Update on training guidance following government advice on 4 July
The recent government announcements on updated guidance did not materially affect the current position on training and exercise for athletics clubs. Outlined below is the summary of guidance as it stands. Please read all previously released documentation. England Athletics are in contact with other governing bodies, Sport England and DCMS and we will update you as and when further information is available, which we expect to be shortly. We are also in discussion with all these groups around a return to competition and as stated in the 17 June update we will release this information as soon as possible.
Update from 4 July government guidance
2m apart or 1m plus
“People should either stay 2m apart or ‘1m plus’ - which is one metre plus mitigations. These mitigations will depend on the workplace or setting. For example, on public transport, people must wear a face covering, as it is not always possible to stay 2m apart. In other spaces, mitigations could include installing screens, making sure people face away from each other, putting up handwashing facilities, minimising the amount of time you spend with people outside your household or bubble, and being outdoors."
- For all athletics and running activities England Athletics advises that people should continue to adhere to the 2m guidance where at all possible.
Groups of up to six people
"When you are outside you can continue to meet in groups of up to six people from different households, following social distancing guidelines."
- England Athletics advises that people should continue to train and exercise in groups of up to 6 adhering to social distancing.
Cleaning of equipment and venues
Advice on hygiene and cleaning of equipment and venues remains the same at the current point in time but we are continuing to have dialogue with other sports and government on the restrictions in place.
Out of School Settings
We are aware of the guidance relating to Out of School Settings ‘OOSE’ Government wording from 4 July with reference to after school clubs - Out of School Settings ‘OOSS’. This guidance requires careful reading. Continuing restrictions apply to all activities up to the end of school summer term 2020 that meet School setting stipulations. Namely;
- "only caring for children from the eligible groups (children in early years, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6) and priority groups (children of critical workers and vulnerable children)
- only caring for children from one school or early years provider working closely with the school or early years providers that their children attend, to ensure that, as far as possible, children are kept in the same small consistent groups that they are in throughout the day, and otherwise maintain social distance."
At the end of summer school term 2020 the guidance changes to state;
"Decisions on group sizes for your setting should be based on:
- the current government guidance on social distancing
- the ability of the children in attendance to maintain social distancing
- the age of the children in attendance
- nature of your activity or provision (for example, static, classroom set-up rather than an activity that requires a range of movement)
- the size or layout of your premises
However, to reduce the risk of transmission, children and young people who attend your setting should be kept in small, consistent groups, and of no more than fifteen children and at least one staff member. If possible, those attending out-of-school settings should practise social distancing in line with the government’s current guidance."
- England Athletics advises that activity should continue to adhere to a group size of 6 unless it can meet the requirements detailed above in an ‘Out of School Setting’ in which case from the end of the summer school term 2020, with risk mitigations in place, groups of up to 15 children (up to 13 years of age), providing the group is of a consistent make up, could gather.
- In all cases of activity England Athletics advises a register is taken to support any track and trace needs at a future date.
Further information
We anticipate further updates shortly.