1. Background

Purpose of the document is to understand the challenges faced in operating mounted games competitions and training in 2021. 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.

This document is a reference point for Mounted Games (MGAI) and its local areas for all the relevant actions required to safely run all registered shows or training. The document contains protocols which must be undertaken by MGAI Ireland for activities held behind closed doors to prevent the spread of Covid-19. These protocols have been developed by Horse Sport Ireland with the aim of safeguarding everyone’s health and wellbeing during the current public health situation and to ensure that Horse Sport can continue in a safe and appropriate manner. As we’re all aware, guidelines could change rapidly and it’s important that all members stay up to date and abide by Government and HSI protocols.

A key risk identified in 2020 in Mounted Games is equipment transfer and the potential of equipment becoming a source of transmission but this risk has been downgraded as it is now believed that airborne transmission is the more likely means of virus transmission. With regular hand sanitisation the risk of transmission from handling games equipment is considerably lessened.

This document will evolve and should be considered as a ‘living and breathing ‘ document as Government and HSE guidelines are updated.

Entries

Times should aim to facilitate the minimum time on-site for each attendee

All entries must be paid online in advance – no cash to be handled on the day. All entries will be handled by the Its Plain Sailing application which will include Self-declaration Health Screening. The health self-declaration questions should include the following:

1. Do you have symptoms of cough, fever, high temperature, sore throat, runny nose, breathlessness or flu like symptoms now or in the past 14 days? Yes/No

2. Have you been diagnosed with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection in the last 14 days? Yes/No

3. Are you a close contact of a person who is a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days (i.e. less than 2 metres for more than 15 minutes accumulative in 1 day)? Yes/No

4. Have you been advised by a doctor to self-isolate at this time? Yes/No

5. Have you been sent for a Covid-19 test in the past 14 days? Yes/No

6. Have you travelled outside Ireland in the past 14 days? If so you must adhere to current guidelines before attending any event. Yes/No

7. Are you in a ‘high-risk’ category for Covid-19? Yes/No If you have answered ‘Yes’ to question 7 above, Please be familiar with the latest Government advice: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/people-at-higher-risk.html

Finally, there must be a clear declaration before completing the entry to ensure the attendee is aware: Declaration By submitting this form, I confirm that the information I have provided is correct and accurate. I will adhere to the MGAI COVID-19 protocols. I agree that this information will be shared with the HSE/HSC if required.

If anyone answers ‘Yes’ to any question from 1-6, they must be contacted and advised that they cannot attend. Likewise, if someone indicates they do not consent to the temperature check on arrival, they must be advised they cannot attend.

A csv / Excel file can be downloaded which contains the detail of the responses, in a printable list format so it can be used at the gate to check off arrivals. The list should first be reviewed to ensure that the riders’ names on it correspond with the entries received. Check also the officials and volunteers are correct.

Officials:

Must be briefed on these protocols
Clipboards to be cleaned in advance of use and after each person handles them
Cleaning products + disposable paper towel to be available

Judges + Scorers

If not from the same household, the Judge and Scorers he Judge and Scorers must wear face masks.

General Protocols for All Attendees on Site

Do not come to a sport horse equestrian event if you have symptoms of cough, cold, temperature or shortness of breath
DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE whether you are wearing gloves or not. THIS IS CRITICAL
WASH YOUR HANDS as frequently as you can
OBSERVE THE ADVISED COUGH/TISSUE ETIQUETTE at all times
If you become unwell, go immediately to your car and phone your GP for expert advice
Social Distancing advice continues.

Not shake hands or make close contact with other people

Good hygiene and hand washing advice continues

Wash your hands properly and often.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze.

Put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Don’t

Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

Do not share objects that touch your mouth – for example, bottles, cups.

3. Event/Training Risk Mitigation List

Sanitiser equipment/materials to be provided for Arena party members
Sanitiser equipment/materials to be provided for riders behind the start line.
Judge and Scorer must wear face masks if not from the same household/bubble if scoring from same lorry.

4. Revised Fall Protocols

Person first to scene.
- Assess findings from social distance and record findings.
- Summon help first aider and / or parent to scene.
First aider should assess the situation and where possible work from a social distance.
The First Aider must have access to the appropriate PPE i.e. gloves, mask, goggles.
If the faller requires further medical attention at Accident and Emergency, an ambulance should be called or the parent should transport the member. depending on the situation which should be assessed by the First Aider and Health and Safety Officer.
The Health and Safety officer should attend the site of the fall and record all of the details of the accident or incident for the Accident Report Form and Incident Log.