An upheaval of seismic proportions is about to erupt as one of Australia's largest participation bodies finds itself in the cross-hairs.
Little Athletics NSW will be hosting its prestigious annual State Titles this weekend at Sydney Olympic Park, where traditionally tens of thousands turn up, yet due to COVID-19 and community sport restrictions all hell is about to break loose.
Primarily on two counts.
Firstly the governing body only made the COVID-19 restrictions announcement on Tuesday, scant days out from the championships, and secondly, because each athlete is allowed just two spectators on track.
Think that equation through.
If these kids, who are coming from all over NSW to compete, and ALL of whom are minors 16 years of age and younger, can only bring two spectators, just about EVERY coach and sibling of the athletes will be turned away.
Said Belinda Cosgrove, a coach who has 20 young athletes going: "I cannot go on the weekend. This is crazy. I have to find some kid and be a parent to them just to get in.
"Tell me, how can the football get huge crowds and fill the stands but these kids who we have coached and nurtured for some time, can't have their coach in there at the time they need them the most?"
Her sentiment is shared by thousands and thousands of upset family members of the kids attending.
Little Athletics NSW released this notice on Wednesday hoping to quell the tide of animosity.
"Due to ongoing restrictions relating to COVID and community sport, Little Athletics NSW will ticket the Littles and Youth State Championships. Having a ticketed event will allow us to operate under the Major Recreation Venue guidelines and increase capacity to allow more spectators.
"Little Athletics NSW (LA) has made this decision based on feedback to allow additional spectators.
"All athletes and officials will be given free entry into the venue. Centre Managers/Volunteers at the championship will not need to purchase a ticket, however, will need to have their name marked off upon entry into the venue.
"Each athlete is entitled to have two spectators (regardless of age) under these revised numbers, and we hope this will mean that families will have more flexibility to enjoy the event.
"Spectator tickets must be redeemed and purchased via the Little Athletics NSW website. Spectator tickets are charged at $3 per person.
"We look forward to seeing everyone at the Littles and Youth State Championships."
But, while neither the government or LA are directly to be blamed – COVID-19 is – the essence of what LA is trying to achieve, by appearing to placate and be ahead of the mess, does NOT increase numbers and in fact prohibits additional family members from being there.
So them looking forward to seeing everyone at the track, is just not going to happen.
Say a child of 12 comes to compete. He/she is allowed two spectators, presumably Mum and Dad. That then excludes the coach, as well as any siblings and extended family members from being there.
Outrage was swift and savage directed at Little Athletics NSW via their Facebook page.
The greatest hue and cry came from the thousands and thousands of families travelling from regional areas.
They had planned this trip for some time.
They had made accommodation bookings, and at the 11th hour the rug has been pulled out from under their feet. Said Julia Cousins, "what about families who have booked accommodation to come to Sydney – where should the siblings of the competitors go while their parents support the ones competing????
"This is so out of touch with COVID guidelines across other sports."
Big events have been happening with restrictions nowhere near as savage as these in Sydney for several months now.
When asked whose decision this was to restrict spectator numbers this weekend, and announcing it at the 11th hour, LAs gave no response other than to repeat its posted message.
The problem of the many thousands of family and friends and coaches not being able to attend this huge event has not been addressed.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.