The Irish Nationals will return behind closed doors at the National Indoor Arena on the 2nd/3rd October 2021.

All courts will be streamed on Badminton Ireland YouTube so you won't miss a match!

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Dear Badminton Members,

It has been a long 18 months for our Sport, but I am happy to report that we finally have a return date for Badminton to return in full, including doubles play and competition.

On Tuesday, An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, announced a roadmap outlining the easing of COVID-19 related restrictions across various sectors, including sport, over the coming weeks. Yesterday, I met with representatives from Sport Ireland to discuss the finer points of the roadmap related to indoor sport. I have detailed this information below (below signature). For our clubs and members in Northern Ireland, details of the regulations can be found here - http://www.sportni.net/return-to-sport/

Overall, we can take it from this that Badminton will recommence in full for our members in the Republic of Ireland from September 20^th. The Staff of Badminton Ireland is working hard with Sport Ireland and the Branches to develop a new set of Protocols for both club and competition play. We hope to issue these protocols next week and host webinars to assist clubs in their return.

In my last letter to you all, I highlighted that we would be launching the #ThisIsBadminton campaign. We have delayed that launch until next week to coincide with Sport Irelands promotional campaign. I would strongly encourage all members to engage with this campaign over the coming months.

I would ask for your continued patience and ongoing compliance with the current restrictions. Please visit the Badminton Ireland website and our social media platforms to stay up to date.

Please read below my signature for full details.

Kind Regards

David

 

 

ROI Members - Reframing the challenge 

September 6th 2021 

Spectator Capacities 

• For indoor sporting events, spectators should be fully seated. 
• Organisers should demonstrate a full understanding of and adherence to best practice protective measures, which should continue to apply, within these capacity limits and have COVID plans for events 

 

September 20th 2021 

From September 20th, the following apply to competitive sports training, competition and events. 

• Capacity limits refer to the number of participants. 
• Spectator attendance remains in line with the capacities outlined above.  

 

 

October 22nd 2021 

Based on the criteria of at or close to 90% of people 16 or over being fully vaccinated in the coming weeks, and having regard to the incidence and behaviour of the disease at that time, the Government plan to remove further statutory restrictions in respect of events and activities from 22nd of October. 

Some of the following key measures will be removed;  

• Formal requirements/mandates for physical distancing 
• Limits on numbers at outdoor events and engaging in sporting activities outdoors 
• Restrictions on indoor sports activities and other indoor leisure/community activities 
• Certification of immunity or testing as a prerequisite for access to, or engagement in, any activities or events (with exception of international travel) 

 

Overall, we can take it from this that Indoor Sport is not likely to return until September, but under different guidelines to the indoor dining. I will be attending another meeting with the Federation of Irish Sport and Sport Ireland to express our disappointment at the continued restrictions of our Sport and seek assurances that our Sport can reopen in September. As a valued member of Badminton Ireland, you have not been able to participate in the Sport in any meaningful way in over a year. It is my hope that this will come to an end in the coming weeks and the coming season can commence unrestricted.  

Student Sport Ireland (SSI) is pleased to invite applications for its new female coaching initiative, the Women’s Student Coaching Academy.

The Women’s Student Coaching Academy is a collaborative programme between SSI, Sport Ireland, 26 third level institutions, and ten national governing bodies of sport (NGBs). The 10 NGBs include Athletics Ireland, Badminton Ireland, Basketball Ireland, the Camogie Association, the Football Association of Ireland, Hockey Ireland, the Irish Rugby Football Union, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, Rowing Ireland, and Volleyball Ireland.

The aim of the programme is to provide the female student coaches with the support system that will enable them to develop and reach their coaching potential. Furthermore, the programme aims to increase the number, and visibility, of female coaches in third level institutions and create female role models for other female students to progress into coaching.

SSI President Mr. Matthew Dossett spoke of his delight that third level institutions are now inviting applications from incoming female students for 2021-22 academic year.  “We are absolutely delighted to be launching the Women’s Student Coaching Academy in time for the start of the new academic year.  Increasing opportunities for female coaches is vitally important across the sector, particularly at University and College, where there are lots of opportunities to get involved”.

Mr. Dossett thanked Sport Ireland, the participating third level institutions, and the 10 NGB’s for their work in securing Sport Ireland Women in Sport grant funding over the next two years. “I’d like again to congratulate all of the team involved in enabling this funding, which I’ve no doubt will create some excellent opportunities for the next generation of coaches and student leaders” expressed Dossett,

Nora Stapleton, Sport Ireland Women in Sport Lead, spoke of her excitement of the academy, “Sport Ireland are delighted to support the establishment of the Women’s Student Coaching Academy through its Women in Sport investment programme. We have been impressed with the work of Student Sport Ireland to plan and develop this initiative and especially welcome the collaboration of all stakeholders involved in creating what will be a game changer for women coaches in the third level sector. The National Governing Bodies, Universities and Colleges involved are leading the way in developing coaches within their sports. We look forward to following the progress of the programme and those coaches who are lucky enough to be involved.”

The application process is now open and Application Forms can be downloaded here.