Athletics Activity in Australia postponed until May 1

Athletics Australia wishes to advise that we, along with our State Member Associations have decided and agree to the postponement of all competitions and events until May 1 2020 at the earliest. This includes local and state cross-country, track and field and road events.

Having regard to the advice of their State Governments and Health Departments, this decision is supported by all of our Member Associations.

Competitions have already commenced in some states, so for the latest information and updates the relevant Member Associations should be contacted.

With the current threat of COVID-19 impacting the health and welfare of Australians, Athletics Australia continues to take guidance from National and State health authorities. This decision is in line with recommendations that non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people outdoors and 100 people indoors should not proceed, and social distancing measures be put in place.

Athletics Australia also encourages clubs, athletes, coaches and officials continue to exercise the appropriate hygiene measures and implement self-exclusion if displaying flu-like symptoms. Any member with flu-like symptoms should self-exclude from training and coaching at the first sign of the symptoms and seek medical advice. When training we strongly recommend that you practice social distancing and other measures at the levels advised by Australian Government Department of Health.

Athletics Australia Chief Executive Officer Darren Gocher said; “The community’s health and well-being was our major concern, and athletics has a responsibility to assist authorities in limiting the spread and impact of COVID-19,”

“We have an obligation to assist in slowing the peak of the pandemic and to minimise the workload of our health care professionals,” Mr. Gocher said. 

"This decision is consistent with the recent measures taken to safeguard our high performance athletes with the postponement of the Australian Track & Field Championships and is supported by our Member Associations.

"While athletics is a non-contact sport there are considerable measures that need to be in place to adhere to expert advice around reducing the risk of spreading the virus. We focused specifically on minimising the risk and impact on the athletics communities that we support, as well as their families.  We appreciate your understanding through this difficult time.”

Athletics Australia acknowledges the uncertainty of the current situation and that this advice can rapidly change as the situation evolves. As such, Athletics Australia will continue to monitor, and act accordingly, in response to statements and policies enacted by both Federal and State Health authorities.

Further advice on the Coronavirus COVID-19 can be found from the Australian Government Department of Health (www.health.gov.au) or for general advice regarding COVID-19, call the Australian Government's Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.