Links and highlights from the latest government guidance impacting delivery of sport activities from June 1st in England
Updated 3/6/2020 to add the discussion group information and invitation found at the end of this post.
1/6/2020 The UK Government today published updated:
Guidance for the public on the phased return of outdoor sport and recreation in England –
Guidance for personal trainers and coaches on the phased return of sport and recreation in England
This guidance follows last week’s government announcement, the impact of which (for current fencing activities in England) is summarised in this updated position from BF on sparring, coaching and group activity.
Key Points:
“From 1 June, you can now exercise alone, with members of your household, or with up to, but no more than 5 other people from outside your household while keeping 2 metres apart at all times. Gatherings of more than 6 people are not permitted (unless an exemption applies, for example, if you are from one household or if it’s essential for work purposes). Social distancing of 2 metres applies to people outside of your household. If you are playing sport or exercising with people from your own household, the 2 metre rule does not apply.”
“Personal training or coaching is permitted if outside and if people are a minimum of 2 metres apart and providing there are gatherings of no more than 6 people from different households.
Under the new social distancing guidelines, which allow up to, but no more than 6 people to gather, parents can take their children to a 1-1 coaching or training session, as long as the gathering does not exceed 6 people. Any sports coaches or trainers undertaking 1-1 sessions should ensure they are complying with relevant National Governing Body Safeguarding Policies and Procedures and conduct a thorough risk assessment before engaging in any sessions. This should include particular consideration for under 18s and vulnerable adults.”
“Any facilities associated with outdoor sports and physical activities were permitted to reopen Outdoor sports courts are allowed to be open if those responsible for them can open them safely.” “Each venue, including council-owned sports facilities, should make their own decisions about when their facilities are ready.”
Should any affiliated clubs in England have access to suitable outdoor facilities (in line with the published guidance) and feel they are ready to re-open for socially distanced fencing related activities please contact us* for more information with regards to the risk assessment process and measures that will need to be in place. Please do read the guidance above carefully as these will form the basis of the expectations on the club and facility.
In the meantime we expect the majority of fencing clubs will not be able to resume group sessions until indoor facilities are open (which is not expected until July at the earliest in England) and we will be publishing more information to help clubs prepare for that.
*If you are a coach planning to run training sessions, you are welcome to register your interest in the community discussion for coaches on Friday, June 5, 2020 at 2pm.
Places are limited but the outcome of the discussions will be shared in a news post.
As always, we will continue to update our COVID-19 advice here, with dedicated pages for clubs and coaches. To help you keep up to date, you can also subscribe to our new weekly summary email featuring the previous week’s latest news and announcements. Sign up here.
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