This provides updated information about facemask requirements for Judo NSW clubs in the Greater Sydney region.

NSW government issued Public Health (COVID-19 Greater Sydney) Order (No 2) 2021 on Wed 23 June including revised rules and restrictions for the sport and active recreation sector.

Judo NSW updated clubs advising;

  • Facemasks need to be worn indoors including when training (Refer Part 3, Page 7)
  • Facemask exemptions apply to persons aged 12 years or under and persons with a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, that makes wearing a fitted face covering unsuitable (Refer Part 4, Page 9)

On further review, we have identified that the Health Order (Part 4 Sub Clause 4) allows for removing fitted face coverings:

  • A person may remove a fitted face covering if the person is engaging in strenuous physical activity.
  • The person must resume wearing the fitted face covering as soon as practical after the strenuous physical activity ends.

Judo NSW position is that we (Judo NSW and member clubs) should be looking to do what is right and responsible for the community rather to looking for quick ‘loopholes’ to continue operating unaffected by the restrictions.

Coaches should assess the training activities and intensity levels before and during training including (but not limited to); the type of class (technical, competition) and level (beginner, intermediate, elite) before making decisions about the removal of face masks.

Judo NSW provides the following general training guidance on what should be considered ‘strenuous physical activity’.

Included (strenuous)

  • Randori (tachi-waza and ne-waza)
  • Competition style technical drills – gripping, throwing and combinations, some groundwork drills (depending on intensity)
  • ‘Loaded’ warm-up drills (eg partner based carries, lifts etc)
  • Hi-intensity uchikomi (speed, power etc)
  • Hi-intensity throwing drills (speed throwing, ‘crash-mats’ etc)

Excluded (not strenuous)

  • General warm-up
  • Static uchi-komi (coach to check intensity)
  • One on one free throwing and combination/counter practice
  • General groundwork practice of turnovers, entries, and escapes etc
  • Observing technical instruction
  • Waiting mat-side for your next randori…

Clubs are also reminded about the importance of using QR Codes, manual attendance records (for those without mobile devices), and our ongoing Covid-19 hygiene practices to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our members and community.