COVID-19 Information and Sport Updates

Published Wed 20 Oct 2021

Position Statement – COVID-19 Vaccinations

21 October 2021

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on our sport, our snow industry, clubs and community.  From the national lockdown in 2020, through to extended lockdowns in state jurisdictions, border closures, the cancellation of national and international competitions and events over the past two seasons and the ongoing impact on the wellbeing of our entire community.
 
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Snow Australia has maintained a position of listening to and relying on information from credible sources including the World Health Organisation, the Federal Government, Sport Australia, The Australian Institute of Sport, State and Territory Governments and public health organisations. We adhere to their advice and promote direct links to these organisations for our community.
 
Snow Australia recognises that vaccination is the best way forward for our sport and for our clubs, our coaches and our volunteers, but we acknowledge that some of our members may choose not to be vaccinated, even if they are eligible.
 
Snow Australia recognises that any state and territory government guidelines and regulations must be adhered to in the first instance. 
 
We strongly encourage our members to get vaccinated. It is probable that full vaccination will become a requirement to enter Snow Australia offices and facilities going forward. The Board and management are monitoring this position in line with the evolving directives. 
 
We believe that by being vaccinated we are protecting ourselves, our family and friends and our community, so we can all get back to participating and competing in the sport we love. 


General Information

Snow Australia Staff and Offices

Snow Australia remains open for business, but has taken several precautions which include:

  • Snow Australia staff are working remotely where and when required. It will be business as usual, with scheduled face-to-face meetings to be conducted electronically; and office phones diverted to mobile phones as required.
  • A cancellation of all non-essential travel (including interstate).
  • All staff and athletes who are returning from overseas will be self-quarantining as per the Government guidelines.

SIA / WADA

Sport Integrity Ausralia (SIA) and the World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) have provided athletes with updated information regarding their testing practices and processes during the Coronavirus situation. Please visit the links below to make sure you are up to date and understand how any change may affect you.

  • SIA have provided a brief FAQ for athletes. Click here 
  • WADA have provided a thorough information sheet for athletes. Click here

COVID-19 Information

General Community Health Practices

We are encouraging all members of our Snowsport Community to follow good hygiene guidelines and social distancing that Governments and health authorities are asking the community to follow. Accordingly, please ensure, those attending our events and activities:

Key Points

  • Pay attention to good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.
  • Wash hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Dry with paper towel or hand dryer.
  • Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
  • You do not need to wear a face mask if you are well.
  • Buying an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol is recommended.
  • For the virus to spread, extended close personal contact is most likely required. 
  • Close personal contact is defined as at least 15 minutes face-to-face or more than two hours in the same room.
  • If you are feeling unwell, you should avoid attending public gatherings or events.
  • If you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 stay at home (self-quarantine) for 14 days
  • If you are concerned, please call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.

High performance athletes should monitor the AIS website, here they will find the most relevant information regarding COVID-19: https://ais.gov.au/health-wellbeing/covid-19.

Ensuring the health and safety of our Snow Australia community will be our priority over the coming weeks and months. 

AIS / Athlete Information

The AIS have prepared information for athletes and sport participants to help them remain safe and active during this time.

Government Links

About COVID-19

Australian Institute of Sport

Smart Traveller

Federal Department of Health

FIS COVID-19 Info Hub