Dear Club President / Secretary and players,
An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin provided an update to the nation a few days ago in relation to COVID-19 and the Level 5 restrictions that are currently in place.
There will, undoubtedly, be disappointment amongst the Padel community that even though Padel is a naturally socially distanced and safe activity, clubs are required to remain closed for the time being.
The Padel Federation of Ireland is pleased, however, with the confirmation that padel will be amongst the first sports to be allowed to open from 26th April.
We are aware of the impact that the current restrictions are having on the physical and mental health of individual members, young and old, and the financial impact they are having on clubs. We would have liked restrictions to be lifted without delay, but, according to the Government, the virus may be spreading in the community and we are susceptible to a fourth wave, and this must be respected.
We will continue to engage with the relevant departments and agencies in the coming days and weeks to progress, as quickly as the public health situation will allow, the full return of all padel activities.
We commend padel clubs and their members for their track record of compliance with the various protocols over the last year, which has undoubtedly saved lives, and which has significantly contributed to padel being one of the first sports to resume.
The key points therefore are:
-From 26 April outdoor padel facilities can reopen
-To access club courts, players must be a current member or a participant on an approved Padel Federation of Ireland Programme
-Indoor courts must remain closed (with an exception for High Performance Players)
-Double’s play is allowed, if playing partners are from the same household.
-Club houses and other indoor facilities (for example: changing rooms, showers, meeting rooms), must remain closed.
-Essential toilet facilities may open.
-Coaches should prepare and present a Risk Assessment document and get approval to coach from the Club Covid 19 Committee.
-A pod, up to a maximum of 6 Junior players (u18 yrs.), can be coached per court.
-A maximum of 4 junior players (u18 yrs.) can operate on the court at any one time while remaining in their own sections of the court with up to 2 other players rotating in and out as required.
-A pod of 8 players per court is allowable for red ball activities, subject to social distancing protocols being implemented.
-Adult (Over 18 yrs.) coaching activities must be limited to a maximum of two households per court. Players must remain in their own sections of the court.
-Our measures and procedures are under constant review and will be updated as advice from Government and health authorities evolves and we will endeavor to keep clubs updated.
Best regards and stay safe!
PADEL FEDERATION OF IRELAND