2020 Cross Country Season Returns

It is with great excitement that we announce our 2020 cross country season will be commencing on Saturday 18 July (subject to government restrictions in place at the time of our events).  The season will consist of 11 weekly events and a one page summary can be viewed on our website by clicking this link.  The Health and Safety of all our members including participants, carers, officials and volunteers is our first priority. We have therefore developed a Covid-19 safety plan based on advice from the Australian Institute of Sport which details the measures that will be in place to prevent the risk of Covid-19 transmission.  The major changes to our season due to this are detailed below.  Our full Covid-19 Safety Plan is available on our website and can be viewed by clicking on this link Covid-19 Safety Plan.

You must be registered with Newstead Athletics. Registrations run from 1^st October each year.  To register if you haven’t already done so, click this link Registration or choose Join Now on our web site.  You must be registered prior to your first event otherwise you will not be permitted to participate. 

Scholarship applications will be re-opened and must be submitted by Friday 3 July.  Full details of how to apply are available on website and can be accessed via this link Scholarship.  Previous applicants should re-apply. Applicants will be notified by Friday 10 July to provide time for registrations to occur.

Major Changes due to Covid-19  Any questions should be referred to the Covid-19 Safety Officer (Michael Halaby).

We need to remove the need approach the desk to register and hand money over on the day therefore the following applies

• Weekly entries must be completed online via the website by 6pm each Friday.  Click on the event on the calendar on the web site and then click on ‘Register’.  The weekly fee is $3 and there is a small booking fee added to each transaction. Or use the bulk payment options detailed below.
• We now offer a bulk payment opportunity of $30 for the season to those who are interested.  This can be chosen when you are registering with the club. OR, if you are already a club member from the Shop on the web site.
• If you choose a bulk payment option you do NOT need to register for the event each week, your attendance will be automatically added.
• For those that don’t have access to the website, you can register by contacting the club by email, message or call by 6pm each Friday.  The fee for manual registration will be $5 each week and the exact change is required when you arrive.

Also

• Athletes, carers, volunteers and officials are not to attend if unwell (including any signs/symptoms of cold, flu, COVID-19 or other illness).
• At risk participants are advised not to attend.
• Participants encouraged to arrive just prior to scheduled start time for each division.  Div 3 start at 1pm / Div 1 & 2 no earlier than 1.20pm.
• The AIS Framework principle of “Get in, compete, get out” – arrive ready to compete should be applied.
• Non-participants (including carers, officials and volunteers) must sign the weekly attendance register.
• Everyone should avoid physical greetings (i.e. hand shaking, high fives etc.).
• All attendees required to use hand sanitiser on arrival.
• Maintain physical distancing (1.5m apart) during briefing and spectating on the course.
• Avoid coughing, clearing nose, spitting etc.
• Avoid sharing drink containers.
• Clean equipment (Clipboards, stopwatches, etc.)  between users
• There will be no BBQ, afternoon tea, Lucky door prize or weekly medal presentations.

These measures may be reviewed and amended in line with Government Health Department advice.

Look forward to seeing everyone in person.

Michael Halaby, President.