SAI SOP requires athletes to sign consent form acknowledging risk in resumption of training

Athletes resuming training at the Sports Authority of India centres across the country will have to sign consent forms, acknowledging the "risks" associated with restarting practice amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the SAI revealed on Thursday.

Unveiling its Standard Operating Procedure for resumption of training following relaxation in lockdown guidelines, SAI also gave out the consent forms that the athletes and the National Sports Federations (NSFs) will have to fill up as part of the SOP.

The form requires athletes to acknowledge that they understand that SAI cannot "guarantee complete elimination of the risks" associated with resumption of training amid the pandemic.

"I hereby acknowledge the risks associated with resuming training at the centre under the present COVID-19 pandemic situation," the form states.

The SAI said that the signing of consent form would be monitored by its COVID-19 Task Force constituted at each training centre to guide and monitor all trainees and staff.

"The Task Force shall ensure each athlete provides a signed consent form declaring their consent and knowledge of all the limitations and risks associated with training under current scenario," the SOP states.

"Prior to commencement of National Coaching Camp (NCC), NSFs shall submit a written undertaking to abide by all the protocols prescribed in this SOP and various Government orders issued from time to time in the context of COVID-19 prevention