The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Sport Australia welcome the release by National Cabinet of the National Principles for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities, which provides the pathway for a safe return to sport. The AIS played a central role in the development of these Principles and they align with the launch of The AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment. The AIS team, led by Chief Medical Officer, Dr David Hughes, developed this Framework in collaboration with sport CMOs around Australia and in consultation with the Federal Government`s CMOs. The Framework underpins the Principles, and has been adopted by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and National Cabinet as the guide for the reintroduction of sport and recreation in Australia following the COVID-19 pandemic. The AIS and Sport Australia will continue to work with the National Institute Network and National Sporting Organisations in implementing a safe return to training and competition activities. All sport and recreation resumption decisions should be based on State and Territory COVID-19 public health advice. The AIS Framework will be updated to reflect the evolving evidence regarding COVID-19. While navigating the return to sport, organisations must ensure that the health and wellbeing of athletes and other personnel informs decision making. The overriding priority for sport, however, must ensure that any return to activity does not endanger public health. CONTENTS: Glossary of Term 1 Introduction 2 National Principles for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities 3 Background 4 Transmission 6 Pathophysiology 6 Prevention 7 Testing 8 Management 9 Pandemic impacts on sport 10 Framework for resumption of community and individual sport 12 Preparation for community and individual sport resumption 12 Education 12 Preparation of training/competition environments 13 Proposed criteria for resumption of sporting activity 14 Return to community and individual sport 16 Vulnerable groups 16 Returning to sport after recovering from COVID-19 17 'Return to Work' framework for high performance/professional athletes 19 Preparation for sports resumption 20 Education 20 Assessment of training environment 21 Agreed protocol for a possible case of COVID-19 22 Proposed criteria for resumption of sporting activity 22 Recommended assessment of Athletes/staff prior to resumption of formal training 24 Vulnerable groups 25 Athletes/staff returning to sport after COVID-19 infection 25 Ongoing management 26 Monitoring of athletes/other personnel 26 Managing a suspected COVID-19 case 26 Managing a confirmed COVID-19 case 26 Medical servicing considerations 27 Conclusions 28 AIS Key Points 29 Acknowledgments 31 References 32 Appendices 38
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