This guidance is being produced to support athletes, participants with a disability, SDS Branches, coaches, volunteers, and staff in relation to the Scottish Government’s new strategic framework document for managing COVID-19 which became effective from 2 November 2020. This provides a 0-4 Level approach to restrictions with each local authority area (or sub-area) placed in a relevant protection Level depending upon its COVID-19 status which will be reviewed weekly.
The free NHS Scotland Protect Scotland app has been designed to help us protect each other, reduce the spread of Coronavirus and avoid further lockdowns. By using the app and following current public health measures we can all stay safe when we meet up, socialise, work or travel. To find out more and download the app please visit protect.scot.
Organised sporting activities can be undertaken, providing all activity is consistent with current Scottish Government guidance on health, physical distancing and hygiene – you will also need to make sure that your club, facility and participants are made aware and can adapt to changes in guidance at short notice. Information on Scottish Governments approach to managing COVID-19 is available at Scottish Government: Coronavirus in Scotland .
Where Scottish Government local measures and restrictions are in place guidance detailed will supersede the corresponding guidance People who are symptomatic and household members should self-isolate for 10 days as per NHS Scotland guidance. No one who is self-isolating should attend a sports facility or activity.
To manage a safe return to sport and leisure activities it is a mandatory requirement that all clubs, facility operators and deliverers put in place comprehensive Test & Protect procedures to help break chains of transmission of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Further information is available within this guidance and at Scottish Government: Test & Protect.
The free NHS Scotland Protect Scotland app has been designed to help us protect each other, reduce the spread of coronavirus and avoid further lockdowns. By using the app and following current public health measures we can all stay safe when we meet up, socialise, work or travel. To find out more and download the app please visit protect.scot
SGBs, clubs and participants should be aware of their local area protection level and associated restrictions which may be in place and should consider this as part of risk assessment planning. Broad guidance for sporting activity which should be followed within each Level is set out in Table A below.
Further information on protection levels that will apply in each local authority area are available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): allocation of protection levels to local authorities. A local post code checker is also available at COVID restrictions by protection level in areas of Scotland.
Where a participant with a disability requires functional support to enable their participation in physical activity and sport this can be provided without maintaining physical distancing. This support can be provided by a coach or other individual. In such circumstance the responsible ‘Covid Officer’ should consider appropriate mitigating actions as part of the risk assessment in consultation with the participant. This process is reflective of making “reasonable adjustment,” in line with the Equality Act 2010.
“Reasonable adjustment” ensures the meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities within physical activity and sport by meeting individual needs.
For instance, providing appropriate PPE, limiting the number of participants an individual provides functional support to, limiting the duration spent in close proximity, or a combination of actions
Further information on supporting the inclusion of participants with a disability can be found here.
Equality & Inclusion
Covid-19 is affecting everyone. But the impact of the pandemic is not being felt equally. Before the pandemic certain groups were less likely to participate in sport and physical activity. These groups are also the most at risk of worsening inequalities due to Covid-19:
- Older people
- Disabled people
- Ethnic minorities
- Women
- People from deprived communities
It is more important than ever to consider inclusive guidance for people who need extra support to be active and sports facility operators should consider this as part of their work to encourage people to return.
The evidence emerging has clear implications for how we design and deliver sport and physical activity. Some key areas for consideration include;
Communication – Digital exclusion is a key issue. With so many services and so much information moving online it risks worsening the health impacts of the pandemic. We have to think innovatively about the range of ways we can provide information to people about sport and physical activity.
Accessibility – Accessibility of our environments is another key issue emerging from the pandemic. As clubs and leisure centres re-open it’s important to build understanding of people’s specific accessibility needs around things like hygiene, physical distancing and face coverings so we can provide the best possible support to people to take part in sport and physical activity.
Anxiety, mental health and wellbeing – The pandemic is leading to an increased risk of anxiety and mental ill-health for people who share all characteristics. We know that sport and physical activity can have significant benefits for people’s mental health so it’s vital that we continue to promote those benefits, so people are encouraged to get involved.
Confidence – Confidence to return to sport is a big issue across all groups. We know that some groups are at higher risk from Covid-19 than others (including some ethnic minorities, disabled people and households experiencing poverty). These groups may be even more nervous about returning to sport or starting to participate. They are also less likely to participate in sport in the first place, so we’ll need to give extra attention to their needs to help build their confidence.
The information outlined below is generic and should be used to inform the development of suitable sport specific guidance which can be shared with participants, clubs, local authorities/trusts, third sector and other sports facility operators.
Level 4 Guidance (Stay at Home)
The guidance within this appendix is applicable to sport and physical activity facilities and activities where Scottish Government have identified the requirement for enhanced Level 4 ‘stay at home’ restrictions to be applied.
This guidance is not applicable to professional or performance sports activity which is approved through the ‘Resumption of Performance Sport’ process by Scottish Government or sportscotland.
The information outlined below should be used in conjunction with, and where appropriate supersede, the ‘Return to sport and physical activity guidance’ to inform the development of sport specific information which will be shared with participants, clubs, local authorities/trusts, third sector and other sports facility operators within Level 4 areas.
It is the responsibility of the relevant facility operator / COVID officer to ensure that full risk assessments, processes and mitigating actions are in place before any sport or leisure activity takes place and to check if the activity is in an area which is subject to additional Scottish Government localised measures and restrictions.
Where a local outbreak has been reported, sports facility operators and deliverers should review their facility/operational risk assessment and consider if additional mitigating actions should be put in place to reduce risk. This may, for example, include; suspending activity, enhancing hygiene and physical distancing measures or introducing additional activity restrictions.
Be aware that the Scottish Government may update or change Levels and restrictions at any time, including the local areas subject to them. Therefore COVID officers should regularly check Scottish Government advice and guidance relating to local outbreaks and measures at Coronavirus (COVID-19): local advice and measures.
Travel Restrictions in Level 4 areas
Those living in a Level 4 local authority area can travel within that area to undertake outdoor sport, exercise and recreation including walking, cycling, golf or running that starts and finishes at the same place (or up to 5 miles from the boundary of their local authority area for informal exercise), as long as they abide by the rules on meeting other households.
Exemptions are also applicable for essential animal welfare reasons, such as exercising or feeding a horse or going to a vet.
When taking part in sport, exercise or recreation participants should at all times follow Scottish Government ‘stay at home’ guidance
Travel Summary
| Age Group |
Level 0 |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
| U18s |
ü |
ü |
ü |
ü |
Local Travel Only |
| 18+ (Adults) |
ü |
ü |
ü |
Local Travel Only |
Outdoor Sport & Leisure Activity
Operators in Level 4 areas may continue to open outdoor sports areas, courts, pitches and facilities (with the exception of ski centres/resorts) if documented risk assessments are undertaken and all appropriate mitigating actions including the guidance herein is put in place to ensure the safety of participants, staff and volunteers. Please also refer to additional guidance produced by sportscotland at: Getting Your Facilities Fit for Sport.
Restrictions on the number of people who can take part in sport, exercise and recreation has been updated and is as follows;
- A maximum of 2 people from up to 2 separate households (12 years or over) can meet outdoors for sport, exercise or recreation purposes if 2m physical distancing is maintained, before, during and after the activity. Participants should leave facilities immediately following exercise.
- Group sport, exercise or training activity should not be undertaken by young people or adults over 12 years of age in a Level 4 area. Household rules apply.
- Children under the age of 12 years can meet outdoors for sport, exercise or recreational and do not count towards the total number of people permitted to gather outdoors. Children under 12 years can therefore take part in non-contact group activity. In such circumstances the number of coaches involved must not exceed household limits i.e. maximum of two for any given session.
Coaches should not deliver a session to more than one other person if aged 12 years or older at any given time.
Indoor Sport & Leisure Facilities
Indoor sport and leisure facilities including club houses, changing rooms and activity areas should remain closed at Level 4. Exemptions are available as noted below.
Public Toilets
- Operators may open indoor toilets for public use if they follow Scottish Government Opening Public Toilets Guidelines.
- Public toilets are defined as any toilets accessible to the public. The opening of toilets should be accompanied by local risk assessment, and control measures should be proactively monitored by operators.
- All appropriate cleaning procedures and equipment/disinfectant should be provided as per Health Protection Scotland guidance.
Definitions – for the purposes of this guidance
‘Organised sporting or physical activity’ refers to activities which are undertaken in a structured and managed way following specific rules and guidance of relevant SGBs, local authorities or businesses who in turn have fully applied related Scottish Government and sportscotland guidance. All organised activity should be overseen by a Covid Officer with documented risk assessments undertaken and mitigating actions put in place to ensure the health, safety and welfare of participants, coaches and officials.
Contact sport or activity is defined as “a sport or activity in which the participants necessarily come into bodily contact or as a matter of course encroach within 2m of one another” such as Judo, Netball and Basketball.
Non-contact sport or activity is defined as “a sport or activity in which the participants are physically separated by playing rules such as to make it difficult for them to make physical contact during an activity. Examples include Tennis, Cricket, Boccia and Curling.
Sports competition refers to where participants or teams compete against different opponents as part of an organised league or competition.
Adult ‘group’ sport or activity refers to adults, from more than 2 households / 6 members of those households who take part in organised sport or physical activity.
Indoor individual exercise refers to non-contact recreational sport or physical activity which follows general household rules i.e. no more than 2 households / 6 members of those households. This includes gym use, 1:1 personal training, swimming, ice skating and indoor snowsports activity where physical distancing can be maintained.
Participants and operators should follow guidance based on the area protection level in which the sporting activity is to take place. A summary of what sporting activity can be undertaken at each protection level is available in Table A and should be read in conjunction with the rest of this document.
- Subject to the guidance below, organised sporting or physical activity can take place indoors or outdoors, in effect suspending physical distancing and household guidelines, for the duration of the activity.
- Where there is likely to be proximity (within 2m) or contact between participants involved in a sporting activity, mitigating actions must be put in place to minimise risk and keep participants safe. For instance:
- SGB guidance should focus on providing sporting activity involving as few participants as possible, for the minimum amount of time, whilst still allowing the activity to run effectively. This may also require a change to game formats, numbers and/or rules to minimise risk to participants.
- As soon as a participant has completed training, a competition or event, they should leave the field of play/venue.
- No spectating should take place other than where a parent or carer is supervising a child or vulnerable adult or when following specific sector guidance for events.
- No formal presentation ceremonies should take place during or after a sporting activity or competition as the focus should be on reducing the numbers in attendance at any one time.
- Holiday camps, extended sports activity or events which would not normally come under the jurisdiction of an SGB should refer to the appropriate local authority, umbrella body or care commission guidance. Organisers of these activities may alternatively wish to use Scottish Government household, physical distancing and group size limits.
Outdoor Sport & Leisure Activity
Operators may open outdoor sports areas, courts and pitches if documented risk assessments are undertaken and all appropriate measures are put in place to ensure the safety of participants, staff and volunteers and where activity is undertaken in line with guidance for the appropriate protection level. Please also refer to guidance produced by sportscotland at: Getting Your Facilities Fit for Sport.
Information relating to outdoor sport and physical activity that can be undertaken by protection Level and age group is available in Table A.
Outdoor sporting bubbles for training, competition or small-scale events
- An outdoor sporting ‘field of play bubble’ can consist of a maximum of 30 people including coaches, officials and other support staff at any one time. In exceptional circumstances, numbers may be increased, but only if approved directly by Scottish Government or where specific Scottish Governing Bodies of sport (SGBs) guidance and mitigating actions have been agreed by sport
- Multiple outdoor sporting bubbles, each with up to 30 people, can be used in training, competition or small-scale sporting events. In such cases operators and organisers should undertake comprehensive risk assessment to ensure that these bubbles do not mix at any time including before, during or after the activity.
- Total numbers taking part in training, competition or events, other than detailed below, should not exceed 200 people in any one day, including organisers, officials and participants. Once an individual has completed their activity, they should immediately vacate the ‘field of play’ and are then subject to normal household rules:
- Permanent outdoor sport, leisure and club facilities which are accessed on a regular basis by the general public and/or club members and have in place a designated COVID officer and appropriate risk assessments may exceed the limit of 200 people, in a single day, if mitigating measures are put in place to protect participants and staff. This may for instance include operating separate activity zones, implementing staggered time slots and putting in place other measures to ensure participation bubbles remain separate including consideration of parking and access/egress.
- Any further exemptions or variation to training, competition or event participant numbers, including the addition of spectators, must be agreed directly with Scottish Government and may be subject to relevant Scottish Government guidance.
- Where outdoor sports training, competition or events are planned and include multiple bubbles; operators and organisers should, as part of their risk assessment, consult with relevant local authorities, environmental health, the police or other body responsible for the safety of the public. Agreement must be reached with these bodies before the training, event or competition takes place.
- Operators and organisers should note that the situation around COVID-19 is fluid and activities may need to be cancelled at short notice should there be a change in local or national restrictions. In such circumstance’s plans should be in place to notify participants of event cancellation and to ensure they do not attend the venue.
- SGBs and operators should introduce a period of training to familiarise participants with guidelines before running competitions.
- Outdoor group coaching for organised sport and physical activity including aerobics and fitness classes can take place with up to 30 people at any one time, including the coach, if physical distancing is always maintained.
Outdoor sporting bubbles for training, competition or small-scale events (Level 4)
- Outdoor sporting bubbles should not operate in a Level 4 area except for non-contact activity being delivered to children under 12 years of age.
- Normal Scottish Government household rules apply at Level 4. Therefore, activity being delivered to children under 12 years of age should only be supported by a maximum of two coaches. Coach/child ratios should be considered, and numbers kept to a minimum.
Indoor Sport & Leisure Activity
- Indoor sport and leisure facilities can open if Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities is fully implemented.
- Appropriate risk assessments and mitigating measures must be put in place to reduce risk and protect participants. For instance, consider physically distanced training, reducing numbers taking part and changing game formats or rules.
- Participants should not congregate before or after an activity. Operators must ensure comprehensive mitigating actions are put in place and documented in their risk assessment to stop this happening. Consider staggering start/arrival times and any other relevant additional measures.
- The number of participants allowed to take part in indoor sport or physical activity must be risk assessed by the operator following Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities and sport specific SGB Guidance.
- Information relating to indoor sport and physical activity that can be undertaken by protection level and age group is available in Table A.
Coaching
- The guidance below is to support coaches, leaders, personal trainers, deliverers and instructors, herein referred to as coach/es. In addition, please see Getting Coaches Ready for Sport which provides a 4-stage approach/checklist to help coaches get ready for delivering sport and physical activity. It can be used as it is or amended to reflect the sport or delivery activity.
- Coaches operating within clubs and facilities should liaise with the relevant COVID Officer before undertaking coaching and all sporting or physical activity must adhere to operator and relevant SGB Guidance.
- Coaches and others supporting organised sporting or physical activity should attempt to keep physically distant, but it is recognised that this will not always be possible to ensure the safety of participants. In such circumstances the responsible ‘Covid Officer’ should consider appropriate mitigating actions as part of the risk assessment.
- Coaches should be aware that local restrictions may be in place for sport and physical activity and this should be considered as part of risk assessment planning and will dictate what activity can be coached, indoors and outdoors and to whom. See Table A for further information about protection levels.
- Scottish Government travel guidance provides exemptions for travel into and out of Level 3 and Level 4 local authority areas. This includes ‘Travel for work, or to provide voluntary or charitable services, but only where that cannot be done from your home’.
- Where paid/voluntary coaches or officials use the above exemption mitigating actions should be put in place to reduce risk to the coach, official and participants. This should be documented in the operator or deliverer risk assessment.
- Coaches can run organised outdoor group training sessions in protection Levels 0-3 (up to Level 4 for children under 12 years of age) with a maximum of 30 people involved at any one time or as agreed through approved SGB Guidance and Scottish Government (COVID-19): guidance on the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities. They should ensure to follow specific guidance on sporting bubbles within this document.
- Coaches can take multiple indoor sessions per day, however the numbers allowed in each session will depend upon the protection level restrictions in place in the given location.
- Face coverings must be worn by coaches when indoors, except where an exemption applies. For instance;
- where an individual has a health condition or is disabled, including hidden disabilities, for example, autism, dementia or a learning disability.
- or if there is a reasonable excuse not to wear a face covering such as;
- where there is difficulty in communicating with participants who may not be close by and safety is an issue i.e. in a swimming lesson. In such cases alternative measures should be considered such as use of a face visor.
- being physically active or exercising as part of the coached session.
- The Coronavirus (COVID-19): public use of face coverings provides guidance on general use and exemptions.
Links to supporting guidance;
- Health Protection Scotland: General guidance for non-healthcare settings
- Health Protection Scotland: Hand hygiene techniques
- HSE: First Aid during the coronavirus
- The priority should always be on ensuring the safety of the coach and participants and minimising the risk of virus transmission before, during and after activity.
- At all times coaches should:
- Plan and risk assess appropriately for the session in advance, be aware of responsibilities, be clear on expectations with participants and build in a review period to reflect on effectiveness and safety of the session.
- ensure signage on guidelines for participating safely and promoting hygiene measures are clearly displayed and up to date.
- check, in advance of delivery, that appropriate insurance policies are in place for all coached activities and that their insurance is valid for the activities they plan to deliver.
- find out about their direct and surrounding delivery environment in advance of the session and contact the facility operator, where relevant, to confirm any changes in processes and procedure.
- Coaches working with children should familiarise themselves with the additional considerations developed by Children 1st: Child Wellbeing and Protection Considerations.
Local restrictions
Where a locality or region is subject to localised restrictions, not all of the changes above will apply. Details of local restrictions are available here.
Boccia
There will be no organised boccia activity under Level 4 restrictions. However, under other levels there is the ability to return depending on the readiness of facility providers to open to clubs and sessions for training purposes only.
Competition will be considered in the future. SDS will publish further updates and guidance as and when competition is allowed to return.
SDS has published a separate Return to Boccia Guidance Paper. To access this guidance please follow this link: Return to Boccia
Travel guidance can be found in Table A on page 3.
General Guidance
To prevent spread of the virus, please follow the FACTS:
Face coverings
Avoid crowded places
Clean hands regularly
Two metre distance
Self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms
IMPORTANT:
People who are symptomatic and household members should self-isolate for 10 days as per NHS Scotland guidance. No one who is self-isolating should attend a sports facility or activity.
Shielding is currently paused, and it is the individuals responsibility to decide when it is safe for their return to sport. The advice is highlighted in here. The advice to people is to continue to strictly follow the guidelines on physical distancing, handwashing, surface cleaning and respiratory hygiene guidance on the NHS Inform website.
What to do if someone in the club or session has Covid-19
Local Outbreaks or Clusters of Coronavirus Cases
Scottish Government travel advice and guidance relating to local outbreaks or clusters of coronavirus cases is available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): local advice and measures. 94. Where a local outbreak has been reported, sports facility operators and deliverers within this locality should review Scottish Government ‘local measures’ guidance, their facility/operational risk assessment and consider if additional mitigating actions should be put in place to reduce risk. This may, for example, include; suspending activity, enhancing hygiene and physical distancing measures or introducing additional activity restrictions.
SDS key messages
- This guidance relates only to sport and physical activity in Scotland.
- Further guidance will be available from your mainstream Scottish Governing Body to advise you on the implications for your individual sport. Click here
- It is the responsibility of the relevant facility operator / COVID officer to ensure that full risk assessments, processes and mitigating actions are in place before any sport or leisure activity takes place and to check if the activity is in an area which is subject to additional Scottish Government localised measures and restrictions.
- Guidance for coaches, leaders, personal trainers, and instructors (herein referred to as coaches) is available at Getting your coaches ready for sport.
- During outdoor group training sessions appropriate risk assessed physical distancing and hygiene measures should be put in place to protect participants.
- Face coverings: Mandatory (with limited exceptions) on public transport and in shops
- Be kind, friendly and considerate to everyone you meet
- Follow Public Health guidelines for hygiene
- Any branch or club activity must be in accordance with the guidelines provided
- Exercise well within your capabilities
- For further details please refer to sportscotland Guidance Paper
Our priority remains to protect the health of our coaches, volunteers, athletes, participant, staff and the wider community and help to suppress the spread of the Covid-19 virus. We should all continue to follow the government’s and public health guidelines.
You can download this guidance here: SDS Guidance Paper Jan 2021
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