Unlike some Governing Bodies the IOPD has not released press or social media statements. But throughout the current pandemic the IOPD has sent to all its affiliates regular emails and letters updating any Government guidance as it has come out. In fact, it now has a documented 34-page Guide containing these dated updates on how to operate and keep Covid secure.
Again, the IOPD unlike many Governing Bodies, issues Annual Affiliation as well as one event permits. Unlike some Governing Bodies it has not withdrawn its annual permits as these are issued solely on a safety criteria basis as per the DfT and HSE Guidelines. Likewise, a permit would only be withdrawn on the same criteria. The conditions on an IOPD Permit do state that the permit is only valid if ‘the event takes place in accordance with guidelines received from the Department of Health and Safety and the Local Fire Authority’. So naturally if guidelines change and the affiliates cannot comply then the Authorisation Permit is invalid, and the event cannot take place.