Basketball Ireland have described the latest government Covid-19 regulations as "confusing" from a sporting standpoint.
Yesterday's government announcement included the news that gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools, and exercise and dance studios will remain open, with strict social distancing and other appropriate protective measures in place.
However, with a maximum of 15 people allowed to take part in organised training with teams outdoors, it said "limits of 6 apply to exercise and dance classes with appropriate physical distancing."
In a statement this afternoon, Basketball Ireland have sought clarification on what is expected of clubs over the coming weeks, with a hope that they will get an explanation in the next day or two.
"Basketball Ireland is in contact with Sport Ireland over the Government’s guidelines issued on Tuesday.
"Basketball Ireland believes that the latest Government statement on Covid-19 restrictions is confusing when viewed from a sports perspective and we hope to get clarification in the next 24 to 48 hours.
.@BballIrl believes that the latest Government statement on Covid-19 restrictions is confusing when viewed from a sports perspective and we hope to get clarification in the next 24 to 48 hours. More details below ⤵️🏀 #basketball #basketballirelandhttps://t.co/JOE8sJv2xv pic.twitter.com/xNXHm8W9Ha
— Basketball Ireland (@BballIrl) August 19, 2020
"The current government text makes no specific mention of indoor training, merely “limits of 6 apply to exercise and dance classes” (government statement) and Basketball Ireland is awaiting clarification. Once this has been provided we will also be seeking out what exceptions, if any, will be made for elite level basketball at international and National League level.
"We await for clear guidance to be given to Sport Ireland and subsequently passed on to National Governing Bodies. We shall then immediately inform our clubs as to the updated protocols. Clubs should avoid organising training sessions of more than 6 people until this clarification is received."
It comes after Kerry GAA chairman Tim Murphy spoke on OTB AM about the need for direction in the next fortnight over whether the inter-county seasons will take place at all.
"I think for the betterment of society and to give people hope, it would be very important in our opinion for the inter-county scene to continue, albeit behind closed doors.
"But at least people could watch it on TV, and I just hope that does happen. In many ways this is outside the GAA's control - it'll be determined by factors that we don't have control over.
"What we're trying to do is control what we can control, and it's up to others to decide is that a good course to take and a safe course to take.
"I would imagine that decision will be made, certainly in the next fortnight. It'll have to be made the first week of September in advance of any inter-county training resuming."
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