Dear All,

We write to provide clarity regarding interpretation of the ‘Restricted Activity Direction (RAD)  - Non Melbourne (No 10)’, which came into effect at 11.59pm on 27 October 2020 and were published by DHHS simultaneously.

After clarifying several issues with SRV yesterday, we now provide the following update:

In regional Victoria, limited scope now exists for a Return to Play for those aged 18 years and under.

For those interested in the detail and fine print, please follow the link for the RAD in full. When considering the text, it is important to understand that organized table tennis in a club environment is considered as an indoor community sport, as opposed to indoor physical recreation (e.g. gyms).

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202010/Restricted%20Activity%20Directions%20%28Non-Melbourne%29%20%28No%2010%29%20%28PDF%29.pdf

In summary, the following conditions now apply to regional Victoria:

• These conditions only apply to those aged 18 years and under
• 20 person limit (this does not include essential coaching and admin staff)
• 20 person limit applies to each facility, subject to 1 person per 4sqm density quotient (e.g. space must be 80sqm minimum to accommodate 20 people – for smaller spaces, the number of participants will be less  - i.e. 60 sqm ÷4 = 15 people).

We understand this is problematic for those in larger shared facilities. DHHS are aware of this concern, raised by us and other indoor sport, and we are hoping for further guidance soon which we will provide to you immediately.

• No Doubles play (to ensure reasonable measures are taken to maintain 1.5m distancing)
• Masks to worn at all times when not playing
• Tables are cleaned between matches
• Change rooms and facilities may be open (noting the 1.5m distancing requirements)
• Records of attendance are maintained

As per previous Return to Play plans, heightened cleaning and hygiene measures are required, including the provision of hand sanitizer upon entry and regularly facility cleaning.

For metro Melbourne, play continues to be prohibited for all players, though we expect metro areas to fall in line with regional Victoria (as outlined above) on or around 9 November 2020, subject to confirmation from the State Government.

No over 18 play is currently permitted anywhere in Victoria.

Please continue to monitor the TTV website and social media channels for updates.

Be assured that we, along with our fellow sports and peak umbrella bodies, are advocating strongly for a speedy and safe return to our sport.

Accordingly, we ask that whilst enquiries to TTV are welcomed, they should be communicated in a courteous and respectful manner, noting that we are obligated to follow government rules and regulations and are unable and unwilling to act unilaterally or in contravention of these rules.

We hope that Affiliates can enjoy these first tentative steps towards re-opening, with a view to a welcome return to more normal activity levels in 2021.