Athletics South Africa will resume training and controlled competition activity from 1 November 2020 under the government’s strict Covid-19 medical and safety protocols of the National Disaster Act.
Running events are back but will be limited to distances of not more than 10km and this includes road running, park runs, cross country and trail running. Races over longer distances are regarded as high-risk events and are therefore not allowed. A maximum of 500 athletes will be allowed for road running, cross-country, trail running and park runs.
For track and field, the maximum number of participants at a competition venue at any given time will also not exceed 500 (including athletes, technical officials, volunteers, medical team, media/broadcasting team (where relevant) and stadium workers). At both running and track & field events, no spectators will be allowed. All rules and restrictions pertaining to the allowed events will be reviewed at the end of December 2020 in consultation with the Sports and Health Departments.
During the period of 1 November to 31 December 2020, only licensed athletes will be allowed to compete in ASA accredited events and this includes temporary licensed athletes. Temporary licenses will be issued at provincial level at least 48 hours before competition to prevent a large gathering seeking licenses on race day.
Events that normally take place during the December festive season have not been approved due to the high risk of Covid-19 infections. And with regards to return to training, only athletes in possession of a licence will be allowed to commence with training to prepare for their events. All access to training facilities are subject to compliance to the Covid-19 regulations at each training facility. More information in this regard will be announced in due course.