UPDATE ON FACE COVERINGS

A reiteration of the BF guidance that face coverings should be worn at fencing events when not engaging in physical activity (unless exempt). Clubs & Event organisers should review their risk assessments and act accordingly in light of latest government guidance.

This guidance is reiterated in light of the following Home Nation government guidance and advice:

England – In November, the Prime Minister announced mandatory wearing of face coverings in certain situations, namely shops, shopping centres, travel hubs and on public transport.  In other indoor settings where a face covering is not legally required, you should still continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet. Exemptions apply (inc U11s) apply. More information here.

Scotland – By law, everyone age 12 and over must wear a face covering in most indoor public places in Scotland. Exemptions apply. There are also some situations when you can temporarily remove your face covering, for example when exercising. More information here.

Wales – Face coverings must be worn in all indoor public places, and public transport, including taxis by everyone aged 11 and over, unless an exception applies. Gyms and leisure centres are indoor public places so you will need to wear a face covering when you go there and you will need to keep it on depending on what you are doing. If you are preparing to exercise, changing or undertaking any activity that isn’t strenuous, especially when in close contact with other people, you will need to wear a face covering. More information here.

Northern Ireland – The use of face coverings is now required in all indoor settings accessible to the public across Northern Ireland. This includes shops, shopping centres, public, private and school transport services, taxis, airplanes, public transport stations and airports, banks, churches, cinemas, and some government offices. Exemptions apply (inc U13s). You do not have to wear a face covering in a gym or other place where the purpose of your attendance is physical exercise. For more information see here.

Clubs & Event Organisers are encouraged to re-view their their risk assessments (templates on website here) to ensure that they comply with relevant restrictions. The BF guidelines can be found here.

If you need any advice on your risk assessment contact [email protected], noting that the office is closed between Christmas and New Year.

Our expectation is that over the coming months, restrictions will continue to change. In preparation we have provisionally scheduled a community discussion date in January (12th) which will provide an opportunity to share the latest information available at that time – more details will be posted here.

Members (and their parents/guardians) are encouraged to be prepared for restrictions to remain and possibly change over the coming months. We ask for your continued support and understanding towards club volunteers and event organisers as plans to deliver fencing may have to change and further risk mitigation measures may need to be implemented to protect the health of our community.

If you have any questions or would like support/advice please contact us using this form.

BF will continue to update our COVID-19 advice here.  You can also subscribe to our new weekly summary email featuring the previous week’s latest news and announcements. Sign up here.