To ask the Minister for Communities, in relation to her Department’s Guidance for Sport and Physical Activity statement, (i) to provide clearer guidance on which activities have high levels of exertion; and (ii) whether any exercise can be carried out indoors until a person becomes out of breath.

The COVID Regulations Guidance – Sport and Physical Activity (http://www.sportni.net/return-to-sport/) published on 11th December state “As Covid is spread by respiratory droplets, group indoor sports/exercise activities that have high levels of exertion (i.e. that cause participants to get out of breath) are not permitted at this time”.

When assessing the risk associated with activities, qualified sports coaches / Instructors will be aware of the following very basic guidelines which are: -

At moderate exercise intensity / levels of exertion:-

Your breathing quickens, but you're not out of breath.

You develop a light sweat after about 10 minutes of activity.

You can carry on a conversation, but you can't sing.

At high exercise intensity / levels of exertion (70%+ of maximum heart rate):-

Your breathing is deep and rapid.

You develop a sweat after only a few minutes of activity.

You can't say more than a few words without pausing for breath.

Governing Bodies of sport and their sports clubs plus other exercise providers have a responsibility to select activity type, duration and frequency within the design of any training session to ensure that it does not expose the participants to high exercise intensity / levels of exertion.

Ultimately, those involved in delivering structured/organised sport and physical activity have a duty of care and must act responsibly given the gravity of the current situation and the implications for not just the participants but their wider family circle and community.