The suspension of all close-contact sports in South African schools was recently lifted, allowing the students in Stellenbosch schools to return to playing close-contact sports for the remainder of the winter season.
The suspension, which was implemented in May, was lifted by the department of basic education on 1 August, according to a government gazette on the reopening of schools. While intra- and inter-school sports activities may commence, strict Covid-19 protocols are still in place, and spectators are not permitted, according to the gazette.
The suspension of all close-contact sports in schools was implemented in May. During this time, schools were unable to train students as they usually would, according to Olivia Visser, a grade 10 student from Rhenish Girls’ High School (RGHS) who plays first team hockey. “It was mostly game analysis, team discussions and non-contact fitness and conditioning,” said Visser. PHOTO: Supplied/Erin Walls
“At present, we need to reduce the spread of the virus as far as possible and as such, the return of contact sport and other activities is indeed a concern,” said Bronagh Hammond, communications director at the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). “The head of the department has asked schools to proceed with extreme caution.”
Additional safety materials, such as hand sanitiser, have been provided to schools, according to Hammond.
Tackling close-contact sports in Stellenbosch schools
Schools have the option to institute their own suspensions on sports or cultural activities in order to ensure the safety of their students, according to Sharon Hershaw, communications manager at Rhenish Girls’ High School (RGHS), a Stellenbosch school.
“A decision was taken to suspend all sport and cultural activities with immediate effect [at RGHS]. It is a proactive precautionary measure intended to limit close contact between learners in the face of growing numbers [of Covid-19 cases] in the Western Cape,” explained Hershaw in an email correspondence with MatieMedia.
The RGHS sports teams were meant to return to weekly league games within the next few weeks, according to Olivia Visser, a grade 10 student at RGHS who plays first team hockey.
The government gazette on the reopening of schools, issued on 1 August, states that no spectators will be allowed at any training session or match. The Western Cape Education Department has been in communication with the Western Cape Health Department, and will monitor the situation closely, according to Bronagh Hammond, communications director at the Western Cape Education Department. INFOGRAPHIC: Lara van Zyl
Paul Roos Gymnasium (PRG), another Stellenbosch school, will be continuing with close-contact training and playing matches, but some fan favourites will not be returning this year, according to Stephan Jordaan, the head of sport at PRG.
“We won’t be going to Bloemfontein to play against Grey College. We don’t want to put anyone at risk,” said Jordaan.
There is, however, great anticipation among the students at PRG to return to close-contact training, according to Jordaan.
“[My son] is extremely happy and excited to be playing again. It’s like seeing new life pumped into him,” said Frank Lamprecht, a parent whose son attends PRG and plays rugby for the school. “Ready or not, he will always be willing to play his favourite game again,” he added.
PRG is currently in discussions with Western Province Rugby to find out which rugby matches they can still play during the season, according to Jordaan.
After nearly three months of no close-contact training or matches, Jordaan told MatieMedia that it has been difficult to keep the students motivated to train during the term.
“We tried our best to make their exercises as creative as possible. We even brought in some external people – other coaches who live in town,” said Jordaan.
Sports are a very important and healthy part of a learner’s lifestyle, according to Frank Lamprecht, a parent whose son attends Paul Roos Gymnasium and plays rugby for the school. “Their school work will also improve,” said Lamprecht on the value of sport. PHOTO: Unsplash/M. Cooper