Govt issues SOP to conduct sports competitions

New Delhi: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has issued fresh Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to conduct sports competitions around the country.

The new SOP directs that the sports competitions may start in the non-containment zones with all the COVID-19 safety measures. As per the outdoor events, spectators will be allowed up to 50 per cent of the total capacity of the stadium. For larger events, CCTV monitoring might be planned to check overcrowding at the entry and exit gates, as well as the seating areas.

The ministry said in a statement, "These SOPs, for Organizing Sports Competitions in the Country are to be followed by all stakeholders while conducting sports competitions. Such competitions should also be conducted strictly in accordance with the guidelines of Ministry of Home Affairs."

The athletes and ASPs are directed to maintain a physical distance of at least six feet with each other, except by the athletes in the field of play necessitated by the type of sports, during the event. The SOP stated that "Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory at all times by all and as far as feasible when they are engaged in the field of play and in work out areas."

The SOP added that respiratory etiquettes have to be strictly followed by the athletes and ASPs, which includes covering one's mouth and nose with tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow while coughing/sneezing, and dispose of the used tissues properly. "Self-monitoring of health by athletes and ASPs and reporting any illness at the earliest to COVID-19 Response Team/Task Force constituted by event organizing committee. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited in field of play, workout areas, during travel and in residential settings. Installation & use of Aarogya Setu App shall be advised to all," it further added.

Before resuming these activities, all the workout areas, medical centre, physiotherapy centres, the field of play, showers, gymnasium, washrooms, and other common areas, must be sanitised, said the SOP.

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