PURPOSE
The purpose of this position statement is to outline WPA’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements for players, staff, coaches, officials and spectators registered with WPA or attending WPA events.
SUMMARY:
- WPA supports the Australian Government Operation COVID Shield taskforce in promoting that all eligible Australians should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as early as possible. • For the avoidance of doubt, WPA requires that the applicable and current public health orders in each State and Territory be complied with in full, including in relation to all playing and training activities.
- It should also be noted that those public health orders are liable to be amended from time to time, and as such particular attention must be given to ensuring compliance with the current public health orders
- WPA encourage all members of our community to seek their own medical advice to determine the most appropriate decision for themselves. Further evidence-based reliable information and updates can be found at; https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and programs/covid-19-vaccines
- WPA acknowledges and respects the freedom of individuals over the age of 16 years to make their own, informed, personal health decisions.
- From an elite performance perspective, the absence of a vaccine mandate creates a risk of infection spreading through a competition or squad and potentially impacting on the training and performance of players and teams.
- WPA have a requirement under Workplace Health and Safety Laws to minimise risk to employees, including referees and officials.
- Currently State and Territory Governments, venues and airlines are applying regulations on vaccination status, which may supersede WPA’s position.
- WPA encourage any person feeling unwell or showing any symptoms of COVID to reconsider plans to participate in any water polo event.
WPA POSITION STATEMENT
WPA takes the following position in relation to the various programs, competitions and events conducted by WPA.
WPA Competitions and Events
WPA strongly recommend that all eligible people are fully and currently vaccinated against COVID-19 for the following WPA Competitions to be conducted in 2022:
- The Summer Slam,
- Australian Water Polo League,
- Australian Youth Water Polo Championships,
- Australian Masters Championships,
- Australian Country Championships and
- National State Championships, and
- All National Age Group Programs
Individuals who have a medical contra-indication to the vaccine should consult their own medical practitioner and carry certification of their exemption with them at all times when attending WPA Competitions and Events.
It should be noted that a single unvaccinated player or confirmed COVID-19 infection could restrict the travel allowances and participation of their entire team and these conditions can vary from state to state.
National Senior Squads and Associated Personnel
All WPA National Senior Squad members and associated personnel are REQUIRED to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a medical contraindication is approved by the WPA CMO. This position respects the right of any individual to choose not to vaccinate against COVID-19 but acknowledges that the high-performance environment must minimise the risks of compromised health, training and freedom to travel.
Meaning of “Vaccinated for COVID-19” and “COVID-19 Vaccine”
For the purpose of this position statement, “fully vaccinated” means that a person has been, and can prove through acceptable and Australian Government-issued certification, that they have been administered at least two (2) doses of any of the following COVID-19 Vaccines approved for use in Australia:
1. Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca).
2. Cominarty (Pfizer).
3. Spikevax (Moderna).
Where term COVID-19 Vaccine is used in this document, it means any of the following COVID-19 Vaccines approved for use in Australia:
1. Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca).
2. Cominarty (Pfizer).
3. Spikevax (Moderna).
