Dear members, as we all moving to hopefully Phase 2 of the Government Covid19 reopening plan and getting ready to a ‘new normal’, it’s time to update you all re MGAI plans. We have submitted to Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) a document which explores the challenges faced in restarting games competitions in 2020. This document will evolve and should be considered as a ‘living and breathing ‘ document as Government and HSE guidelines are updated. We have a duty of care not just to our members but to our members families and wider society, that we have all required protocols in place so that hosting a mounted games competition will not be a source of spreading the Covid 19 virus. These revised protocols ‘new normal’ are quite extensive and need to be fully understood by all members.
A key risk in Mounted Games is equipment transfer and the potential of equipment becoming a source of transmission. The aim is to restart competitions starting with an individual one day Open competition with a Covid-19 set of protocols in place which can then be reviewed before rolling out the revised protocols to pairs and ultimately teams competitions. Until these protocols are put in place and tested, no overnight competitions are planned. Any competition is subject to government travel restrictions which is still 20km during Phase 2 starting June 8th.
Key points are;
It will be made clear at the time of entry (T&C’s on entry form) that any person displaying symptoms associated with Covid19 (Fever, Cough, Shortness of Breath or Breathing Difficulties), people who have been in close contact of a confirmed case, people who are considered in a high-risk group, or those caring for somebody in a vulnerable category should not attend.
Entries Taken on-line only. No cash entries acceptable. Entries of riders plus arena party must be made on its plain sailing, giving us a record for contact tracing. Any changes to arena party MUST be notified in advance as checks need to be made re active membership and in addition contact tracing lists need to be updated.
Family Units travel together to events with no sharing of lorries/jeeps/ponies outside of the family group.
Entry to games events is restricted to MGA members only including arena party.
In the event the Government introduces a Contact Tracing App, as a condition of entry and participation at an event or activity, the participant will be required to download and install the APP to anonymously log interactions between participants. If somebody tests positive for Covid-19, the app alerts those who’ve been in close contact with that person. This will be stated on booking form.
If face masks are recommended by Public Health guidelines, it will be mandatory for both riders and all attendees to wear the same. Regardless of whether they are mandatory or not, use of them would be a deterrent to touching face & a reminder of the serious nature of current situation. MGAI have decided that we trial during initial first session back so that MGAI are prepared in case masks become mandatory.
On arrival at events MGAI will check that only those entered (both riders and arena party) arrive on site for the competition.
Lorries and Jeeps/Cars must be parked at least 5 metres apart to facilitate loading/unloading.
No tacking up on the side of neighbours door.
Arena Party members stay at all times 2 metres apart. Equipment is colour coded per team/pair/individual and each team/pair/individual own arena party is responsible for the placing, collection and handout of the allocated colour code for that heat. NO arena party member should touch any other teams/pairs/individual equipment under any circumstances MGAI to issue socks for initial trial individuals competition. Equipment is washed/bleached before competition starts and at the end of each heat.
Separate Sanitiser equipment/materials to be provided for each Arena party members at separated equipment area by rider at side of arena. Arena party must clean/sanitise hands at the end of each heat.
Sanitiser equipment/materials to be provided for each rider/pair combination behind the start line. Hands to be sanitized between each race in a colour coded sanitiser area. Between each race riders and ponies to implement social distancing.
If a rider places any piece of equipment on his/her mouth, automatic elimination and equipment must be disinfected.
Riders have to stay 2 metres apart in call up locations.
Social Distancing means no visiting other lorries.
No sharing of water bottles.
No offering/sharing of cups for tea/coffee etc.
Toilets- as we only envisage one day events, portaloos will not be provided. So participants should have their own facilities in their truck / trailer and not share lorry toilet facilities.
Mounted Games Association of Ireland 