]. While there is a lot of information about COVID-19 available online, this mini-course could help you and the volunteers in your club/association gain a basic understand of the virus and what you can do to prevent its spread. Until a vaccine is found and generally available, COVID-19 will be a part of our lives. As restrictions are eased it's possible that awareness of COVID-19 will decline, thus opening up the possibility of the virus re-emerging. This awareness course is an easy way to remind you of the importance of maintaining good practices to prevent further spreading of COVID-19.
• Community sport guidelines to combat the spread of COVID-19. Links to information and resources relating to the Australian Government community sport guidelines.
• How to stay fit and active at home during the coronavirus self-isolation, Emmanuel Stamatakis, University of Sydney; Dr Andrew Murray, University of Edinburgh; Fiona Bull, University of Western Australia, and Kate Edwards, University of Sydney, republished from The Conversation.
• Legal liability and your COVID-19 Safety Coordinator, Andy Gibson, Southern Cross University, (June 2020). It is understandable that given the role and the responsibilities of a COVID-19 Safety Coordinator that a volunteer would be nervous. The position appears to be full of potential legal pitfalls and that only a lawyer should consider the position. But is that really the case? Is the COVID-19 Safety Coordinator going to be the ‘fall guy’ and exposed to potential legal liability if something goes wrong?

Reports

• Impact of COVID-19 on Community Sport: survey report July 2020, Australian Sports Foundation, (July 2020). The survey results show that community sports clubs are at a crisis point and thousands need urgent and co-ordinated financial support to survive. Key findings include:
  • Australia’s 70,000 Community sports clubs have lost an estimated aggregate $1.6bn to date due to COVID-19. For Small Local Clubs, the average amount lost to date is around $14,900, while for Larger Local Clubs, the average amount lost to date is just over $37,000;
  • The shutdown of community sport from March onwards has had a profound social impact on community sports participants, with a contemporaneous research study showing around 1 in 3 respondents reported worse physical and mental health compared to the year before;
  • Nearly 70% of Small Local Clubs forecast a decline in active participants and 43% project a decline in volunteers. At the same time, around a third of clubs project increased demand for community sport post lockdown, putting them under increased pressure they may be unable to meet due to financial constraints and lack of volunteers;
  • Overall the combination of reduced revenues and increased costs mean that one in four respondents feared for their club’s solvency – indicating over 16,000 community sports clubs nationally are thought to be at risk of closure;
  • On average, Small Local Clubs require additional funding of around $12,600 per club, to assist them through the return to sport, and Large Local Clubs require around $26,800 per club.

Resources

• COVID-19. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, anti-doping organisations globally have adjusted their programs to meet the ever changing and uncertain situation. The information on this page is intended to answer many of the questions athletes might have about anti-doping in the current environment.

Resources

• COVID-19 Updates. Latest updates regarding COVID-19 and the Olympic Games.

Programs

• At Home with #TeamAus. Introducing your home exercise, skills and healthy living sessions, brought to you by the Olympic family.

Resources

• Information about coronavirus (COVID-19). ESSA is committed to supporting the safety, health and livelihoods of our exercise professionals during this evolving COVID-19 pandemic. All COVID-19 information pages will be updated regularly so please bookmark and check regularly. Resources include ESSA Communiques, Information for business owners, Telehealth, Member FAQs, Educational opportunities, and links to additional resources for health professionals.

Media Statements

• Joint Statement: COVID-19 Impact Likely to Lead to Increased Rates of Suicide and Mental Illness, Dr Tony Bartone, Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, and GP, Professor Ian Hickie AM, Co-Director, Health and Policy, The University of Sydney Central Clinical School, Brain and Mind Centre, Professor Patrick McGorry AO, Executive Director, Orygen, Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Australian Medical Association, (7 May 2020). AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, and leading mental health experts, Professor Ian Hickie AC and Professor Patrick McGorry AC, are today calling for long-term modelling and investment in mental health to guide critical decision making in social, economic, and health policy to help Australia transition out of the coronavirus pandemic.

Programs

• Activate while you isolate with La Trobe Sport! LaTrobe University. Exercise from the comfort of your own home as our La Trobe Sport staff take you through a series of workouts focusing on mobility, strength conditioning, meditation, yoga, pilates and much more!

Reading

• Sports Medicine Australia and COVID-19: providing ‘virtual’ support to the sports community, Andrea Britt Mosler and Liam Richard West, British Journal of Sports Medicine, Volume 54(15), (July 2020). The COVID-19 pandemic has sent shockwaves through the global sporting world with events and competitions postponed or cancelled. The impact on elite athletes, sporting organisations, people working in sport, and community-level sport has been extraordinary. While Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) has similarly faced considerable challenges, opportunities for the organisation to adapt and redirect its focus have presented as a result of the pandemic.

Resources

• COVID-19 and Sports, Deaf Sports Australia. Deaf Sports Australia would like to dedicate this page for public information updates regarding the COVID-19 impact. Please visit this page regularly to keep up to date with us at Deaf Sports Australia.
• COVID-19 Return to Sport Resources, Sports Community. Provides links to organisations that are providing support and publishing advice to help re-boot sport, and get your club going again.
• COVID Safe Sport Coaches and Officials Certification, Australian Coaching Council, Confederation of Australian Sport, Martial Arts Industry Association, (2020). The COVID Safe Sport Coaches and Officials Certification course ensures coaches take the appropriate measures when conducting sports training sessions.
• Reboot Sport National Funding, Reboot Sport, (updated 18 June 2020).  Ensure you get your club, league or association in the mix for available funding. There are numerous guides available on how to write effective grant submissions, so be sure to allocate this task to someone in your club. Some states offer grant writing assistance. If you need advice or assistance writing grants, please contact us at Reboot Sport. Grants usually have a short window of opportunity, especially COVID-19 response grants, so don't delay.
• Return to Sport Clubhouse, Special Olympics Australia. Our plan is designed to assist Special Olympics athletes, clubs, coaches, officials and families understand the steps and requirements for sport, events and training to return as safely as possible.
• SMA Launches COVIDSAFE Safer Sport Education Program, Sports Medicine Australia, (1 October 2020). Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) is pleased to announce the launch of a revised, COVIDSAFE Safer Sport Education Program and new national course calendar. SMA has taken a leadership position in transforming the program into a COVIDSAFE model that will provide ongoing guidance and protection for the community sports sector. The revised program and delivery model reflects updated evidence and expectations in response to COVID19 and maintains current, practical and relevant content and practice standards for community sport personnel, underpinned by resources developed in collaboration by Sports Medicine Australia, the Australian Institute of Sport and Sport Australia.

ACT Government

• COVID-19 News, Sport and Recreation ACT. Information and resources for ACT organisations.
• Canberra: Strong together. General COVID-19 information and resources for the ACT.

NSW Office of Sport

• Staying Active during COVID-19. At the Office of Sport we remain committed to our mission of building active communities across New South Wales. We've compiled this resource to help you find suitable ways to safely exercise in and around your home during the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update. The situation is evolving daily and the Office of Sport is working with NSW Health to monitor COVID-19’s impact on our service delivery and the sport and recreation sectors.
• COVID-19 Sport and Active Recreation Sector Resources Library. This resource library brings together good resources from a variety of expert providers and official organisations to help support your sporting organisation. It doesn’t matter your size, if you employ people or not, there will be something here that can help you.
• The path forward for community sport, (October 2020). The COVID-19 pandemic has created many issues and challenges for community sport and active recreation. The Office of Sport is interested to hear how sport and active recreation volunteers, clubs and associations on the Central Coast overcame these challenges during the pandemic.
• COVID-19 Cross Border Sport Fund, (accessed 20 November 2020). will support NSW based clubs and associations that are affiliated with a state level sporting organisation or association recognised in another State/Territory, that were not eligible to receive funding under the Grassroots Sport Fund. This is restricted to those clubs that are affiliated to an interstate organisation that is the equivalent of a SSO or SSOD recognised by the NSW Government. The type of sport must be recognised in NSW. Up to $400,000 will be available under the Fund. Eligible applicants will be able to receive up to $1,000, to assist organisations with fixed costs incurred between March and June 2020, where they have not already received financial assistance or relief from local, state or Commonwealth governments or others such as a NSW SSO or SSOD. Applications Close: Tuesday,15 December 2020

NSW Government

• NSW Street Treatments for COVID Recovery, Transport for NSW, (August 2020). This resource is designed to support the rapid rollout of projects developed through the Streets as Shared Spaces program, but also other temporary or tactical interventions proposed by councils, communities, TfNSW, DPIE or other government agencies.
• Minimising risk of COVID-19 transmission in community sports, Advice from Dr Kerry Chant, Chief Health Officer NSW Ministry of Health​, (14 August 2020). In​ response to increased cases of COVID-19 in NSW, further public health measures are being put in place to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission related to participation in community sports. These updated recommendations will help us to meet the NSW Government’s aim of achieving no community transmission in NSW and will support community sports to continue operating safely.
  • Updated advice for the Community Sport and Recreation Sector from the Chief Health Officer, (26 August 2020). This document contains advice to support the sport and recreation sector interpret and apply the recommendations outlined in the letter from the Chief Health Officer, dated 14 August 2020.
• Industry guidelines for COVID Safe workplaces: Sports, recreation and gyms. Develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan for a gym, health or dance studio, martial arts facility, pool, sauna or spa, indoor sports or community sports facility. Template COVID-19 Safety plans are available for: Gyms, health and dance studios, martial arts training facilities; Indoor recreation facilities; Swimming pools, saunas and spas; and, Community sporting competitions and full training activities.
• Help us stay COVID safe. General NSW Government information and resources relating to COVID-19 pandemic.

NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS)

• High Performance at Home.Our team are utilising their knowledge and experience with some of Australia’s top athletes to provide free tips and advice in order to support the wider community currently working and exercising from home.
• New routine means new eating habits for athletes—our day-to-day routines and schedules play a huge role in determining what and when to eat. So when training schedules and energy demands change, it’s important for athletes to check in with their dietitian to reassess if current intake is appropriate and to apply nutrition strategies to suit the new demands. (25 March 2020)

Sport NSW

• Ongoing COVID-19 Response. The impact of COVID-19, both real and perceived is evolving at a rapid rate. Sport NSW is actively monitoring the latest updates and will continue to update its members and stakeholders throughout the pandemic.

NT Government 

• Support and Resources during the COVID-19 pandemic, Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture. As the COVID-19 pandemic escalates, the adverse impacts to those involved with Territory sport have been overwhelming. Local sport competitions, trainings, recreation facilities, services and sport related activities have all but ceased or been closed. This has resulted in some people experiencing social isolation, stress, fear, anxiety and loss of employment. There are sports that have lost key personnel and essential revenue streams. There are also the nationwide health and social impacts of acute illness, family separation, loss, grief and bereavement. In the spirit of “building hope and strength for the future” there are services and resources available to support those who are suffering.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19). NT Government resources. The 'Steps to the new normal business restart' section includes information relevant to sport and recreation organisations.

Queensland Government

• Unite and Recover, Queensland Government. General COVID-19 resources and information website.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Requirements for hospitality, tourism and fitness businesses, Business Queensland.

SA Government

• COVID-19 Information, Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Information for sports, clubs, recreation organisations and individuals relating to the latest news for sport and recreation; creating a COVID-Safe Plan/Management plan; COVID-19 webinars; and information on how to stay active.
• Recovery from COVID-19, South Australian Government. The South Australian government has released its Roadmap for Easing COVID-19 Restrictions. While the Prime Minister and National Cabinet have released a national framework, state and territory governments must develop their own plans for moving towards a COVID safe society and economy. This roadmap is South Australia's plan.
• COVID Marshals, SA Health. From August 2020, it is mandatory for a COVID Marshal to supervise prescribed activities. This means that for all sport and recreation there should be a COVID Marshal present who has completed the online training.

Sport SA

• COVID-19 Resources. Providing resources to assist individuals and organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tasmanian Government

• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): information for sport, exercise and recreation. Easing of restrictions will be assessed by Public Health Services throughout each stage. The following currently applies to sport, exercise and recreation activities in Tasmania.
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Other resources.
• A Framework for COVID-19 Safe Events and Activities in Tasmania. To support event organisers to plan and hold larger-scale COVID-19 safe events from 1 December 2020 the Framework has been developed in consultation with the events, sports, arts and entertainment sectors and is consistent with World Health Organization, Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, and Public Health Services advice. It will be a living document and will be reviewed over time as the rules for mass gatherings and events are updated to reflect the changing COVID-19 situation in Tasmania. The Framework will enable organisers to apply to hold an event under one of three levels. Please see the requirements of each level.

Sport and Recreation Victoria

• Victoria’s roadmap for sport and recreation – the next step, Sport and Recreation Victoria, (updated 7 December 2020). Latest information on the easing of restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
• Industry Restart Guidelines: Community Sport and Recreation, Victorian Government, (September 2020). On 6 September, the Victorian Government announced Victoria’s roadmap for reopening which outlines considered and gradual steps to ensure that community sport and recreation activities can resume safely and effectively.
• Arts and Recreation Service sector guidance, Victorian Government, (accessed 19 October 2020). Sector guidance for Arts and Recreation Service businesses within metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, including physical recreation (indoor and outdoor) for metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
• Return to play for high performance and professional sport statewide. An overview of the current restrictions for high performance and professional sport and how national sporting organisations can plan to return to play.
• Community Sport Sector Short-term Survival Package. The $40 million Community Sport Sector Short-term Survival Package provides grants to support the operational viability of community sport and active recreation organisations impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Closing: 30 June 2020.
• National Sport Organisations and Professional Clubs Coronavirus (COVID-19) Short-term Survival Funding Program. $16 million National Sport Organisations and Professional Clubs Coronavirus (COVID-19) Short-term Survival Program provided professional sport with the opportunity to apply for funding to support business operations over the coming months, to ride out coronavirus restrictions and help organisations to reboot, rebound and recover. Closed: 19 June 2020.
• Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program. The Victorian Government is invested $68 million to build and upgrade community sports facilities across the state. Investment to support local sporting clubs, create jobs and boost Victoria’s economic recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Closed: 19 June 2020.
• Community Sport Sector Short-term Survival Package. The $40 million Community Sport Sector Short-term Survival Package provides grants to support the operational viability of community sport and active recreation organisations impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Closed: 30 June 2020.
• Help For Sporting Clubs To Negotiate Restrictions Hurdle. The Victorian Government is delivering more support for grassroots sports clubs and their members with new payments towards costs associated with coronavirus restrictions. Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced grants of $2,000 were available for clubs hit hard by the effects of the latest restrictions. Close: 18 June 2021.

Victorian Department of Health and Human Services

• Sport and exercise, Department of Health and Human Services.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19). Department of Health and Human Services. General information and resources.

WA Government

• COVID-19 coronavirus: WA Roadmap. Our roadmap to ease COVID-19 restrictions and what this means for community and business (including Leisure and recreation businesses).
• COVID-19 coronavirus. Information and advice on the COVID-19 coronavirus for the community and businesses in Western Australia.
• COVID-19 coronavirus: Sport and recreation. COVID Safety Plan and Guidelines for sport and recreation venues.
• Community Sport and Active Recreation COVID-19 Phase 4 Factsheet, (26 June 2020).
• COVID-19 coronavirus: Events. Information for organisers of events involving more than 500 people to actively mitigate the risk of COVID-19.

Archery Australia

• Guidelines for Rebooting Archery into the Community. Archery Australia remains committed to complying with advice provided by the Federal Government for all archery activities under its control.

Artistic Swimming Australia

• Return to Sport Framework. Welcome to the Artistic Swimming RETURN TO SPORT FRAMEWORK. We have been working on a plan to assist clubs and their coaches to safely return to the training activity. Here you will find useful resources and links to information to help you safely Plan, Prepare, Respond, and Recover.

Athletics Australia

• The Stadium: COVID-19. Stay up to date with all updates relating to COVID-19 and how it affects athletics below.
• The Virtual Stadium. Athletics Australia has developed a central hub for the athletics community to ensure we keep moving, stay engaged, keep fit, keep safe and keep healthy during this period of unique and unprecedented lockdown throughout Australia, and indeed the world. The content, which will appear on both the Athletics Australia website and across the Athletics Australia social media channels, is divided into three key themes: Keep Safe, Keep Fit and Keep Healthy. This site will sit alongside the existing Coronavirus information hub; The Stadium COVID-19.

World Athletics

• Athletics@Home. A new series designed to help people of all ages to stay fit, active and engaged during this period of unprecedented lockdown around the world.
• Infectious Diseases Outbreak Management: COVID19 Mass gathering risk assessment for sporting events, Medical Task Force and Advisory Group, (2020). This tool is intended to support you in the organisation of your event during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The same tool, processes and recommendations can be used in all cases of communicable disease outbreaks. Sports targeted by this tool include: cycling, nordic skiing, rowing, running, and triathlon. The tool’s output is a document that has the objective to practically assist you in making the right decisions to protect the local community, the event’s participants, the volunteers, workforce and staff involved. This tool does not include spectator management. The use of this tool will not guarantee that your event can take place but, based on information available through your local Public Health Authorities, should help you to: 
  • assess the risk of the event in quantitative and qualitative ways,
  • establish the community and the event’s preparedness for the risks of COVID-19,
  • clarify the steps to take to further mitigate and reduce the risk.

Australian Football League (AFL)

• COVID-19 Community Football Resources. Resources available for sports clubs relating to Financials; Engagement; Return to Community Football; and, Club Management.
• Return to Community Football - General FAQs. Please see below Return to Community Football frequently asked questions and answers. Please contact the relevant state / territory contact for more information.
• COVID-19 updates. Links to all news and updates relating to the professional AFL. 
  • AFL statement: Updated Return to Play protocols – club training sessions. (23 June 2020). The AFL updates its Return to Play protocols for training sessions.

Reading

Basketball Australia

• COVID-19 Hub. As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to develop around the globe and shift our everyday lives, Basketball Australia would like to provide you with an avenue for resources and information such as Health and Government updates, State-specific information, as well as the most up-to-date information regarding our programs across the country.
• Return to Basketball Guidelines (May 2020). In creating these guidelines, Basketball Australia aims to provide members and the community with clarity on what activities can resume and how best to create a safe training environment depending on the differing levels of restrictions imposed by governments.
• Return to Basketball: Restarting competitions. These articles will provide you with step-by-step assistance to abandon, reschedule or restart your competitions correctly, which will ultimately ensure that player stats history and finals eligibility are retained, and that competition structures are unaffected for the season.
• BA statement regarding Coronavirus precautionary measures, Basketball Australia, (13 March 2020).Despite the Government recommendation not being actionable until Monday, based on discussion with our Chief Medical Officer, the Board of Basketball Australia wishes to take a more proactive approach in protecting the health and wellbeing of the players and the families of our basketball community. As such, Basketball Australia strongly recommends competitions around Australia are postponed as of 7.00am Saturday 14 March 2020, and that this position is maintained until further notice.
• #WEBALLTOGETHER Program to Support Community During COVID-19, (8 July 2020). As part of its continued efforts to support the nation’s basketball community during the COVID-19 pandemic, Basketball Australia (BA) has announced a range of new initiatives under its “We Ball Together” program aimed at keeping over 1.1 million participants active, engaged and informed until the sport can safely resume normalcy.

Australian Billiards and Snooker Council (ABSC)

• Guidelines for Resumption of Billiards and Snooker in COVID-19. The ABSC has released a second version of the COVID-19 guidelines, together with a poster that sets out the practical steps required for safe play, and which can be put up in billiard rooms.

Bocce Australia

• Relaxed COVID-19 Restrictions on Bocce. Aligned to the announcements made by the State and Federal Governments in providing the pathway for a safer return to sport, Bocce Australia (BA) has prepared a set of guidelines for clubs and participants to follow, in conjunction with advice issued by State and Territory Associations (STAs). Bocce Australia ‘Return to Bocce’ program follows Sport Australia and Lawn Bowls Australia Reboot Sport Framework and we thank both organisations for their support and use of material.

Boccia Australia

• Return to Boccia. BA has released the Framework for Returning to Boccia and Guidelines for Clubs

Bowls Australia

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Advice. The resource below is intended to provide an overview of the currently available information from the Australian Federal Government related to the virus and what measures and precautions members of the Australian bowls community should put in place.
• COVID-19: Latest Bowls-specific Guidelines, (25 September 2020). The following guidelines are to be read in conjunction with the State of Play and Trade matrix
• Relaxed COVID-19 Restrictions on Bowls. In lieu of announcements made by the State and Federal Governments in providing the pathway for a safer return to sport, Bowls Australia (BA) has prepared a set of guidelines for clubs and participants to follow, in conjunction with advice issued by State and Territory Associations (STAs).
• COVID-19: Return to Bowls Toolkit, (June 2020). Through a national survey conducted by Bowls Australia (BA), in consultation with the State and Territory Associations (STAs), the following feedback was obtained from 450 clubs in response to the effects Covid-19 has had on the bowls community. As a result of the survey findings, along with the guidelines and information continually being released by state and federal governments, BA have constructed a Return to Sport Plan that enables Bowls to focus on key areas of support for STAs and Clubs to ensure Bowls is open to all again as soon as practically possible. Within the toolkit is a number of hard copy resources including funding and participation programs that can be used and applied for by clubs. Some of the key findings from the survey included: 
  • The majority of clubs closed from the dates between March 13-30, up until the time of the survey.
  • It is estimated that Bowls Clubs throughout Australia have suffered a financial impact of at least $136.4M.
  • 670 staff have been directly affected by the virus (loss of hours or termination of employment).
  • 48% of clubs have applied for some form of Government support.
• COVID-19 Related National Club Survey. In consultation with the State and Territory Associations, a COVID-19 related National Club Survey was drafted by a working group at Bowls Australia (June, 2020). A summary of the key findings obtained from this important survey can be viewed in the infographic.
• Helping Hand Fund to aid COVID-19 affected clubs, (September 2020). Bowls Australia (BA) is calling on the bowls community, and wider Australian community, to lend a ‘Helping Hand’ to bowls clubs left financially devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Donations to the Helping Hand campaign are tax-deductible, through BA’s fundraising partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation.
  • Morwell club given a Helping Hand, Bowls Australia, (1 October 2020). Morwell Club Bowls Club has today become the first beneficiary of the Helping Hand Fund, developed by Bowls Australia (BA) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Bowls Australia passes on significant fee relieve to combat COVID challenges, (23 November 2020). BA acknowledges and congratulates many of the STAs who have confirmed membership fee relief to their members and is pleased to support them by also providing a total of over $720,000 in fee relief to counter the impact of the pandemic on the sport.

Bowls ACT

Paddle Australia

• COVID-19 Links and Updates. The following links source information provided by the Australian Government and Sport bodies for their advice on ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19)’.
• The Paddle On Support Package. Paddle Australia and the State Paddle Associations are very aware of the impact COVID-19 is having on Clubs and paddlers.So, to help everyone through this time, we are pleased to announce the Paddle Support Package. Key elements include: 25% discount on 2020/21 Club fees; establishment of the Paddle on Foundation; Free member access to the new online Introduction to Coaching course; A three-month extension for all current Paddle Australia qualification holders.

WAKO Australia

Croquet Victoria

AusCycling

• COVID-19 Resource Centre. As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to develop around the globe and shift our everyday lives, AusCycling will provide you with the resources and information about COVID-19 and it’s impacts on cycling.
• AusCycling Guide for Conducting Cycling Activities in a COVID-19 Environment: (1 November 2020) This guide is designed to provide Host Organisations with the framework for conducting cycling activities in a COVID-19 environment. Supplemental plans have been developed to provide specific State or Territory guidance:
  • Australian Capital Territory (1 November 2020)
  • New South Wales (1 November 2020)
  • Northern Territory (1 November 2020)
  • Queensland (1 November 2020)
  • South Australia (1 November 2020)
  • Tasmania (29 October 2020)
  • Victoria (1 November 2020)
  • Western Australia (1 November 2020)
• Position Statement on International Activities, (12 August 2020). In response to the current global COVID-19 pandemic, Cycling Australia (CA) wish to make public its current position on its international competition activities.

Darts Australia

• Return to Darts Plan. This resource has been developed to assist State Sporting Organisations, dart clubs, tournament hosts and associations across Australia to plan for the recommencement of social games, league nights, super league and other tournaments, coaching and programs in a safe, responsible and low risk manner.

Australian Dragon Boat Federation

• COVID safety Plan, (June 2020). The purpose of this Covid-19 Safety Plan overview is to provide the basic standards for plans for the implementation and management of procedures to support the Australian Dragon Boat Federation members in the staged resumption of Dragon Boating activities.

Australian Eight Ball Federation (AEBF)

• COVID-19 Guidelines. These guidelines align with public health and SafeWork Australia recommendations for workplaces, and the “AIS Framework for Re-booting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment”. They will be reviewed and updated regularly in accordance with changes to public health guidelines and government requirements.
  • Australian Eight Ball Federation (AEBF) COVID-19 Guidelines, (PDF), (25th June 2020).

Equestrian Australia

• COVID-19 Information for Equestrian Sport. Keep up to date with the latest news, updates and advice surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19). This page is updated frequently, as soon as new information and advice is received. Specific documents developed include:
  • Virtual Equestrian Training Activities Guidelines, Version 1.5, (2 June 2020).
  • Guideline - Resuming Equestrian Training and Competition Activities, Version 1.3, (4 June 2020).
  • Guide for Returning to Equestrian Vaulting Under COVID-19, Version 3, (9 November 2020)

Football Federation Australia (FFA)

• #PlayAtHomeChallenge! The grassroots season around Australia may have been postponed but you can keep football in your life with the #PlayAtHomeChallenge.
• Rebooting Football Activities. Following the National Cabinet's 3-step plan to move toward COVIDSafe communities, football is getting ready for the first whistle. Football Federation Australia, together with our Member Federations, have created 16 fun and simple activity ideas that adhere to the current AIS Guidelines to support the work of community coaches throughout Australia.

Research

• Football-specific strategies to reduce COVID-19 transmission [infographic], Sean Carmody, Imtiaz Ahmad, Vincent Gouttebarge, et.al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, Volume 54(22), pp.1362-1364, (October 2020). This article considers the evolving science pertinent to professional footballers in the context of COVID-19, with the overarching purpose to ensure the health and safety of players, staff, their families and the general public. The primary focus of this article is on strategies to reduce the risk of human-to-human transmission during football activity, aspects of which will be relevant to other sports.
• Position statement of the Royal Spanish Football Federation for the resumption of football activities after the COVID-19 pandemic (June 2020), Helena Herrero-Gonzalez, Rafael Martín-Acero, Juan Del Coso, et al, British Journal of Sports Medicine, (16 June 2020). The framework encompasses guidelines at three levels: (1) clinical measures to assess player’s health status after the confinement and procedures to reduce the probability of COVID-19 infection during training and competition, (2) training recommendations to develop strategies for injury prevention and physiological readaptation, and (3) proposal for the competition calendar and allowance of changes of in-game regulations. The aim of this editorial is to make these recommendations public since they may contribute to guideline development by other sporting bodies that are also managing players’ return to training and competition.
• The resumption of sports competitions after COVID-19 lockdown: The case of the Spanish football league, Javier M. Buldú, Daniel R. Antequera, Jacobo Aguirre, Cornell University, (last revised 21 May 2020). In this work, we present a stochastic discrete-time SEIR (Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered) model adapted to describe the propagation of COVID-19 during a football tournament. Specifically, we are concerned about the re-start of the Spanish national football league, La Liga, which is currently -May 2020- stopped with 11 fixtures remaining. Our model includes two additional states of an individual, confined and quarantined, which are reached when an individual presents COVID-19 symptoms or has undergone a virus test with a positive result. The model also accounts for the interaction dynamics of players, considering three different sources of infection: the player social circle, the contact with his/her team colleagues during training sessions, and the interaction with rivals during a match. Our results highlight the influence of the days between matches, the frequency of virus tests and their sensitivity on the number of players infected at the end of the season. Following our findings, we finally present a variety of strategies to minimize the probability that COVID-19 propagates in case the season of La Liga was re-started after the current lockdown.
• Return to elite football after the COVID-19 lockdown, Magni Mohr,George P. Nassis,Joao Brito, et al, Managing Sport and Leisure, (18 May 2020). The present article presents views on fitness training, physical preparation and recovery during these uncommon conditions, and how elite football players can return to the competitive field well-prepared for post-crisis football endeavours around the world. Due to the multifaceted physiological demands in elite football, the long recovery requirements after match-play and an upcoming reality with many games within a short period, elite football players, managers and clubs may face extraordinary challenges associated with return to play under the current circumstances.
• Return to training and competition after COVID-19 in professional football, Luis Casais-Martinez, Zosimo Sanroman-Cortes, Moises Del Hoyo-Lora, Sport Performance and Science Reports, (9 June 2020). If the COVID-19 pandemic situation improves quickly and governance permit to restart sports events, an appropriate sport-specific conditioning should be granted considering three key points: (i) the effects of possible asymmetrical detraining leading to modification of ligament, muscle and tendon properties; (ii) training load after inactivity periods and (iii) density of matches, which will necessarily be increased after break period to be able to finish the football competitions. This manuscript provides specific recommendations to the resumption of training.
• Successful return to professional men’s football (soccer) competition after the COVID-19 shutdown: a cohort study in the German Bundesliga, Meyer T, Mack D, Donde K, et.al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, (24 September 2020). This study evaluates the success of the concept based on available objective indicators, that is, symptoms, testing results and development of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 (seroconversion). These findings may help clinical colleagues in other sports and other parts of the world as they address the question of return to play during and after the pandemic.

Resources

• IBSA Back to Competition Sport Guidelines in Times of COVID-19 - Goalball, International Blind Sports Federation, (October 2020). This document imposes additional obligations on everyone who is participating in an IBSA Goalball competition during COVID-19. The rules, policies and procedures identified in this document will be enforced just like any other provisions in IBSA’s goalball rules of play until such time as an effective and proven vaccine for COVID-19 is discovered and is made readily available throughout the world. Protests and appeals related to the content of this document shall be conducted in accordance with IBSA’s protest and appeal procedures. Please note that this is a document which can be updated according to current changes and requirements.

Research

• Golf rounds boom, report reveals, Mark Hayes, Golf Australia, (30 September 2020). In its Australian Golf Rounds – Trends and Impacts of Covid-19 report, Golf Australia confirms that despite parts of Victorian golf being closed down for extended periods of 2020, year-to-date rounds played nationally are down only 1 per cent by the end of August. If Victoria is removed from the data, that figure has actually surged to a four per cent gain. Importantly for the industry and its future, rounds played by people in the 20-49 age range have skyrocketed in the past four months.

Gridiron Australia

• COVID – 19 Update – Return to Play Guidelines, (23 May 2020). Utilising the AIS Rebooting Sport Framework in conjunction with the guidance from state and federal governments GA is supporting the commencement of football-related activities guided by the requirements of each state in regards to building towards a full-contact season.

Gymnastics Australia

• Rebooting Gymnastics. This section of our website is dedicated to rebooting gymnastics; getting the 260,000 of our members back participating in the sport they love, safely and securely. The information below has been designed to provide clubs with the most up-to-date and relevant sources of information to make informed decisions. Any specific State/Territory government guidelines and regulations must be adhered to in the first instance. State and Territory Gymnastics Associations will provide clubs with further detail and specific guidance around specific state/territory government guidelines and regulations.
• Gymnastics Australia National Guidelines - Return to training. This guide aims to give coaches and athletes of all levels, across all Gymsports, a framework to ensure that gymnasts return to training and competition safely and productively following the extensive period of lost training time.
• Fact sheet - Club surface and equipment cleaning guidelines. The information in this fact sheet has been taken from the WorkSafe Australia COVID-19 How to Clean and Disinfect Your Workplace guidelines. The gymnastics specific considerations have been provided by AMCO Gymnastics in consultation with Spieth.
• Fact sheet - Training athletes at home. Many coaches and clubs have contacted us or our insurance brokers, Marsh to seek clarity on whether home-based programs would be covered under the National Risk Protection Program (NRPP).  We can confirm that home-based programs will be covered under the NRPP. This fact sheet provides you with some additional information and guidance on the types of programs you can provide to athletes.

Resources

• COVID-19 Medical Precaution Plan Egypt 2021 [27th Men's Handball World Championship], International Handball Federation, (27 October 2020).  While the situation around COVID-19 is constantly evolving and an infection-free environment cannot be guaranteed, the IHF’s main objective is to organise Egypt 2021 in a healthy and safe environment with the goal of ensuring the implementation of the utmost medical precautions for the protection of all stakeholders involved and to provide high standard medical services in the event of any suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. The preventive measures to be taken before, during and after Egypt 2021, are included in the plan. All information correct as of 27 October 2020 and subject to updates on a regular basis based on the development of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hockey Australia

• COVID Safety Support Hub. Welcome to the Hockey Australia COVID Safety Support Hub. Here you will find useful resources and links to information to help you safely Plan, Prepare, Respond, and Recover.

Judo Australia

• Judo In Australia Community Stimulus Measures, Judo Australia, (18 June 2020). The COVID-19 Pandemic has had a significant effect on the delivery of Judo in Australia and our entire community. In response to these challenging times, Judo Australia (JA) has developed a range of stimulus measures for our Member States and Individual Members to best support the community during this pandemic and as we start to emerge from the suspension of Judo activity nationally.
• Judo in Australia Return to Activity Guidance, Judo Australia, (14 May 2020). JA provides the following guidance to help ensure this return to activity occurs in a safe and healthy way and in full accordance with direction provided by relevant Government authorities.
• Advice and Support Available During COVID-19, (27 March 2020). These resources provide a summary of the support that will be accessible to the judo community over the coming months via various government agencies. The information provided may not be exhaustive, but is current as of the date of publication (25th March 2020).

International Judo Federation

• Recommended Protocols during Covid-19 Pandemic. The IJF Medical Commission we would like to provide your association members possible protocols under which the practice of judo may be resumed if strict hygienic measures and government regulations are kept.The aim of these guidelines is to mitigate the risk of Covid-19 infection as much as possible at club level, as the danger cannot be completely eliminated without an effective and comprehensive Covid-19 testing or vaccination programme. These recommended protocols are dynamic, they may be revised according to WHO guidelines if necessary.

Motorcycling Australia

• COVID-19 Toolkit. Motorcycling Australia is committed to keeping our riding community safe during the COVID-19 crisis.

Motorsport Australia

• Return to Race. Motorsport Australia has created resources, available to clubs, officials and participants, to enable the gradual and safe return of motorsport.

Netball Australia

• Stop the Spread! [video], (27 March 2020). Covid 19 is spreading rapidly throughout the country. On average 1 person will pass it on to 3 people. Do your part to stop the spread and stay at home and social distance where necessary.

Netball NSW

• COVID-19 Information.Please find all information on a Return to Community Netball in a COVID-19 environment. These pages will continue to be updated as new information comes to hand.

Netball Victoria

• Supporting the community back to netball (accessed 20 November 2020). Netball Victoria is thrilled to announce the Supporting the Community Back to Netball Small Grant Program. A program which will provide a direct injection of funding into our netball communities,
  designed to support our Affiliates and members to return to court in 2021.

Rowing Australia

• Rowing Australia Fact Sheet on Coronavirus. The NOVEL CORONAVIRUS 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to impact our communities across Australia, however we are now seeing the Government beginning to ease restrictions, reflecting reduced case numbers and local transmission to varying degrees nationwide.

World Rowing

• Return to training : Advice for post-peak and post-pandemic periods.Please find below the latest recommendation from the FISA Sports Medicine Commission related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the return to training. These guidelines cannot replace the priority provisions of the state governments and the locally responsible health authorities, but serve as a rowing-specific technical contribution.
• Infectious Diseases Outbreak Management: COVID19 Mass gathering risk assessment for sporting events, Medical Task Force and Advisory Group, (2020). This tool is intended to support you in the organisation of your event during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The same tool, processes and recommendations can be used in all cases of communicable disease outbreaks. Sports targeted by this tool include: cycling, nordic skiing, rowing, running, and triathlon. The tool’s output is a document that has the objective to practically assist you in making the right decisions to protect the local community, the event’s participants, the volunteers, workforce and staff involved. This tool does not include spectator management. The use of this tool will not guarantee that your event can take place but, based on information available through your local Public Health Authorities, should help you to: 
  • assess the risk of the event in quantitative and qualitative ways,
  • establish the community and the event’s preparedness for the risks of COVID-19,
  • clarify the steps to take to further mitigate and reduce the risk.

National Rugby League

• Play Rugby League: Covid-19. Key information and resources related to COVID-19 and Community Rugby League.

Rugby Australia

• Rugby Australia Coronavirus - COVID-19 ongoing updates. Rugby Australia's ongoing updates on COVID-19 and the wider effects on the Rugby Community.

NSW Rugby Union

• Return to Play: COVID-19. Includes latest news, advice and resources for clubs and players.
• NSW Rugby launch Positive Coaching Platform, Waratahs media (14 April 2020). NSW Rugby have today made their Positive Coaching Platform available to the public, with the intention of keeping the rugby community connected to the game during COVID-19. A range of coaching sessions, strength and conditioning and tactical tips will be available on the go, anytime courtesy of a newly designed smartphone app.
• Workout With The Waratahs. Workout with the Waratahs at home with exercises from NSW Waratahs players! Choose from the list the type of workout you're looking for.

Australian Sailing

• COVID-19 Information Hub. Here you will find the most relevant links to information and support for clubs (tabs on the right) as well as an archive of our COVID-19 related news stories and updates (below). Please note that the updates were correct at the time of publishing, but as this is a constantly evolving situation we recommend you refer to the information sources on the right for the most up-to-date information.

Yachting Queensland

• Fee relieve for Queensland clubs as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, (15 October 2020). In line with previous communications about affiliation fees for 2020/21, the Australian Sailing Board and the MYAs (Including Yachting Queensland) have now completed a review. The YQ and AS boards have resolved that Membership fees for 2020/21 will be invoiced at the rate of 50% of the 2019/20 fee amount.

Shooting Australia

• COVID-19 Support. Shooting Australia has taken the proactive measure to establish the Australian Shooting COVID-19 Reference Group to assist Member Organisations, State and Territory bodies and Clubs through the current health crisis.
• Lead the Way COVID-19. This time of isolation and Shooting Clubs being closed is allowing the time to look inside our sport to see what can be done to be ready for when shooting can re-open.

Softball Australia

• Returning to sport guidelines and softball, (8 May 2020). Following the announcement today from the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Scot Morrison MP, in which three steps to returning to a COVID-19 Safe Australia were outlined, Softball Australia would like to outline information relevant to our sport.
• #BackOnBase, Softball Australia, (21 August 2020). Softball Australia is pleased to announce a Community Club Grants Program with AU$60,000 in Grants available directly to softball Clubs across Australia. Applications will be accepted from Softball Australia affiliated Clubs only and must be submitted between 9:00am AEST Wednesday 26 August 2020 – 10:00pm AEST Wednesday 9 September 2020.

Squash Australia

• COVID-19 Information Hub. Provides links to State Plans; updates from Squash Australia and other relevant State and Federal government departments.
• COVID-19 Back on Court Concept. In conjunction with the continued flattening of the COVID-19 curve, Squash Australia has created the following document in regard to the re-commencement of the sport, in line with federal government restrictions. It should be noted that this document merely provides guidelines around minimising the spread of the virus, while engaging in squash, and that all state and federal government restrictions are still to be adhered to above all else.

Surf Life Saving Australia

• COVID-19. Updated information and resources that relates to COVID-19 and Surf Life Saving

Surf Life Saving NSW

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Resources for SLSNSW Clubs. SLSNSW is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our members. The contents of this page are being reviewed at least weekly and will include the latest information aligned to official sources including the Australian Government Department of Health, NSW Health and NSW Sport.

Swimming Australia

• National Guidelines for restarting club environments. The following document has been developed to assist in the restarting of activity for swimming clubs across Australia. This information is designed to assist swimming club officials ad coaches and seeks to provide further information for operating as safely as possible.

Swimming NSW

• COVID-19: SNSW advice. In recent weeks, there has been a gradual easing of restrictions put in place by the NSW Government in response to the state's success in managing the COVID-19 situation. As the situation evolves, Swimming NSW will continue to provide relevant updates through this dedicated page.

Table Tennis Australia

• Return to Sport from COVID-19. Table Tennis Australia (TTA) is committed to caring for the health and well-being of our Table Tennis community. As the COVID-19 pandemic situation continues to develop, TTA will provide you with the latest information and resources including the various support services available and Table Tennis specific updates.
• Table Tennis Corporate Cup: COVID-19 Information. The Covid-19 Pandemic means we have to be mindful when we are participating in activities with others. Please follow our 'at my workplace' and 'at Corporate Cup events' guides here.
• Cancellation Notification - 2020 National Championships, (17 August 2020). TTA regrets to inform that all 2020 National Championships, scheduled for November/December in Traralgon, have been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Tennis Australia

• COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Guidelines, Tennis Australia, (March 2020).
• The Court is Calling. With ongoing advice from senior authorities and government and health, our team has pulled together a pack of information to help guide various sectors of our sport down the road to recovery. Includes Return to Play; Practical advice and information for community tennis, coaches, clubs and associations, tournaments and competitions; and, additional resources.
  • Australians enjoy safe play as they hit tennis courts in record numbers, Tennis Australia, (27 June 2020). Data obtained from Tennis Australia’s award winning Book a Court online booking system has shown a sharp increase in the number of people playing tennis during May 2020, compared to the same time last year.

Tenpin Bowling Australia

• COVID-19 Hub. Information on When can I bowl? Updates from TBA, Education and Resources, Modified rules, and more.

Touch Football Australia

• Resources for a Safe Return to Touch Football. This web hub provides all the COVID-19 guidelines and collateral that competition administrators, players, coaches, parents, spectators and Referees need for a safe return to Touch Football. While timelines will vary from state to state, the following protocols and guidelines serve as a minimum baseline to be adhered to at all times in order to keep all  members of the Touch Football community safe and align with State, Territory and Federal Government legislation.

Triathlon Australia

• COVID-19 Return to Sport. Links to state bodies and the most recent version of the 'National Guidelines for the Resumption of Triathlon'.

Volleyball Australia

• Community Return to Play guidelines. Volleyball Australia has developed the following guidelines to assist the volleyball community return to activity in a cautious and methodical manner.

Volleyball NSW

• COVID-19 Updates. Volleyball NSW is receiving information from all over the community in relation to COVID-19. To support everyone and create consistent and accurate messages, Volleyball NSW will be using the following websites and departments to make decisions on with regards to COVID-19 and Volleyball NSW activities.

Water Polo Australia

• COVID-19 Updates. Information from Water Polo Australia as well as international, national, and state organisations.

Snow Australia

• COVID-19 Information and Return to Sport Updates. Provides information and links to various resources.
• Snow Ready: Covid-19 Safe Community Club and Program Guidelines. On Friday 5 June 2020, Snow Australia released Snow Ready to support clubs, programs and the snowsport community in bringing a safe return to snowsports.
• A statement on International Events and Travel from the Snow Australia Cross Country Committee (16 November 2020). After careful consideration of the current COVID-19 pandemic situation in Europe and Australian government travel restrictions, the Snow Australia Cross Country Committee is announcing the following decisions regarding international travel and event entries for the 2020/2021 season:

Media Statements

• IOC Executive Board Statement On The Coronavirus (Covid-19) And The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, (3 March 2020). The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board (EB) today expressed its full commitment to the success of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, taking place from 24 July TO 9 August 2020.
• IOC Statement Regarding Adapting Its Working Practices, (13 March 2020). In order to support the concerted efforts to proactively limit the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus, the IOC has decided to adapt its way of working: All Lausanne staff will work from home starting Monday 16 March 2020, until further notice, with the exception of some essential functions; Following a series of preventive measures announced by the Madrid Regional Government, Olympic Channel Services (OCS) and Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) staff in Madrid have been encouraged to work from home. Because of the high number of visitors to The Olympic Museum, which regularly hosts more than 1,000 visitors per day, it has been decided to close The Museum from Monday, 16 March 2020, for two weeks. After this time, the situation will be reassessed.
• Communique From The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Regarding The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, (17 March 2020). The situation around the COVID-19 virus is also impacting the preparations for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, and is changing day by day. The IOC remains fully committed to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, and with more than four months to go before the Games there is no need for any drastic decisions at this stage; and any speculation at this moment would be counter-productive.
• Joint Statement From The International Olympic Committee And The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, (24 March 2020). In the present circumstances and based on the information provided by the WHO today, the IOC President and the Prime Minister of Japan have concluded that the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community.
• IOC President Updates IOC Members On Steps And Considerations Regarding Tokyo 2020 Postponement, (27 March 2020). Attached is the letter from the IOC President in which he invited the IOC Members to the call and outlined the steps and considerations which led to the postponement of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 to no later than summer 2021.
• IOC, IPC, Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee And Tokyo Metropolitan Government Announce New Dates For The Olympic And Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, (30 March 2020). The International Olympic Committee (IOC), The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, The Tokyo Metropolitan Government And The Government Of Japan today agreed new dates for the Games OF THE XXXII Olympiad, IN 2021. The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will be celebrated FROM 23 July TO 8 August 2021. They also agreed on new dates for the Paralympic Games, which will be celebrated from 24 August until 5 September 2021.
• IOC Releases Revised Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Qualification Principles, (7 April 2020). As part of the work of the “Here We Go” Task Force currently addressing the list of questions raised by the postponement of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Qualification Task Force has approved a series of amendments to the Tokyo 2020 Qualification System Principles.
• IOC And Tokyo 2020 Joint Statement - Framework For Preparation Of The Olympic And Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 Following Their Postponement To 2021, (16 April 2020). The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) met today for an Executive Project Review via teleconference.
• What Goes Into Postponing The Olympic Games? (17 April 2020). As society began to come to terms with the rapid spread of COVID-19 around the world, the IOC and its counterparts in Japan kept a close watch on the developing pandemic. When the announcement was made that the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 were to be postponed by a year, it was the result of an informed, albeit difficult, decision arrived at with the full consensus of all parties involved.
• IOC Approves A Financial Envelope Of Up To USD 800 Million To Address The Covid-19 Crisis, (14 May 2020). The International Olympic Committee (IOC) anticipates that it will have to bear costs of up to USD 800 million for its part of the responsibilities for the organisation of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, its own extended operations and the support for the wider Olympic Movement. This amount will be covered by the IOC itself, including any funding from the Olympic Foundation.
• Impact Of The Postponement Of Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 On The Schedule Of IOC Athletes’ Commission Election, (14 May 2020). The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today decided to launch a review of the schedule of the IOC Athletes’ Commission (AC) election in light of the postponement of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, with a view to holding the election in 2021 during the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Measures will also be considered in order to ensure the work of the IOC Athletes’ Commission can continue smoothly until the Games.
• IOC And WHO Strengthen Ties To Advocate Healthy Lifestyles, (16 May 2020). In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic that continues to affect people’s lives around the world, The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and The World Health Organization (WHO) are strengthening their efforts to promote healthy lifestyles, including physical activity, sport and active recreation, as a tool for health across the globe.
• IOC President Joins WHO “Walk The Talk: Health For All Challenge” And Calls On Governments To Include Sport In Their Recovery Plans, (17 May 2020). President Bach joined the World Health Organization (WHO)’s “Walk the Talk – Health for All Challenge” on Sunday as part of a global effort to promote ways for people to stay healthy during the coronavirus pandemic.
• #HEALTHYTOGETHER: The IOC, The World Health Organization And The United Nations Join Forces To Fight The Covid-19 Pandemic – With Athletes Helping To Spread The Word, (23 June 2020). On Olympic Day, 23 June 2020, the International Olympic Committee, the United Nations and the World Health Organization are launching a partnership to encourage individuals and communities around the world to take action so that we can all be #HEALTHYTOGETHER.
• The IOC Joins Global UN Dialogue, Reiterates Role Of Sport In Post-Covid World, (25 June 2020). The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, and the Vice-Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, Danka Bartekova, today joined the second edition of #UN75, a series of discussions organised by the United Nations (UN).
• IOC Announces Adapted Tokyo 2020 Qualification Systems for Each Sport, (15 July 2020). Further to the approval of a series of amendments to the Tokyo 2020 qualification system principles by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Qualification Task Force in April 2020, the review of the International Federation (IF) qualification processes for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and each sport has now been finalised.
• IOC has already provided around USD$100 Million of Financial Support to Olympic Movement, (15 July 2020). To date and as needed, USD 63 million have been allocated to IFs and USD 37 million to NOCs. In addition, it has been confirmed today by the IOC Executive Board (EB) that the IOC will continue supporting the NOCs with the TOP Programme allocation amounting to USD 150 million payable by end of this year. Furthermore, the IOC is committed to ensuring funding for the IOC-Recognised Organisations.
• IOC emphasises importance of sport in COVID-19 recovery efforts at European Commission Conference, (17 November 2020). The important role that sport can play in helping the world recover from the COVID-19 pandemic was emphasised by the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, at a high-level European Commission conference entitled “The recovery of the sport sector after the COVID-19 crisis: the way ahead”.

Research

• Staying Mentally Healthy: The Biggest Challenge Faced During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Athletes’ Survey Shows, (16 June 2020). A survey conducted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in May revealed that managing mental health and sports careers, as well as nutrition and diet, were the biggest challenges faced by athletes during the unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Athlete365 Survey Findings (June 2020).

Resources

• Athletes share home workout ideas with Olympic Channel. Being stuck indoors due to the Coronavirus outbreak means you need a bit of imagination to keep fit. Here are some ideas to help stay in shape wherever you are.
• HEALTHYTogether campaign. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the IOC are teaming up with the United Nations to encourage individuals and communities around the world to be #HEALTHYTogether. The three partners and Olympic athletes will spotlight the collective effort and global collaboration needed to stay healthy and reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19.

Resources

• COVID-19 Updates. The World Anti-Doping Agency is actively responding to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak as it relates to the Global Anti-Doping Program. Below will capture all of our updates and resources for athletes and other members of the anti-doping community during, what is, a rapidly evolving situation. Athletes are also encouraged to follow updates by the International Olympic Committee on its dedicated section within Athlete 365. For general updates related to COVID-19, we would refer all to the World Health Organization.
  • COVID-19 ADO Guidance for Resuming Testing, (6 May 2020).

Media statements

• New WADA Strategic Testing Expert Group reviews the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic to be ready for future similar crises, (9 September 2020). As the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) continues to provide leadership to the Clean Sport community during the COVID-19 pandemic, a multi-disciplinary testing expert group has been formed to identify lessons that can be learned from this unprecedented time and ensure the global anti-doping community can respond effectively to potential similar public health crises in the future. As part of the review, WADA sent a survey to ADOs seeking the latest information on their testing programs, in order to build a global picture.
• WADA publishes ADO survey outcomes concerning impact of COVID-19 on anti-doping programs worldwide (16 November 2020). The survey, which was aimed at assessing the impact that COVID-19 was having on anti-doping programs worldwide, is part of a broader review to also determine what lessons can be learned from the situation; gather feedback on the COVID-19 Guidance for Resuming Testing document issued by WADA on 6 May 2020; and, determine the impact that COVID-19 was having on sample collection, shipment and the sample analytical process.
• WADA updates its COVID-19 testing guidance for Anti-Doping Organizations, (25 November 2020). As a follow up to its initial COVID-19 testing guidance for Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) published on 6 May, today, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) provides an updated document, which has been renamed “Guidance for Testing during COVID-19 Pandemic”. This new Guidance was revised following a thorough review by WADA’s Strategic Testing Expert Group, with input from the World Health Organization and a group of National Anti-Doping Organizations.
• WADA clarifies position on COVID-19 vaccines, (11 December 2020). As a part of its ongoing efforts to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on the anti-doping landscape worldwide, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) wishes to provide clarity to athletes and other stakeholders regarding the status of SARS-Cov-2 vaccines relative to the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods. While there will be multiple vaccines developed and deployed, and therefore definitive statements concerning their compositions is premature, athletes can be confident that WADA will continue to monitor all available information and advise them and other members of the anti-doping community in the event an ingredient of a vaccine might be problematic.

• A Game Plan for the Resumption of Sport and Exercise After Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Infection, Dermot Phelan, Jonathan H. Kim, Eugene H. Chung, JAMA Cardiology, (13 May 2020). As public health policy begins to guide the resumption of recreational and competitive sport, clinicians are charged with determining when competitive athletes and highly active individuals who have been infected with COVID-19 and recovered are medically appropriate to return to play. There are limited data establishing the epidemiologic and clinical metrics required to facilitate this process. Specifically, the prevalence of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases in the community, the prevalence of cardiac injury among nonhospitalized individuals with COVID-19, and long-term outcomes attributable to COVID-19 cardiac injury remain unknown. Recognizing these limitations, members of the American College of Cardiology’s Sports and Exercise Cardiology Council, with input from national leaders in sports cardiology, provide a consensus expert opinion clinical framework on return to play in the era of COVID-19.
• The Australian Institute of Sport framework for rebooting sport in a COVID-19 environment, David Hughes, Richard Saw, Nirmala Kanthi Panagodage Perera, et al, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Volume 23(7), pp.639-663, (July 2020). Sport makes an important contribution to the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of Australians. The economic contribution of sport is equivalent to 2–3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on communities globally, leading to significant restrictions on all sectors of society, including sport. Resumption of sport can significantly contribute to the re-establishment of normality in Australian society.
• COVID-19 vaccine giving people confidence to attend sport events, new poll shows, Geoff Berkeley, Inside the Games, (3 February 2021). A survey of more than 1,500 United States citizens found 41 per cent would attend an outdoor event if they had received the vaccine and COVID-19 countermeasures were put in place, including social distancing, personal protection equipment and there was a restricted attendance. This was up from 28 per cent when the question was asked last November but without access to a vaccine. As for going to an indoor event, 32 per cent said they would attend, as opposed to just 21 per cent in November 2020. 41 per cent said they would not attend a live sporting event compared to 72 per cent in April 2020. Among those who called themselves "fans" the number who said they would go to an outdoor sporting event went up to 57 percent, while it rose to 69 per cent for those who described themselves as "avid fans". When it came to indoor competitions, 46 per cent of fans and 57 per cent of avid fans said they would attend.
• In the frame, road map for Australian sport on an uncertain journey through COVID-19, David Hughes op-ed, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Volume 23(7), pp.636-638, (July 2020). The AIS Framework provides evidence-based protocols and decision-pathways to assist sporting organisations and individuals. The future path to the safe return to sporting activity remains uncertain. Each step towards resumption of sport will be welcome and will deliver tangible benefits to society. We must ensure however that the inevitable excitement at the prospect of resumption of sport does not cloud judgement or endanger our communities.
• Keeping youth active and engaged during COVID-19 lockdown, indigenous.gov.au, (2 October 2020). The Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council (NPY WC) recently organised a range of activities for young people living in a COVID-19 remote biosecurity region. The activities covered a wide array of needs. A dance and ‘footy trick shot’ competition was featured on TikTok and Facebook. Older youth who were worried about losing their fitness for the football season were provided with an exercise training program. The program was translated into Pitjantjatjara, turned into a video and shared across the NPY Lands.
• Preventing infectious diseases outbreaks at exercise facilities, Shiho Amagasa, Masaki Machida, Ding Ding and Shigeru Inoue, Managing Sport and Leisure, (15 June 2020). In Japan, in response to the COVID-19 clusters developed from the exercise facilities in the early phase of pandemic, the Fitness Industry Association of Japan released guidelines for gym managers, workers, and users in March. This commentary aims to introduce exercise facilities guidelines in Japan. This article provides reference for the rest of the world to reopen exercise facilities safely in the post pandemic period or to prevent future outbreaks of infectious disease.
• The Psychological Implications of Returning to Sport Post-Isolation, Lori Dithurbide, CSC Atlantic and Amelie Soulard, INS Québec, SIRC blog, (8 July 2020). With the return to sport, athletes may move through three phases of emotional challenges: managing the emotions associated with losing their bearings; making sense of the situation and giving meaning to the necessary change; and mobilizing energy and efforts to adapt to the new reality. This blog will discuss each phase and the implications for athletes and coaches.
• “Return to exercise” – helping patients to overcome the long tail of covid-19, Dr Aessa Mahmud Tumi, Dr Irfan Ahmed, BJSM Blog, (18 December 2020). Exercise remains a key component of rehabilitation for patients recovering from covid-19. However, there is limited guidance on how to start and progress exercise in non-athlete populations in the post-acute period of infection. We discuss if specific “return to exercise” protocols could help to solve this problem and return patients in the general population back to normal function.
• Recommendations for altitude training programming to preserve athletes’ health after COVID-19 pandemic, Giorgio Manferdelli, David John Bishop, Martino V Franchi, et al, British Journal of Sports Medicine, (12 June 2020). Low-to-moderate altitude (2000–2500 m) training camps are an integral part of many athletes’ training programmes. Despite potential positive effects on performance, sojourning at altitude represents an important stress on the human body with transiently increased pulmonary and kidney stress, neuroendocrine dysregulation and immune perturbations. This highlights the importance of the careful planning and organisation of altitude training camps, which may be even more critical during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
• Resurgence of sport in the wake of COVID-19: cardiac considerations in competitive athletes, Aaron Baggish, Jonathan A Drezner, Jonathan Kim, et al, British Journal of Sports Medicine, (19 June 2020). Numerous medical and sporting organisations are developing comprehensive strategies to ensure a safe return to training and competition. This is a complex process that will require a multidisciplinary, team-based approach that balances priorities surrounding athlete health with strategies to protect the general public from further spread of the infection. Evidence is limited, and conclusive recommendations regarding these issues will require ongoing research and monitoring of athletes afflicted with COVID-19. However, we take this opportunity to provide some initial guidance for the cardiac evaluation of athletes with prior COVID-19 infection.
• Return to community sport: leaning on evidence in turbulent times, Alison Doherty ,Patti Millar and Katie Misener, Managing Sport and Leisure, (16 July 2020). This commentary considers return to organized sport amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of nonprofit community (grassroots) sport clubs that are the backbone of sport in many countries around the world. Local clubs can be vulnerable to challenging conditions at the best of times, and are at risk of significant negative impact if they cannot weather the storm of the current pandemic and resume their sport delivery. The opportunity and importance of drawing on evidence-based insights during these unprecedented times is highlighted here, by connecting examples of existing knowledge in several key areas (assessing and building capacity, embracing innovation, and adapting top-down policy directives to the local context) with the challenges facing community sport clubs.
• Return to play after COVID-19: a sport cardiologist’s view, Helder Dores and Nuno Cardim, British Journal of Sports Medicine, (21 May 2020). The authors opine that in athletes clinically recovered from a proved infection (even those with mild disease, without cardiac symptoms or hospital admission), a subclinical myocardial injury may be present. We recommend a medical evaluation before the athlete resume trainings, eventually with exams as transthoracic echocardiogram, maximal exercise testing and 24-hour Holter monitoring to exclude subclinical disease.
• Sport in the tracks and fields of the corona virus: Critical issues during the exit from lockdown, Toomas Timpka op-ed, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Volume 23(7), pp.634-635, (July 2020). The SARS-Cov-2 pandemic has revealed a unique ecology of health-related consequences that require attention, among sportspeople and in the general population alike.21 The most affected groups are often those who are already the most vulnerable. Solidarity and social responsibility should, therefore, not only be accounted for by governments and public health agencies, but also by the sport's governing bodies that formulate lockdown exiting protocols. All sportspeople, from members of governing bodies to coaches and athletes, need to strike the right balance between contributing to protecting the vulnerable by keeping the transmission of SARS-Cov-2 in the community at bay, while easing discontent and economic damage in the sports community.
• Risk/caution of vitamin D insufficiency for quarantined athletes returning to play after COVID-19, Yoshitomo Saita, BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine, Volume 6(1), (October 2020). Insufficient vitamin D is known as a risk factor for developing stress fractures in military personnel and athletes; low level of vitamin D is also associated with the incidence of muscle injuries. The research summarised indicates that the stay-at-home orders and restriction of outdoor training have resulted in low vitamin D levels in athletes. This phenomenon is not just limited to athletes, but applies to anyone who has refrained from going outside given the emergency declaration. According to these observations, everyone, especially athletes and sports-loving people, must be cautious when returning to their training after the COVID-19 quarantine period to decrease the risk of sports-related injuries.
• When can professional sport recommence safely during the COVID-19 pandemic? Risk assessment and factors to consider, Sean Carmody, Andrew Murray, Mariya Borodina, et al, British Journal of Sports Medicine, (15 June 2020). Sport has health, social and economic benefits for individuals and society, and when the COVID-19 pandemic is better ‘controlled’, it may be appropriate to reintroduce community sport and professional sport. In this editorial, we opine on what needs to be in place for professional sport to recommence.

• Football-specific strategies to reduce COVID-19 transmission, Sean Carmody, Imtiaz Ahmad, Vincent Gouttebarge, et.al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, Volume 54(22), pp.1362-1364, (October 2020). This article considers the evolving science pertinent to professional footballers in the context of COVID-19, with the overarching purpose to ensure the health and safety of players, staff, their families and the general public. The primary focus of this article is on strategies to reduce the risk of human-to-human transmission during football activity, aspects of which will be relevant to other sports.
• Graduated return to play guidance following COVID-19 infection, Niall Elliott, Rhodri Martin, Neil Heron, et al, British Journal of Sports Medicine, (22 June 2020). This guidance takes into account public health guidelines in the UK (although we hope its content is relevant more widely) and available expert opinion at time of publication and is for use by healthcare practitioners. It is applicable to performance athletes who have had mild to moderate illness. Those requiring hospital admission merit further assessment.
• Managing the return to sport after quarantine, YLMSportScience, (21 June 2020). By Derek Hansen, sprint coach and return to play specialist.

• A deep dive into testing and management of COVID-19 for Australian high performance and professional sport, Mathew Mooney, Nirmala Kanthi Panagodage Perera, Carolyn Broderick, et al, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport , Volume 23(7), pp.664-669, (July 2020). The purpose of testing for any communicable disease is to support clinicians in the diagnosis and management of individual patients and to describe transmission dynamics. High performance sport is a unique context that may look towards comprehensive testing as a means of risk mitigation. Characteristics of the common testing options are discussed including the circumstances where additional testing may be of benefit and considerations for the associated risks. Finally, a review of the available technology that could be considered for use by medical staff at the point of care (PoC) in a high-performance sporting context is included.
• Cardiorespiratory considerations for return-to-play in elite athletes after COVID-19 infection: a practical guide for sport and exercise medicine physicians, Wilson MG, Hull JH, Rogers J, et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine , Volume 54(19), pp.1157-1161, (2020). Given the rapidly evolving knowledge base about the virus and changing governmental and public health recommendations, a precise answer to this question is fraught with complexity and nuance. Without robust data to inform policy, return-to-play (RTP) decisions are especially difficult for elite athletes on the suspicion that the COVID-19 virus could result in significant cardiorespiratory compromise in a minority of afflicted athletes. There are now consistent reports of athletes reporting persistent and residual symptoms many weeks to months after initial COVID-19 infection. These symptoms include cough, tachycardia and extreme fatigue. To support safe RTP, we provide sport and exercise medicine physicians with practical recommendations on how to exclude cardiorespiratory complications of COVID-19 in elite athletes who place high demand on their cardiorespiratory system. As new evidence emerges, guidance for a safe RTP should be updated.
• Coronavirus Disease-19 Quarantine Is More Detrimental Than Traditional Off-Season on Physical Conditioning of Professional Soccer Players, Grazioli, Rafael, Loturco, Irineu, Baroni, Bruno M., et.al., Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Volume 34(12), pp.3316-3320, (December 2020). Beyond the severe health crisis, the coronavirus disease 2019 has also affected the high-performance sports scenario. In soccer, practitioners are concerned about the effects of long-term detraining on players' conditioning, and caution is required when activities return. This study assessed body composition, jump and sprint performance, hamstring eccentric strength, and intermittent cardiorespiratory fitness of 23 male professional soccer players who returned to training activities after 63 days of quarantine. The results were compared with their physical condition assessed before a pre-season phase as soon as they returned to training after a regular 24-day off-season period. In comparison with after off-season assessments, the quarantine induced significant increases in body mass, body fat mass, 10- and 20-m sprint times as well as decreases in countermovement jump height (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in hamstring eccentric strength, squat jump height, and cardiorespiratory fitness (p > 0.05). In summary, we showed that 63 days of quarantine impaired several physical performance measures compared with regular off-season in soccer players. Given the present results, special attention should be given to body composition–related and speed power–related capabilities after long-term detraining in professional soccer.
• COVID-19: Return to Youth Sports: Preparing Sports Venues and Events for the Return of Youth Sports, David Pierce, Jessi Stas, Kevin Feller, William Knox, Sports Innovation Journal, Volume 1, (2 June 2020). States and counties are publishing their own unique guidelines for permitting youth sports to return over designated phases, creating a patchwork of guidelines and dates for returning to practice and games. Governing bodies, sports facilities, and event operators are creating modifications and adaptations for participants and spectators to ensure a safe environment. The Sports Innovation Institute at IUPUI, a partnership between Indiana and Purdue universities in Indianapolis, and Grand Park Sports Campus (Westfield, Ind.) collaborated to better understand how COVID-related adaptations are perceived by parents, athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators. The results provide youth sports facilities and event operators with data on how specific adaptions are received by these stakeholders who are looking to return to youth sports in a timely, but safe manner.
• Is extensive cardiopulmonary screening useful in athletes with previous asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection? Salvatore Francesco Gervas, Luca Pengue, Luca Damato, et.al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, Volume 55(1), pp.54-61, (2021). The aim of this study is to understand which investigations are useful in a screening protocol aimed at protecting health but also avoiding inappropriate examinations. None of the 30 players we examined revealed significant cardiovascular abnormalities after clinical recovery. A mild reduction in spirometry parameters versus pre-COVID-19 values was observed in all athletes, but it was statistically significant (p<0.05) only in SARS-CoV-2-positive athletes. One SARS-CoV-2-positive player showed increased troponin I level, but extensive investigation did not show signs of myocardial damage. In this small cohort of athletes with previous asymptomatic/mild SARS-CoV-2 infection, a comprehensive screening protocol including blood tests, spirometry, resting ECG, stress-test ECG with oxygen saturation monitoring and echocardiogram did not identify relevant anomalies. While larger studies are needed, extensive cardiorespiratory and haematological screening in athletes with asymptomatic/mild SARS-CoV-2 infection appears unnecessary.
• Managing the combined consequences of COVID-19 infection and lock-down policies on athletes: narrative review and guidelines proposal for a safe return to sport, Jean-Bernard Fabre, Laurent Grelot, William Vanbiervielt, et.al., BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine, Volume 6(1), (October 2020). Despite COVID-19 clinical manifestations are mainly respiratory, major cardiac complications are being reported, leading to acute myocarditis. One difficulty is that symptoms of COVID-19 vary among individuals, with athletes being affected with no apparent sign of the disease. This could be a real danger for amateur or professional athletes when returning to their usual training and thus to play. Another threat is that the lock-down policies did not allow most athletes to follow their usual training routines. There is thus a need for a careful approach by the sports medicine community to ensure safety of all athletes before they return to sport. Here, we propose evaluation guidelines of fitness and health of athletes to (1) reduce any lethal risk of practice, especially myocarditis and sudden cardiac death; (2) evaluate the combined consequences of the disease and detraining on the physical abilities and biological profile of athletes; and (3) monitor postinfection fatigue symptoms.
• Return to sport for North American professional sport leagues in the context of COVID-19, DiFiori JP, Green G, Meeuwisse W, et.al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, (23 September 2020). This document describes important considerations for North American professional sports leagues assessing whether and how to resume phased operations, including practices and games. Sports should prioritise and promote the health and safety of athletes, team and operational staff, and other participants, and not unduly increase those individuals’ relative health risk while contributing to economic recovery, providing entertainment for the public and leading a responsible restoration of civic life.
• Returning to Play after Prolonged Training Restrictions in Professional Collision Sports, Keith A. Stokes, Ben Jones, Mark Bennett, International Journal of Sports Medicine, (29 May 2020). In extended periods of reduced training, without targeted intervention, changes in body composition and function can be profound. However, there are strategies that can dramatically mitigate potential losses, including resistance training to failure with lighter loads, plyometric training, exposure to high-speed running to ensure appropriate hamstring conditioning, and nutritional intervention. Athletes may require psychological support given the challenges associated with isolation and a change in regular training routine. While training restrictions may result in a decrease in some physical and psychological qualities, athletes can return in a positive state following an enforced period of rest and recovery. On return to training, the focus should be on progression of all aspects of training, taking into account the status of individual athletes.
• Safety procedures for exercise testing in the scenario of COVID-19: a position statement of the Società Italiana Scienze Motorie e Sportive
  Massimo Venturelli, Emiliano Cè, Mara Paneroni, et.al., Sport Sciences for Health, Volume 16, pp.601-607, (2020). Recent data on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic showed that the virus is mostly conveyed by respiratory droplets that are produced at high intensity especially when an infected subject coughs or sneezes. Therefore, elevated volume ventilations, usually reached during physical efforts and exercise, are a potential source of contamination. On the other hand, the lockdown period which has lasted for nearly 2 months and is actually involving several countries worldwide, obliged a large part of human population to sedentary behaviors, drastically reducing their physical activity level, and reducing their cardiopulmonary fitness. Therefore, cardiopulmonary exercise testing could be beneficial, so that a safe and well-weighted return to pre-lockdown active lifestyle can be efficiently planned. However, specific guidelines on exercise testing safety procedures in the era of COVID-19 are unavailable so far. This article is aimed to provide an overview of safety procedures for exercise testing during and after COVID-19 worldwide pandemic.
• Sports Medicine Considerations During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Mary K. Mulcahey, Arianna L. Gianakos, Angela Mercurio, et.al., American Journal of Sports Medicine, (16 November 2020). The current disruption in sports activities caused by COVID-19 presents a challenge to physicians, coaches, and trainers in discerning best practices for a safe return to sport. There is a distinct need to develop and adopt consistent measures for resumption of sports activities, including training and competition, in a way that places the health and well-being of athletes at the forefront while also protecting coaches, allied staff, and spectators. This article provides an overview of the effects of COVID-19 in the athletic population and presents considerations for training during the pandemic, as well as guidelines for return to sports as restrictions are lifted.
• The Stanford Hall consensus statement for post-COVID-19 rehabilitation, Barker-Davies RM, O'Sullivan O, Senaratne KPP, et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, Volume 54(16), pp.949-959, (30 June 2020). There is a clear need for guidance on the rehabilitation of COVID-19 survivors. This consensus statement was developed by an expert panel in the fields of rehabilitation, sport and exercise medicine (SEM), rheumatology, psychiatry, general practice, psychology and specialist pain, working at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall, UK.
• Successful return to professional men’s football (soccer) competition after the COVID-19 shutdown: a cohort study in the German Bundesliga, Meyer T, Mack D, Donde K, et.al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, (24 September 2020). This study evaluates the success of the concept based on available objective indicators, that is, symptoms, testing results and development of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 (seroconversion). These findings may help clinical colleagues in other sports and other parts of the world as they address the question of return to play during and after the pandemic.

• Lockdown and return to performance: caution with the shoes!, JB Morin, YouTube, (27 May 2020). Recommends progressive return to sport and increase in mechanical load: it's gotta be (also) the shoes (and other sport-specific material). For example in football, rugby, cycling, sprint, jump etc: going back to ∼daily use after 8+ wks without might be risky. If still locked down, use them regularly for home sessions to maintain specific stimulus.

• AFL reveals extraordinary cost to keep season going, Laurence Rosen, SEN, (July 2020). AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan says the league is paying roughly $3 million per week to keep the competition alive.
• AFL issues redundancies nationwide as clubs begin to cut assistant coaches, Courtney Walsh, The Australian , (24 August 2020). About 20 per cent of AFL employees were informed on Monday they would lose their jobs after months of uncertainty as the AFL confronts a $400m loss this year.

• NRLW in limbo after Roosters withdraw from elite women's competition, Sam Phillips, Sydney Morning Herald, (29 March 2020). The future of the NRLW competition is in serious doubt after two of the four competing clubs pulled the pin on their respective seasons.
• NRL 2020 injury crisis: $25m casualty ward crippling the game, Dean Ritchie, The Daily Telegraph, (30 June 2020). News Corp Australia can reveal a massive injury toll has enveloped the NRL with non-contact and soft-tissue injuries — including knee, hamstring, calf and muscle tendon injuries — having doubled compared to previous years.
• “How has your club culture been impacted by COVID?” Pakenham Eels Rugby League Club, Club Respect, (October 2020). Initially, during the first lockdown, we tried to engage our members using our social media platforms, and likewise, once we recommenced training. There was a lot of fear and trepidation within our members about Covid. Our player numbers at that time reduced to less than a third of what we had the previous season and we saw this plummet again once the numbers of cases kept going up, ultimately ending our 2020 season.

• NSW Rugby announce job cuts in wake of COVID-19 challenges, Beth Newman, Rugby.com.au, (30 June 2020). More than a quarter of NSW Rugby staff have been let go in a restructure that NSW Rugby CEO Paul Doorn said was about the organisation's survival. On Tuesday, NSW Rugby announced it would make 15 roles or 27 per cent of its workforce redundant, while the remainder of the business remains on significant pay cuts for the time being.

• COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Service, National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools (NCCMT)/McMaster University. As one strategy to support the public health sector’s response to COVID-19, the National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools (NCCMT) has developed a Rapid Evidence Service. The Rapid Evidence Service provides trusted and approachable overviews of recent research to answer pressing questions from public health organisations related to COVID-19. The Service includes a summary of the key points and knowledge gaps from a rigorous review of the research. It also provides an appraisal of the methodological quality of the evidence using internationally accepted methods and tools. Topics tend to be broader (not directly addressing sport/physical activity) but may be relevant for broader research (e.g. mental health, development of guidelines, etc.).
• Impact of the COVID-19 virus outbreak on movement and play behaviours of Canadian children and youth: a national survey, Sarah A. Moore, Guy Faulkner, Ryan E. Rhodes, International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Volume 17, Article 85, (2020). Only 4.8% (2.8% girls, 6.5% boys) of children and 0.6% (0.8% girls, 0.5% boys) of youth were meeting combined movement behaviour guidelines during COVID-19 restrictions. Children and youth had lower PA levels, less outside time, higher SB (including leisure screen time), and more sleep during the outbreak. Parental encouragement and support, parental engagement in PA, and family dog ownership were positively associated with healthy movement behaviours. Although families spent less time in PA and more time in SB, several parents reported adopting new hobbies or accessing new resources.
• Survey led by Dalhousie researcher shows COVID-19 lockdown’s impact on children, youth activity, Aya Al-Hakim, Global News, (13 July 2020). The study shows that in April, one month after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, less than three per cent of Canadian youth ages five to 17 were meeting the minimum recommendations in the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep — in contrast to 15 per cent before the health crisis.
• Impacts of COVID-19 on local sports organisations: Nationwide survey results, Sport for Life, (August 2020). This report outlines the findings of the nationwide Impacts of COVID-19 on Local Sports Organizations survey that Sport for Life conducted between May 19 and June 5, 2020, based on Sport Calgary's recent survey. The data collected from 1,300 respondents representing nearly 4 million members and more than 56 sports, informs governments of the operational and financial impacts the pandemic has had on sports organizations. These organizations, which represent about 4% of the sport sector across Canada, collectively employ roughly 14,500 employees so their viability could affect more than 350,000 jobs significantly impacting Canada’s unemployment rate. 99% of sport organizations are affected by COVID-19 while 65% of clubs and associations cannot access Canadian emergency funding initiatives. As many as 21% may not recover without emergency support, resulting in less opportunities for sport.
  • Impacts of COVID-19 on local sports organisations [infographic], Edmonton Sport Council, (August 2020). Our Impacts of COVID-19 on Local Sports Organizations survey is now complete. We'll be sharing our findings the next week. We all need to learn from each other as we figure out what's next for the sport and physical activity ecosystem.

• 2020 SCRI Conference. Check out the 2020 Sport Canada Research Initiative Conference Conference materials, including video recordings and presenter slides.
• 2020 Webinar series, Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, (2020). A series of webinars for municipal recreation staff and stakeholders about the safe reopening of parks and recreation facilities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The full series includes webinars on playgrounds and fields, parks and trail, aquatic facilities, and arenas.
• COVID-19 Video Program, SIRC, (accessed 31 August 2020). SIRC, alongside knowledge mobilization partner inMotion, launched a new program providing video storytelling opportunities to support sport organizations’ communications efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Navigating COVID-19: A Community Sport Perspective, James Anderson, Rocky Point Sailing Association, SIRC, (1 December 2020). When the COVID-19 pandemic was announced, summer programs were nearly sold-out and dozens of school field trips were booked for the spring. RPSA’s Executive Committee immediately established a taskforce to help understand the pandemic restrictions and their implications. Initially, we were optimistic. We thought perhaps by summer the pandemic would pass. When it became clear COVID-19 was here to stay, anxiety set in about RPSA’s future. Ultimately, RPSA’s volunteers and staff developed return to sport policies, safely ran physically distanced programs, and effectively managed finances to ensure the organization’s long-term financial health. For our Executive Committee, it was a humbling experience, albeit a bit of a paradox – although COVID-19 kept our community physically apart, it also brought our community closer together through a shared passion and hope in a mutual future. This blog shares some of our learnings and actions.
• Ottawa Return to Play Roadmap, Ottawa Sport Council, (accessed 27 July 2020). Under the stewardship of the Ottawa Sport Council, the Ottawa Return to Play Roadmap has been developed by 70 local sport organizations and the City of Ottawa to promote and enable the resumption of sport in our community. Based on guidelines from public health officials at the community, provincial and federal levels, the Roadmap provides a selection of practical tools and resources to ensure that sport rolls out consistently and carefully, based on the best available information. The Roadmap is a living document. Content will be added as new information and resources become available and as the COVID-19 situation develops.
• Return to High Performance Sport Framework, Own the Podium, (May 2020). The National Framework is a tool which consists of a minimum baseline of standards from current evidence, and guidelines from the provincial, territorial, and federal health authorities extrapolated into the sporting context by medical experts in infectious diseases and public health. The National Framework focuses on ‘how’ the reintroduction of sport activity will occur in a cautious and methodical manner from an athlete, coach, and practitioner perspective.
• Returning to the workplace playbook, ParticipACTION, (July 2020). To help you and your employees stay healthy and productive, we’ve rounded up some of our best resources to help support workplace physical distancing guidelines through the many benefits of active.

• Supporting the recovery of the sport sector and addressing the COVID-19 pandemic: Council adopts conclusions, Council of the European Union, (22 June 2020). The Council conclusions recommend to member states, the Commission and the sport movement how to address the COVID-19 pandemic in the recovery stage. The conclusions invite member states to promote the possibilities for support through EU programmes, funds and initiatives, such as the Erasmus+ programme, the European Solidarity Corps, the Corona Response Investment Initiative (CRII), and the Corona Response Investment Initiative Plus (CRII+).

• Position Stand: Return to Sport in the Current Coronavirus Pandemic (SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19), Nieß AM, Bloch W, Friedmann-Bette B, Grim C, et al, German Journal of Sports Medicine, Volume 71(5), (May 2020). This position paper presents an initial guideline for procedures in the clarification of sport eligibility and reintegration in competitive sport after recovery from a SARSCoV-2 infection. Given the lack of an adequate data base on this new disease and especially the lack of scientific knowledge on the sport-specific aspects of the disease, we understand this position paper as an initial expert consensus on the question of conception of the safest possible return of the athlete to competitive sport after an infection with SARS-CoV-2.

• Coronavirus and sport - science and practice, SPONET, Institut für Angewandte Trainingswissenschaft (IAT). Topic portal, providing a growing database of international literature covering the topic of sport and COVID-19. Accompanying sports illustrations provided by children 3 to 11 years.

• Sport NZ COVID-19 Fund provides $1.85M to organisations beyond its traditional partners, Sport New Zealand, (19 August 2020). Designed to relieve the financial impact of COVID-19, the Exceptional Systems Support Fund was open for applications from national organisations whose primary purpose is the delivery of play, active recreation or sport, and who are  not current investment partners of Sport NZ.
• Community Sport and Recreation Under COVID-19 Alert Level Restrictions, Sport New Zealand, (14 August 2020). Sport NZ is encouraging all New Zealanders to remain physically active, but to follow the Government’s guidelines for their region’s alert levels.
• Details of national league funding released, Sport New Zealand, (10 July 2020). On Tuesday, Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson announced $80m in funding targeted at all levels of the Play, Active Recreation and Sport sector.
• $80 million for sport recovery at all levels, Sport New Zealand, (7 July 2020). Grant Robertson has today announced the first major release of funding from the $265 million Sport Recovery Package announced at Budget 2020.
• Sport NZ provides $4.6 million in financial relieve to professional clubs, Sport New Zealand. (4 June 2020). Sport NZ has provided a total of $4.6 million to the Wellington Phoenix, Vodafone Warriors, Super Rugby clubs and the ANZ Premiership Netball League and teams to ease the financial impact of COVID-19. This is the first release of investment from the $265 million Sport Recovery Package announced as part of Budget 2020, with this being the only allocation available for release before 1 July.
• Budget 2020, Sport New Zealand, (17 May 2020). Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson has today announced a $264.6m investment into the Sport and Recreation sector as part of Budget 2020.
• Sport NZ announces further $25 million short-term relieve package, Sport New Zealand, (7 May 2020). Sport NZ has created a $25 million package to provide further short-term relief for organisations at all levels of sport and active recreation. The funds have been made available through savings achieved from the reprioritisation of Sport NZ’s work programme in the wake of COVID-19, as well as the drawing down on cash reserves.
• Funding certainty for sports through COVID-19, Sport New Zealand, (3 April 2020). National sports organisations have been given certainty of funding to ensure they can remain viable through the COVID-19 pandemic, Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson announced today.

• COVID-19, Sport New Zealand. Topic portal, providing help and support for the sector, as well as information for the public during COVID-19.
• Sport New Zealand 2020-21 Strategic Priorities. In light of the ever changing COVID-19 environment, we have developed a document to outline our single year strategic priorities. This will be our focus for the next 12 months. In response to COVID-19, our Government is investing close to $265m over the next four years to help the sector reset, recover and rebuild.
• Think Piece: COVID-19, Sport New Zealand, (2020). This scan looks to highlight some of the longer-term implications from COVID-19 that are now emerging for the play, active recreation and sport sector. It explores: assumed crisis trajectory; longer term uncertainties; financial impact; wider societal wellbeing; globalisation; political leadership; mobility and proximity behaviour; impact on sport.

• Implications of COVID-19 for resumption of sport in South Africa: A South African Sports Medicine Association (SASMA) position statement, Dimakatso Ramagole, Christa Janse van Rensburg, Lee Pillay, et al, The South African Journal of Sports Medicine, Volume 32(1), (2020). With this Position Statement, the South African Sports Medicine Association (SASMA) aims to guide return-to-sport as safely as possible, in an evidence-based manner, given that COVID-19 is a new illness and new information from experts in various fields continues to emerge. Clinical considerations are briefly described, focusing on a return-to-sport strategy, including education, preparation of the environment, risk stratification of sports and participants, and the practical implementation of these guidelines. The management of the potentially exposed or infected athlete is further highlighted.

• Impact of Covid-19 on DCMS sectors, UK Parliament, (June 2020). The DCMS Committee has launched an inquiry into the 'Impact of Covid-19 on DCMS sectors'. It will consider both the immediate and long-term impact that Covid-19 and the related social and financial measures are having on the wide range of industries and organisations under the Committee’s remit. Various sport organisations provided written or oral testimony including UK Sport, Sport England, UKactive, London Sport, Youth Sport Trust, Sport and Recreation Alliance, and more.  
  • Impact Of Covid-19 On Sport For Development Sector Having 'Profound Effect', Sport for Development Coalition, (July 2020). The SFDC, a growing Movement of more than 100 charities, networks and governing bodies who believe in the power of sport to generate positive social outcomes, has published its response to the DCMS Committee inquiry on the impact of the pandemic. The SFDC reveals that the pandemic has had “a significant impact” on the sector from reduced funding and financial security, to a forced reduction and adaptation in delivery, and increased challenges in engaging participants.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation, UK Government.Guidance for the public, providers of outdoor sport facilities, elite athletes, personal trainers and coaches on the phased return of sport and recreation.
• Return to play, Sport England.There's a lot for sport and physical activity providers to consider as lockdown restrictions evolve. We've got guidance on a range of topics to help you plan for the return to play.
  • New resources to help prepare for a return to play, Sport England, (26 June 2020).We've produced advice and guidance to help the sport and physical activity sector as it reopens and prepares for what comes next.
• Return to recreational team sport framework, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, (9 July 2020). The government recognises the vital role sports and physical activity plays in ensuring physical and mental health. The return of team sport is an exciting moment for the millions of people who use this activity as their exercise of choice and gain the multiple physical, mental and social benefits of playing. This return must be made as safe as possible, which is why the government has produced this guidance and why sport governing bodies will be preparing thorough plans of their own. It is recognised that risk in sport cannot be completely eradicated, but with caution and care, risks can be reduced and the benefits of team sport enjoyed fully again.
• Sports medicine leaders working with government and public health to plan a ‘return-to-sport’ during the COVID-19 pandemic: the UK’s collaborative five-stage model for elite sport, Kemp S, Cowie CM, Gillett M, et al, British Journal of Sports Medicine, (13 July 2020). These guidance documents, read in conjunction with existing guidance around the risk assessment and minimum standards for competition, provide the major elite UK sporting organisations with a quality assured framework to plan ‘how’ they might return. Further consideration is needed to determine ‘when’ a return is appropriate. It is envisaged that for an individual sport, this will be based on a sport specific risk assessment, close consultation with relevant public health authorities and consideration of the time needed to safely recondition its athletes.

• Fitness Studio exercise videos, National Health Service (NHS). Use the tabs at the top of the page to choose a workout from the NHS Fitness Studio's range of online exercise videos.

• Active Lives Adult Survey reports, Sport England, (October 2020). Activity levels in England were on course to reach record highs before the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic hit, according to our latest Active Lives Adult Survey.The survey shows that the gains made in the first 10 months of the year were cancelled out by drops in activity levels during this period, despite an increase in cycling for leisure, running outside and exercising at home as people adapted their activity habits during the pandemic. Overall, activity levels in England remained stable across the 12 months. To explain the survey’s results as clearly as possible, we’ve produced two reports. The first covers the full 12 months up until mid-May, while the second is a snapshot of people’s behaviours and attitudes between mid-March and mid-May and covers the period when restrictions across the country were introduced. This report gives the most detailed insight yet into how people adapted their activity habits in the first few weeks of restrictions.
• Children's activity levels down but many embrace new opportunities, Sport England, (14 January 2021). Our latest Active Lives Children and Young People Survey shows teenage boys were hardest hit by the pandemic but girls became more active as they found alternative ways to be active.
• Covid-19 Impact Report, Community Leisure UK, (August 2020). This report highlights the significant risks posed to Community Leisure UK members across England, Scotland and Wales as a result of Covid-19, and potentially disastrous long-term impacts for the sector. The data presented in this report is based on insights from our members’ survey, concluded at the end of July 2020. There is a high risk of venues and facilities closing permanently as a result of rationalisation and financial pressures. There are currently 342 facilities at risk of permanent closure, including 85 leisure centres and 24 swimming pools. This would result in a loss of 18% of swimming pools run by our members, which would impact on communities, clubs and athletes. Approximately 60% of members intend to reopen for sports clubs to access facilities initially.
• COVID-19 Physical Activity Tracker. Shortly after the government issued guidance on social distancing and limiting people to one piece of outdoor exercise a day, Sport England commissioned Savanta ComRes to conduct regular surveys. Each week for the initial eight weeks of lockdown, Savanta ComRes surveyed the English public to assess their activity levels and attitudes towards physical activity. After the initial eight weeks, surveys are being conducted on a monthly basis, with ad hoc collections at other times in response to specific changes to restrictions.Overall, activity levels held up relatively well throughout – with a third of adults doing 30 minutes or more of physical activity (at a level that raised their breathing rate) on five or more days a week. But only 19% of parents said their children were meeting the Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines and doing an hour a day. Below the surface, we also see familiar inequalities replicated, even exacerbated. The whole population has been affected, but not affected equally. Summaries of each survey and links to the full data are available from the Sport England website.
• Insight Pack: Health Conditions and Physical Activity - the impact of COVID-19, Sport England/We are Undefeatable, (June 2020). This report, developed in collaboration with our We Are Undefeatable partners, draws upon a range of sources to provide the most up to date picture of activity amongst adults with long term health conditions, and importantly, what they are thinking and feeling in light of COVID-19.

• Coronavirus, Sport England. Provides information on Latest government guidance; Return to play; Join the Movement; Activity levels research; Funding, flexibility and innovation; and, What happens next?
  • Return to Play Fund. The £16.5 million fund is split into three strands and brings our total support for the sport and physical activity sector to more than £220m.
• Covid-19, UK Sport. Provides a list of information and articles relating to UK Sport's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and links to additional resources where relevant.
• COVID-19 and Sport: Webinar series, London Sport/Connect Sport, (August 2020). London Sport has published a series of webinars which focus on the Covid-19 pandemic and its implications for community and grassroots sport. The webinars have been produced over the summer in partnership with the Mayor of London's office, with themes ranging from ‘finance and funding’ to ‘leadership in times of crisis’.
• Graduated return to play guidance following COVID-19 infection [infographic], Elliott N, Martin R, Heron N, et al, British Journal of Sports Medicine, (22 June 2020). This guidance takes into account public health guidelines in the UK (although we hope its content is relevant more widely) and available expert opinion at time of publication and is for use by healthcare practitioners. It is applicable to performance athletes who have had mild to moderate illness. Those requiring hospital admission merit further assessment.
• Socially Distanced Sport: a toolkit for sport and physical activity practitioners, Mayor of London, (September 2020). This document outlines suggestions for organisations wishing to run activities while COVID-19 is present but we recognise that they will not be relevant for everyone. We expect that you will adapt the toolkit to meet your organisation’s needs and within the context of your own activities.
• Sport COVID-19, BDO United Kingdom. When it comes to keeping your organisation up and running, knowing the right questions to ask and where to find the information you need can make all the difference. This guidance has been produced by BDO LLP. Through our partnership with Sport England and UK Sport we have set up a hub to share with you our knowledge on particular challenges you may be facing at this time. Each of the tiles contains guidance around key business areas that may have been affected due to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• The UN Global Programme gathers 'International Expert Group to explore The Impact of COVID19 on the Security of Major Sporting Events' (16 July 2020). High-level representatives and leading experts from the field of sport, security and health gathered at a virtual ‘International Expert Group Meeting on The Impact of COVID19 on the Security of Major Sporting Events’. Participants exchanged views on the challenges caused by the pandemic on major sporting events and agreed on the urgent need to develop comprehensive preventive measures encompassing health, safety and security aspects.

• COVID-19, Women, Girls and Sport: Build Back Better, UN Women, (July 2020). The impacts of COVID-19 are already being felt harder by women and girls in many areas of life due to gender inequalities, and we see this mirrored in sport. This brief is informed by the Sports for Generation Equality Framework, launched by UN Women and the International Olympic Committee in March 2020. It focuses on the impacts of COVID-19 on women and girls in sports in five areas: Leadership, Gender-Based Violence, Economic Opportunities, Media Participation and Representation, and Girls Participation in Sport. It presents key recommendations to different actors in the sport ecosystem that go beyond mitigating the impact of the crisis on women and girls, and create a future in and through sport that builds back better.
• The impact of COVID-19 on sport, physical activity and well-being and its effects on social development, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, (May 2020). The COVID-19 pandemic has had and will continue to have very considerable effects on the sporting world as well as on the physical and mental well-being of people around the world. The following recommendations seek to both support the safe re-opening of sporting events and tournaments following the pandemic, as well as to maximize the benefits that sport and physical activity can bring in the age of COVID-19 and beyond.
• Sport: a global accelerator of peace and sustainable development for all: Report of the Secretary-General, United Nations General Assembly, (13 July 2020). Prepared in the context of the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the report highlights the important role of physical activity and sport in mitigating the impact of the pandemic on health and well-being and examines the role of digital technology in helping sport to fulfill that role. It further examines means of building global resilience to counter future shocks through investment and innovation in sport and sport-related policies.

• COVID-19 Return to Training: Guidance on Safe Return to Training For Athletes, National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), (2020). The purpose of this document is to compile and summarize pertinent information to support safe and appropriate training practices with teams, athletes and clients during the expected transition period back to full training activity. The information included is to be applied in accordance with institutional policies, as well as the latest local, state, and federal guidelines related to the containment and prevention of COVID-19. It is also important to note that the overall risks for athletes following periods of inactivity extend beyond the scope of preventative measures against the spread of COVID-19. This document includes both COVID-19 prevention and inactivity related guidelines and resources for strength and conditioning coaches upon returning to partial or full training activity.
• Resocialization of Collegiate Sport: Developing Standards for Practice and Competition, National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), (2020). This publication extends previous guidance and provides updated recommendations about the protection of athletes and prevention of community spread of COVID-19.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).The NCAA continues to closely monitor COVID-19 and is taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the virus. When it comes to decision-making, our commitment is this: protect the health and safety of college athletes. All remaining winter and spring NCAA championships and related events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, have been canceled.Website provides links to all NCAA resources relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• COVID-19 Updates and Resources, American College of Sports Medicine.The college has created and curated a number of resources to help you address the many questions and challenges that you may be facing during this time. All pages are updated with new information as it becomes available.
• Coronavirus UpdatesUnited States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Links to current and previous communications and guidelines relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • COVID Athlete Assistance Fund. The fund is intended to provide a one-time stipend to U.S. athletes who have incurred financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the postponement of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.