The legislation establishing the legal framework on the technical responsibility for management and guidance of physical activities developed by entities providing fitness services in the Azores was published today in the Official Gazette.
 
The Regional Legislative Decree no. 24/2016/A covers gyms and health clubs, regardless the designation adopted and the type of operation, as well as certain rules regarding their operation.
 
The legislation will come into force on February 8, i.e., 90 days after its publication. It also applies to activities carried out in facilities open to the public that are fitted with physical training, maintenance or recovery equipment.
 
The preamble of the document points out the fact the practice of physical and sports activities as well as the demand for sports services in the area of fitness have been growing over the last years.
 
With the increase in supply, as evidenced by a wide variety of types and sports, the demands of those looking for these services are also greater.
 
In this regard, the Government of the Azores must adopt appropriate measures to ensure that physical and sports activities take place safely for the benefit of the well-being and health of practitioners.
 
The implementation of the new legislation provides a transitional scheme that safeguards all those who have developed their professional activity in the Region over the years.
 
The legislation published today includes a transitional provision. According to it, the technical manager and the remaining assistant technicians who are currently registered under the Regional Legislative Decree no.33/2002/A and who hold a degree in sport, physical education or similar areas will maintain their registration valid until the end of their term.
 
After this time, those who are interested should submit a request to the Regional Directorate for Sport for the issuance of the professional certificate of technical manager or physical training technician.
 
The legal document also determines that technical managers and assistant technicians who are duly registered under that Regional Legislative Decree who do not hold qualifications in sport, physical education or similar areas will maintain their registration valid until their term. After this period, they should submit a request to the Regional Directorate for Sport for the issuance of a professional certificate of physical training technician, provided that they meet the necessary requirements.
 
Furthermore, technical managers and assistant technicians with valid registration under regional legislation of 2002 that do not hold qualifications in sport, physical education or similar areas and do not meet the requirements should request the issuance of a provisional certificate for the exercise of physical training activities. The request should be submitted to the Regional Directorate for Sport until March 9, 2017, i.e., 30 days after the entry into force of the legislation.
 
This title will be valid for a period of one year and may be renewed for up to three years, upon attendance of adequate training as defined in the legislation.
 
The legislation is available on the Regional Government Portal at the address http://www.azores.gov.pt/Portal/pt/entidades/srec-drd.