Covid-19 updated guidance

Friday 31st July 2020

We welcome the Scottish Government announcement yesterday of the latest planned moves through the route map process for exiting lockdown, and the commitment to restart sport at all levels. We have updated our detailed guidance with this information in the following documents:

Phase 3 Return to Sport_Guidance for athletes v 5 310720
Phase 3 Return to Sport_Guidance for Clubs v5 310720
Phase 3 Return to Sport_Guidance for Coaches v5 310720
Phase 3 Return to Sport_Guidance for Facilities v5 310720

The key changes and indicative dates are as follows:

Thursday 30 July

Self-isolation: The self-isolation period has been extended to 10 days for those in the community that have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or a positive test result.

Saturday 1 August

Shielding: Those shielding can undertake sports coaching and officiating (paid or voluntary). This group are already able to participate in sport and leisure activities.

Monday 3 August

When coaching athletes aged 18+, guidance remains that each group must be no more than five households (including the coach) and a maximum of 15 people.
However, the cap on the number of households a coach can work with in a day for adults is removed. A coach can now meet with more than one group of four households per day.
Please note that the Scottish Government are currently reviewing this and considering a date for relaxing restrictions of size of groups that can be coached at one time. We will communicate an update when we have the information.

Monday 24 August

Outdoor contact sport: Organised outdoor contact sport allowed to resume for adults, following relevant SGB guidance. (Currently only allowed for children under 18.). We believe this will enable adults (athletes, coaches, officials) to train, officiate and compete as per normal on the field of play. We will confirm the exact detail when we have the information.
Live outdoor events: Allowed to resume with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene and restricted numbers, subject to guidance. Please note that small localised competition is already permitted under the sport-specific guidance just now.

* Please note: We are aware that entrants for the first two events in the 4J Studios Open Graded Series, provisionally scheduled for Grangemouth on 8 and 9 August, are awaiting confirmation to enable them to plan travel and accommodation – we are working on this as a matter of urgency and will update as soon as we are able.

Friday 14 September

Indoor sports facilities: Allowed to re-open following guidance, including physical distancing and enhanced hygiene. The Scottish Government will keep under review whether this date can be brought forward. An earlier date may be given specifically for some indoor children’s activities.
Live indoor events: Allowed to resume with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene and restricted numbers, subject to guidance. Further detail required to understand relevance to sports events.

At each stage of change, scottishathletics will update its guidance and communicate updates to our members, clubs and coaches. It is important to remember that public health and wellbeing remains the most pressing priority and that we have a responsibility to do what we can to continue to suppress the spread of the virus and prevent a second wave.