PHILIPSBURG--The St. Maarten Sports and Olympic Federation (SMSOF) has released a Covid-19 Sports Training protocol and is encouraging all sports organizations to restart sports on the Island by June 15.
“SMSOF is monitoring the preparation works for the Caribbean Games 2021 and Central American and Caribbean Games scheduled for 2022. Both CANOC and CACSO have confirmed that these games are still scheduled to continue.,” explained federation president Aartwight Bell. “That means St. Maarten must initiate and adapt protocols to deal with the return to normal sport training so we can prepare our sports to participate at the appropriate levels in these upcoming games.”
The protocol was sent to local sports federations and associations. One of the key points of the guideline is, ” Training programs must not exceed the maximum of One hour.”
“Federations, Association and Clubs must utilize the protocols to safeguard all participants (athletes, players, couches and spectators) against the transmittal of the virus,” said Bell.
The St. Maarten Sports and Olympic Federation remind sport leaders: “Be aware of the possibilities that unaware coronavirus infected persons with strong immune systems could come-out and participate in the training program. This could result in a dreadful situation with devastating consequences if other participants with weaker immune system come in contact with them..”
Hygiene is of course is very important. A means to wash or sanitize hands, the use of masks and even social distancing when possible are important.
The Sports and Olympic Federation also calls on sport leaders to establish a screening program for every individual coach, athlete, student, volunteer, from all sports & programs, to safeguard safety of the participants and for the event to be successful. Health is the key.
Coaches and volunteers are reminded to pay particular attention to situations that could lead to fights.
shootouts in the area that could harm innocent participants.
Parents or guardians must also play a part in the safe start up of sports. “Young children should not be allowed to walk to and from the training facility alone.” The athletes need to be dropped off and picked up on time.
Additional information about the protocol is available from the federation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 588-5625.
