June 17, 2020

Welcome to Surf Sports Weekly!

Do you know someone in your club or branch that would like to receive this? You can now subscribe online from our website! Archived editions are also available to be downloaded. 

Coronavirus Updates and Resources for SLSNSW Members

Updated 12 June 2020

Surf Life Saving NSW continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic through official sources including the Australian Government Department of Health, NSW Health and NSW Sport.

The SLSNSW Return to Sport Plan has been updated. It is available here on our website.

• Effective from 13 June – outdoor training groups increase from 10 to 20 people.
• Effective from 1 July – junior and senior community sporting competitions, training and contact activities can resume. The creation of a COVID-19 Safety Plan for sporting competitions and training activities is required to be completed by all clubs and can be found here on the NSW Government website.

IRB Training

• IRB training develops and maintains vital lifesaving skills required to maintain rescue readiness. As such, IRB training may now resume.
• Until 1 July, live patient pick-ups should be kept to a minimum. During this time with recommendations to utilise alternative equipment where practical to resemble a patient pick-up.
• Strict hygiene protocols apply for all shared equipment, including the disinfecting of equipment after each use (see Infection Control Guidelines for Sport)
• Strict physical distancing measures remain in place while outside the IRB maintaining 1.5m separation with no more than 20 participants.
• Please remember to gradually increase your training loads to reduce the risk of injury.

IRB Competition

The impact of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the 2020 IRB season. Whilst restrictions continue to change and relax, the Surf Sports team has been planning ways to deliver a Sharkskin Premiership Round and the State Championships. There is still no clarity to enable confirmation of the dates, locations or the likelihood of the event proceeding, however, below are the dates and locations we are currently working towards based on the feedback received at the recent IRB Coach Team Managers Forum held on Thursday 4 June. We thank all Coaches and Managers who attended this valuable session.

• IRB Round: 29 and 30 August at Umina SLSC
• IRB State Championships: 5 and 6 September at Fingal SLSC
• At this stage, SLSA is still planning to hold the IRB Aussie Championships if possible

It is important to note that these IRB dates and venues are tentative and are subject to change or cancellation.

Surf Boat Training

It is suggested that Surf Boats can begin surf sports training from 1st July. We will keep you informed as more information becomes available

Note: SLSNSW considers that the maintenance of aquatic and water craft skills and general fitness is important to ensure the personal safety of volunteers who are likely to be engaged in rescue or response operations.

Please ensure you visit our dedicated Coronavirus webpage and read through all of the latest updates and guidelines.

Coaching Database and Workshops

Register your details below to be part of the SLSNSW Coach Database to receive the latest coaching communications along with education and development opportunities. Registrations are also open for the July Pool Rescue workshop with Andrew Bowden.

SLSNSW will be facilitating a new surf sports topic each month. The objective of these sessions is to not only build coaching knowledge and capability across NSW but to also create coaching networks across the state to enable coaches to work together for the betterment of our NSW members and athletes. The session topics align to the season calendar so that the knowledge learned may immediately be utilised.