4:35 pm, Tuesday 2nd June 2020

To all Surfing Queensland affiliated Boardrider Clubs,
We are writing to you in relation to the Queensland Government’s Return To Play Guide for Queensland’s Sport, recreation and fitness industries.    
There has been some confusion in whether or not clubs are able to run events under the current restrictions.
Stage 2 of Return To Play was brought forward to 12:00 pm yesterday (Monday, 1st June) which now allows Boardrider Clubs to host non-contact indoor and outdoor activities with up to 20 people, permitting they comply with all social-distancing rules currently in place and have their own COVID-safe plan. 
Although this means you can run organised non-contact activities for groups of up to 20 people (including all surfers, friends, coaches, officials and spectators) under the current restrictions, Surfing Queensland strongly recommends Boardrider Clubs wait for Stage 3 to commence before launching club rounds -  beaches are an open public amenity that is highly uncontrollable in relation to the number of potential spectators allowed in this area – unlike controlled venues or facilities (for example: a gym, or indoor tennis court) 
Government is requesting us to curb the enthusiasm by clubs and if possible wait for stage 3 restrictions to be implemented.
Surfing Queensland has been working on a COVID-Safe Industry Plan for surfing, to cover all operations across the industry in Queensland.
This plan seeks approval for flexibility regarding the restrictions on behalf of all clubs including, where appropriate, allowing more participants and spectators than specified in the roadmap.
This is currently being considered and Surfing Queensland will update all Boardrider Clubs once any changes have been made.
Stage 3 is still scheduled to be implemented on the 10th of July.
Please note: To operate, you must also comply with your local council’s restriction guidelines, as these can vary from council-to-council. 
You can find more detailed information on each stage HERE.
    
Surfing Queensland recommends that all affiliated Boardrider Clubs become familiar with their own Workplace Health and Safety plans and COVID-safe plans. 
We will continue to liaise with the Queensland Government and all affiliated Boardrider Clubs to gain insights as to best practices in the current situation.
To assist with your COVID-Safe plan, click HERE.
For any further information, the Surfing Queensland office is contactable by phoning (07) 5520 1165, emailing info@surfingqueensland.com.au, or by messaging us on Facebook.
 
Kind regards,
Surfing Queensland