To ask the Minister for Communities (i) for a definition of elite sports as per the current COVID-19 regulations; (ii) whether clay pigeon shooting may be allowed to continue under current guidelines; and (iii) to detail the rationale for this decision.

I can advise that under the current regulations, an “Elite athlete” means an individual who meets one of the following criteria:

derives a living from competing in a sport,

plays in a professional league or competition,

is a senior representative nominated by a relevant sporting body,

is a member of the senior training squad for a relevant sporting body, or

is aged 16 or above and on an elite development pathway.

The Executive agreed to introduce a two-week circuit breaker to slow the spread of Coronavirus in the community and protect the health service. The new restrictions will cover two weeks from November 27. Under these new restrictions, indoor and outdoor sporting activities including clay pigeon shooting are not permitted, other than at elite level.

For further information and guidance on the regulations including a comprehensive definition of an ‘elite athlete’ please visit the following link on the Sport NI website:

FAQ-Guidance-for-sports-for-new-regulations-19-Oct-2020.pdf (sportni.net)