The purpose of this article is to provide further information regarding the relaxation of certain restrictions in Victoria by the Premier on Sunday 8 November.

As of 11.59pm on Sunday 8 November 2020 , the rules pertaining to Metro & Regional table tennis activities are now in line with each other – namely:

• Limited scope now exists for a Return to Play for all those aged 18 years and under throughout Victoria – limited to 20 people.

The current and updated ‘Restricted Activity Directions – Victoria’ can be accessed at  the link below.

It is important to note and understand that for the purposes of these regulations, the State Government considers table tennis played in a  club environment to be ‘Community Sport’, rather than ‘physical recreation’ (e.g. gyms).

Accordingly, paragraph 6 (page 8) is the relevant section.

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202011/Restricted%20Activity%20Directions%20%28Victoria%29%20-%208%20November%202020%20signed.pdf

A summary of state-wide restrictions and a roadmap to reopening can be found at the link below. Again, 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.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions-roadmaps#updated-restrictions-applicable-from-1159pm-sunday-8-november-2020

In summary, the following conditions now apply throughout Victoria:

• These conditions only apply to those aged 18 years and under.
• 20 person limit (this does not include essential coaching, admin staff and one parent per child).
• 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).

For those in larger shared facilities, advice should be sought from the venue operator regarding use of the facility.

• 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.

No over 18 play is currently permitted anywhere in Victoria, though a return to play for all ages is planned under the next step from 11.59pm on Sun 22 November. Further details will be provided when they become available

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.