Category: A News

Meet Craig and Samantha from the Young Persons Sport Panel

Hi Everyone, firstly we would like to introduce ourselves…we are Craig Smith and Samantha Gough, members of the SDS Young Person’s Sports Panel. We have interviewed each other so we can share with you a bit about ourselves and what we get up to with the panel and in our spare time.


CRAIG’S INTERVIEW

Craig plays many sports such as swimming, badminton and table tennis. Craig used to swim competitively but now mostly coaches swimming (at least before Covid) and plays badminton and table tennis.

When did you first get involved in sport?

I first got into the pool as part of treatment after surgery when I was 9. At the time I couldn’t really swim at all, but I learned and then started attending a disability swimming club

What are your goals?

I’d like to continue coaching after covid and I also think the Young Persons Sport Panel is a great way to get people with disabilities experience of sport recognised and encourage the voice of young people with disabilities to be valued by the wider sporting community.

Something interesting you might not know about Craig is:

“I used to work in a chemistry lab analysing the metal content in water samples.”

Who inspires you?

Michael Phelps

What is your biggest achievement?

Holding a British record as part of a relay team.

What are your interests and hobbies outside sport?

I am studying audio technology at Glasgow Caledonian University. I like to do many hobbies outside sport including cooking, playing guitar and listening to music.

Why did you get involved in the panel and what do you hope to achieve?

I was part of the SDS Young Start programme and heard about the YPSP through that. I got involved because I think young people have a really important insight into what makes sport so beneficial for people with disabilities. It is really important that they are able to share their experience and are able to use their ideas to make sport more accessible and even more beneficial for people with disabilities.

Where are you from originally?

I am originally from Fife but I currently live in Glasgow.


SAMANTHA’S INTERVIEW

Who inspires you?

Stephen Clegg is an inspiration to me as he is visually impaired swimmer and has helped me through difficult times at training.

What is your biggest achievement?

I eat a full packet of mini eggs in one sitting. I got UK player of the year in goalball – this is a massive achievement because It was my first year playing goalball.

What are your hobbies?

I do a lot of volunteering for a local charity and help make food parcels for the families that need them. I also deliver zoom activity sessions such as adult bingo, kids bingo, family quiz, kids craft, and adult craft to help families to stay connected.

My other hobbies are art, dance, horse riding, B1 tennis and many more

Why did you get involved in the panel and what do you hope to achieve?

To bring awareness of visual impairments and blind athletes and encourage more people to get involved in sport.

Where are you from?

I’m from Edinburgh, Midlothian.

What sports do you play?

I play goalball, and I’m a swimmer.

How did you get involved with sport?

I started swimming when I was 3. I just started playing Goalball in 2019 at a taster session in Dundee.

What are your goals within sport?

My goals are to bring awareness of visual impairment and blind young people and using my own experience to change the future.

I also would love to run my own goalball club and bring awareness of the sport.

What are you doing outside of sport?

Volunteering.

1 interesting fact that people might not know about you is…

My interesting fact is I love cats.

Craig Smith – Young Persons Sport Panel Administrator

Hi Everyone, I’m Craig Smith and I am the new Young Person’s Sports Panel (YPSP) Administrator for four hours per week. I will be working with the YPSP to co-ordinate some of their activities, provide opportunities for the members and ensure everyone on the panel has a positive experience over the next three years. The YPSP is a great way to find out more about people with disabilities experience of sport and to encourage the voice of young people with disabilities to be recognised by the wider sporting community. The SDS panel is a key consultation group for SDS nationally and we hope to be able to influence partners across Scotland to be as inclusive as possible.

A bit about me:

I used to compete in Para Swimming until I was around 18 years old then I had a bit of a break from sport when I first went to university. I made a bit of a U-turn and decided to leave university early on to go and work for Scottish Water. At this time I also completed some coaching qualifications and started coaching part time at my local swimming club and from there I got involved with the SDS young start programme. Young start was a great way for me to build my coaching skills and reignited my passion for sport. Some of the projects I was involved with through Young Start was helping to write the Young Start application for funding and working with SAMH to build some new ideas for the Young Start programme to deliver mental health workshops which I have really enjoyed. Nowadays, I live in Glasgow and I am studying Audio Technology at Glasgow Caledonian University and work with SDS part time as the YPSP administrator. I am Looking forward to being a part of all the awesome things the panel can achieve over the next few years.

SDS Return to Sport and Physical Activity Guidance Paper (updated 5 April 2021)

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 (version: Feb 2021) for managing COVID-19 which became effective from 23 February 2021.  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.

 

Table A:  Sport & Physical Activity Protection Levels

Level 0 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
OUTDOOR SPORT

Organised outdoor sport, competition, events and Physical Activity (PA)

Overview An outdoor sporting ‘field of play bubble’ may consist of participants including coaches, officials and other support staff with maximum numbers allowed in each level noted below. Multiple bubbles can be used for training and SGB competition if appropriate guidance, set out within this document, is followed.  Indoor and outdoor stadium, or equivalent events/competitions, involving spectators are subject to relevant Scottish Government guidance and approval.  Other outdoor participation events are permitted subject to further Scottish Government clarification on numbers.  

Local training/competition only.

U12s: max 30 including coaches.

Over 12s/adults max  15 including coaches.

* Subject to SG Confirmation * Subject to SG confirmation *Subject to SG confirmation Maximum of 30 participants.
Children & Young people (u18 years) Contact & non-contact sport & PA permitted Contact & non-contact sport & PA permitted Contact & non-contact sport & PA permitted Contact & non-contact sport & PA permitted U12s: Contact sport permitted

12-17 years:  Contact sport temporarily permitted up until the 25 April 2021.  Non-contact only at Level 4 from 26 April 2021.

Adults (18+ years) Non-contact sport & PA permitted

Contact sport & PA prohibited

Non-contact sport & PA permitted

Contact sport & PA prohibited

INDOOR SPORT

Organised indoor sport, competition, events and Physical Activity (PA)

Overview The number of participants allowed to take part in organised indoor sport or physical activity should follow Scottish Government guidance on the opening of sport and leisure facilities and sport specific SGB Guidance.

‘Group’ activity refers to adults, who take part in organised sport or physical activity, where the number of participants is larger than allowed under normal household rules.  ‘Individual exercise’ refers to organised sport or physical activity which takes place within household rules i.e. 1:1 coaching.  For further information see definitions within this guidance.

Children & Young people (u18 years) Contact & non-contact sport & PA permitted Contact & non-contact sport & PA permitted Contact & non-contact sport & PA permitted Contact & non-contact sport & PA permitted Indoor sport & PA prohibited: 

 

Leisure Centres, gyms and other indoor sports facilities closed.

Adults (18+ years) Non-contact sport & PA permitted

Contact sport & PA prohibited

Non-contact sport & PA permitted

Contact sport & PA prohibited

Indoor individual exercise only

No contact or non-contact group activity

COACHING

 

Overview General guidance is available within this document for coaches, leaders, personal trainers, deliverers and instructors, herein referred to as coach/es.  In addition Getting Coaches Ready for Sport provides a 4-stage approach/checklist to further support coaches to plan and deliver safe sessions.
Indoor & Outdoor coaching The local protection Level in place for sport and physical activity will dictate what activity can be coached, indoors and outdoors and to whom in that area.  See indoor / outdoor above for further information.

Coaches can take multiple sessions per day, however the numbers allowed in each session will depend upon the protection Level in place.

PERFORMANCE SPORT Professional & Performance Professional & performance sports with Resumption of Performance Sport guidance in place and approved by Scottish Government or sportscotland is permitted at all Levels.
TRAVEL Indoor / Outdoor Sport & Physical Activity For further information please refer to Travel Guidance within this document.
HOSPITALITY & RETAIL Clubs & Sports Facilities Clubhouses and sports facilities which provide catering and bar services, can operate providing they adhere to Scottish Government guidance appropriate to the protection Level in which they are operating.  Further information is available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector guidance.

Retail units operated by sports facility operators may reopen provided all specific Scottish Government guidance for retailers appropriate to the protection level in which they are operating is in place and adhered to.  Further information from the Scottish Government is available at Retail Sector Guidance.

TOILETS, CHANGING & SHOWER ROOMS Clubs & Sports Facilities Where changing rooms and showering facilities are to be used specific guidance relating to use of ‘Changing and Showers’ is available at Getting Your Facilities Fit for Sport.  This is applicable at all levels where facilities remain open. Indoor sports facilities closed.

Changing rooms closed.

Operators may open public toilets if they follow the guidelines outlined on the Scottish Government website Opening Public Toilets Guidelines Public Toilets open.
WORKFORCE Contractors & Staff Sports facility operators must ensure that Scottish Government guidance on workforce planning in sport & leisure facilities is followed for contractors and staff and ensure existing health and safety advice is maintained and aligned.  This should be detailed in the risk assessment.
Meeting Rooms Although gym and leisure facilities can open up to Level 3, we would encourage providers to consider whether meetings and training must be completed in person or whether these can be completed online or via telephone. If it is essential that meetings and training takes place in person, Scottish Government guidance for general workplaces must be followed and a risk assessment should be completed.

 

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 Local) – 2nd April Up to 25th April 2021

The guidance within this appendix is applicable to sport and physical activity facilities and activities where Scottish Government have identified the requirement for Level 4 ‘Stay Local’ 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.

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 Coronavirus (COVID-19): Local Protection Levels.

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 Local ’ guidance

Travel Summary


Participants can take part in organised sport and physical activity within their own local government area based on Level as detailed in
Table A.  Such activity is subject to exemption from household rules as detailed within this guidance. 

When a participant travels out with their home local government area they should follow the travel guidance detailed below. Travel regulations are now legally enforceable.

Participants should, where possible, avoid any unnecessary travel out of area and keep journeys within area to an absolute minimum.

Children and young people may travel to and from a Level 4 area, if for example, they belong to a club which is just outside their own local authority area.

They should however travel no further than necessary and only participate in activities they are permitted to undertake in a Level 4 area.  For instance, 12-17year olds living in a Level 4 area are restricted to participating in groups of no more than 15 people.

Adults living in a Level 4 local authority area may travel within, but not outwith, that area to take part in organised sport.

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 participants taking part in outdoor organised sport, exercise and recreation in Level 4 is as follows.

Children (aged up to 11 years)

Children can take part in outdoor contact and non-contact organised sport including training, group exercise and competition within their usual club or facility environment.  Inter club competition should not take place.

An outdoor sporting ‘field of play bubble’ can consist of up to 30 children, coaches, and officials at any one time.

Young People (aged 12-17 years)

Young people can take part in outdoor contact and non-contact organised sport including training, group exercise and competition within their usual club or facility environment up to and including the 25th April 2021.  Thereafter only non-contact sport or physical activity should take place at Level 4.  Inter club competition should not take place.

An outdoor sporting ‘field of play bubble’ can consist of up to 15 young people, coaches, and officials at any one time.

Adults (aged 18 years or over)

Adults can take part in outdoor non-contact organised sport including training, group exercise, aerobics, fitness classes and competition within their normal club or facility environment.

An outdoor sporting ‘field of play bubble’ for adults can consist of up to 15 people, including coaches, and officials at any one time.  Physical distancing should always be maintained.

Where there are multiple bubbles operating at the same venue these must be risk assessed to ensure there can be no mixing of participants before, during or after the activity. Specific mitigations could include staggered start times, limiting car parking or controlling access / egress points.

Outdoor sporting bubbles for training, competition, or small-scale participation events (Levels 0-3) – From 26th April 2021

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 at Level 3 (numbers are subject to further confirmation from Scottish Government for Level 0, 1 & 2). 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 sportscotland.

Multiple outdoor sporting bubbles can be used for training and competition.   In such cases operators and organisers should undertake comprehensive risk assessments to ensure that these bubbles do not mix at any time including before, during or after an activity.  Once an individual has completed their activity, they should immediately vacate the ‘field of play’ and are then subject to household rules.

Total participant numbers allowed to take part in small-scale events at Levels 0, 1, 2 & 3 are being reviewed by Scottish Government.   Further information will be provided once available.

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 should risk assess and identify mitigating measures 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 other 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 in Level 3, including the coach, if physical distancing is always maintained. Bubble numbers for Level 0, 1 & 2 are to be confirmed by Scottish Government.

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, who take part in organised sport or physical activity, where the number of participants is larger than allowed under normal household rules.

Indoor individual exercise refers to non-contact recreational sport or physical activity which follows household rule numbers.  This includes gym use, 1:1 personal training, swimming, ice skating and indoor snowsports activity where physical distancing can be maintained.

Permitted Sport and Leisure Activities

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 protection level guidance within this document, 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:

  • 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 sporting 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.

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.

Coaching (Levels 0-3)

Coaches can run organised outdoor group training sessions in protection Levels 0-3 in line with maximum bubble sizes outlined in Table A 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 also ensure to follow specific guidance on sporting bubbles within this document.

Coaches can take multiple indoor sessions per day in line with the level restrictions for age groups. The number of participants allowed in each session will depend upon the protection Level restrictions in place in the given location.

Coaching (Level 4)

Coaches can run organised outdoor non-contact group training sessions in protection Level 4 for a maximum of 15 people aged 12 years or over (including the coach/es)

Coaches can run organised outdoor contact and non-contact training sessions for up to 30 children (including the coach/es) aged under 12 years.

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;

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.

Additional support tools are available for coaches and volunteers at the Getting Coaches Ready for Sport section of the sportscotland website including  mental health and wellbeing awareness training .

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

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.

Home Vision Testing Kit – volunteers needed

The Innovation team at Forth Valley NHS are looking to develop a Home Vision Testing kit which can be used remotely to measure vision and are really keen to get feedback and experience from people who have visual impairments.

They are looking for volunteers of all ages, but especially children, to help them make the best home vision testing system we can! Lots of appointments have had to be cancelled due to the pandemic, and people are increasingly relying on video calls.

Forth Valley NHS are investigating tools that allow a vision test to be part of the video call, as well as other ways to check vision at home, and so are looking for children and adults with all levels of vision to check what works and what doesn’t in the home vision testing project. 4 companies are all developing their own solutions, and keen to connect with interested volunteers.

 For more information or to get involved contact Wendy Nimmo Wendy Nimmo, Innovation Lead NHS Forth Valley Wendy Nimmo (NHS Forth Valley) wendy.nimmo@nhs.scot

The Corra Foundation logo, which features a purple and green spiral design on the left, with the name of the foundation and it's values - Voice, Power, Change - on the right.

Funding Boost for Grampian Parasport Festival

This year’s Grampian Parasport Festival is set to take place thanks to generous funding and the support of the Branch.

Grampian Disability Sport was able to secure £800 from The Corra Foundation to cover the costs of putting on the event, which is set to take place in September at Aberdeen Sports Village.

The Foundation aims to distribute funding to projects and programmes which help improve the lives of individuals and communities who experience disadvantage and so the Parasport Festival aligned perfectly with the Foundation’s objectives.

Parasport Festivals have been hugely beneficial in reducing and removing barriers to participation for young people who are least likely to engage in sport and physical activity: they bring young people and their families together to form a supportive network; offer young people the chance to try activities adapted to their specific needs in a safe and welcoming environment; allow people to find out what opportunities are available in their local areas; provide coaches and clubs with opportunities to develop their inclusive practice; and challenge perceptions of the abilities of people with physical and sensory disabilities.

This year’s Grampian Parasport Festival is scheduled for Friday 17th September and is suitable for children and young people from P1 – S6 with physical, visual or hearing impairments who attend mainstream or sensory-specific education.

For any queries, please get in touch with Alison, the Grampian and Shetland Regional Manager, on alison.shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com or 07828 744 848.

Blog: The Impact of Boccia in a Mainstream School Setting – Active Schools Aberdeen

Guest Blog by Kyle Hewitt – Active Schools Aberdeen


Over the past year I have been using Boccia as what I call my ‘gateway sport’. Working with targeted groups with outcomes based on Team work, Confidence and Mental Health. In this time, I have worked with multiple pupils on a one to one or small groups capacity from the schools growing target support department. During the year I have used Boccia to engage the young people initially those whom shy away from mainstream sports and/or those sports and physical activities which feature a higher level of variability and higher level of cognitive load (organised chaos). This can often deter individuals from accessing all that sport and physical activity has to offer, particularly the learning of important and transferable life-skills and the ever more important mental and physical health benefits.

At its basic level Boccia is easy to pick up and play for those who have never played and teachers and staff who have no prior knowledge of the game. It feels welcoming and friendly, it’s not scary or threatening, yet it can be fiercely competitive. It has the ability of developing hand eye coordination, weight of pass, communication, resilience and a sense of achievement when individuals often improve over the course of a single session. It truly is inclusive it can be played with many adaptations and variations and can be played just about anywhere, which has been a great thing particularly this year with so many restrictions impeding P.E. and all of life in general.

Boccia has been a leveller at the academy level with basketball or other sports if you have a few players at even above average in skill sets and some below average it is easier for individuals to get bored and disengage at both ends of the ability scale. I have seen none of this with Boccia: the physically gifted and those less so are closer in this game and yet everyone gets a high level of enjoyment from it and anyone can be successful. (I have lost many times this year to the young people, which they love).

Boccia has also blurred lines between social groups with young people (even a very mixed S4 girls group) who would sit segregated in a class room setting! Around a boccia kit they can laugh and smile (obvious even with masks on), chat and play and get on even if just for 30 minutes. The conversational element around a session of Boccia has also been a fantastic asset in getting to know young people and finding other likes that can be explored, building rapport, trust as well as goal setting in physical activity, sport and the wider curriculum.

Over the year the success of Boccia has been food for thought and we have ordered more kits for those groups so we can play more and develop our skills. We have plans to use it in supporting transitions from P7 to S1 but most excitingly the P.E. department has now ordered their own kits and have discussed the benefits and the potential at engaging more people including those who have struggled to engage in the past and also for Boccia to be used for course work in to National units and even Highers.

Boccia has had so many positives and I can guarantee I am overlooking many of the benefits and positives that this sport has had on our lives this year. This is a general wide account however there are many individual success stories that can be credited to Boccia and we are just getting started. We can have future leaders of boccia developing leadership skills and confidence that may not have been possible without this sport.

Stephen McGuire – A life in Boccia and the impact of Covid

Introducing Stephen McGuire, his life in Boccia and how he has responded to the challenges of the pandemic.


I have a condition called Muscular Dystrophy or MD for short. MD is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. It’s a degenerative condition which causes you to get weaker. As of yet there is no cure, however there are therapies which can help slow down the progressiveness. Sport and being active has been the catalyst in slowing down the degenerative nature of my MD

I began my sporting journey back in 2004. I have always had a passion for the Paralympics and always knew that competing for ParalympicsGB would be my dream. After Athens 2004 Games had finished I send numerous emails and letters away trying to find a sport which I would physically be able to do. At this time the dream was to compete at a Paralympic games, I had the drive and ambition to throw myself into any sport I could find. In the end Boccia found me. Of all the emails I had sent away a lady called Jacqueline Lynn replied. Jacqui had just returned from Athens as head coach of GB Boccia. She invited me along to watch the Scottish Open in January 2005 and instantly I fell in love with the sport and have been privileged to represent Scotland and GB ever since.

Boccia being a precision based tactical sport takes years to master. I always knew I had the ability to play the shots but I was never tactically astute enough to control matches. This meant it took me 6 years to win my 1st international ranking match. Since 2010 I have been ranked inside the worlds top 10 and been privileged to have enjoyed so much success. I’ve been able to lead the BC4 Boccia Pair into London 2012, a home games which was the best experience anyone could wish for, and into Rio 2016.

The pinnacle of my career came in 2016 where I became individual world champion in Beijing, defeating home favourite Zheng in the final. From this achievement I had my most consistent season in 2017 losing only 2 matches in a calendar year whilst becoming European Champion and World Open Champion to add to my World Championship title. This propelled me to World number 1 which I was able to hold onto for a year. Going forward I hope to lead the team into my 3rd Paralympic games in Tokyo 2021 and fight for the only medal missing from my collection.

My initial reaction to the Tokyo Games being halted was disappointment. We were into the final preparations for the Games, looking at tactics and planning our lead into Tokyo. So to have that stop overnight was not easy. Being Postponed as opposed to cancelled still gave me the motivation to keep focused.

The pandemic has certainly changed the course of our sport. Boccia has athletes with severe impairments and mainly called as vulnerable if they catch Covid. As a result all competition has been cancelled for over 1 year and the 1st time we meet to compete again will be in Tokyo. It’ll be 20 months since I sat on court with my international rivals which is incredible.

Throughout the pandemic I spent 6 months training from home. It’s not been easy throwing boccia balls with only 4.5m of space. But we did everything we could like playing catch over the garden wall to setting up sofa cushions to absorb the impact of power shots. We quickly established a home based gym environment. I have purchased a handbike which has been a lifesaver – 3x per week I will have virtual handbike session with my team mates. SDS have been innovative by creating us yoga and stretching sessions online to keep us in the best shape. Then in October last year I returned to court. It’s still not back to normal as I train on my own without team mates or support staff there. However having that covid secure bridge to boccia and home has allowed me to keep up with everything I need to do.

I hope that Boccia can get back to where it was before with Multiple international competitions each year. We do have to be careful and recognise that boccia athletes are high risk. Boccia is a sport growing world wide year on year. It has been great to be part of it for the past 17 years and fingers crossed that the pandemic does not hinder boccia athletes getting together much longer to do what we love.

Reid and Hewett claim British title double at Loughborough Indoor Wheelchair Tennis Tournament

Reigning Paralympic champion Gordon Reid claimed his first men’s singles title of 2021 today after beating fellow Brit and top seed Alfie Hewett 2-6, 7-5, 6-4 to lift the inaugural Loughborough Indoor Wheelchair Tennis Tournament crown. 

Hewett and Reid later joined forces to claim their third successive men’s doubles title of the season as the first LTA international competition staged in Britain in almost 12 months drew to a close. 

World No.5 and second seed Reid bounced back from a set and 5-3 down against Hewett to earn his first singles title since September 2019 in two hours and two minutes. After his first victory over world No. 3 and Rio silver medallist Hewett in international competition since the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros, Reid said: 

“I think last year was the first year in my career when I didn’t win a singles title. Obviously, we didn’t play many events, so I’m really pleased to take the title home today. I’ve played some really good tennis this week and I thought the final was a really high level today. I had to play some of my tennis to beat Alfie.  

“I had to take a few risks and try to get on the front foot early in the points and take Alfie’s time away from him. When he’s in control and has time then he’s really dangerous, so I had to do what I could to put him under pressure. I thought I did that well from the end of the second set.” 

Saturday’s singles final was the second all-British title decider Reid and Hewett have contested this month after meeting in the Rotterdam ITF 1 title decider three weeks ago. They also won their second doubles title of the year in Rotterdam and the 10-time Grand Slam champions made it a 2021 hat-trick in Loughborough after racing past Dutch second seeds Maikel Scheffers and Ruben Spaargaren 6-0, 6-1.  

With Hewett and Reid having equalled the British record for most successful doubles partnership at the Grand Slams when they retained their Australian Open men’s doubles title last month, Hewett heralded another fine week. He said: 

“We’re stronger than ever on the doubles court at the moment and really dynamic and adaptable. I think that’s one of our biggest strengths. We work hard off the court and to get these kinds of results is a big thing for us. 

“To lose to Gordon in the singles final was a disappointing result,” added Hewett “I feel like I’ve been playing some of my best singles tennis recently and the level of the match was incredible from both of us today. I was playing some really good stuff for the first set and a half and from then on Gordon stepped it up and I struggled. I kept it competitive in the third set but he was too good for me today and deserved to win.” 

The penultimate match of this week’s tournament saw Brits Lucy Shuker and Jordanne Whiley finish runners-up to Dutch duo Jiske Griffioen and Van Koot in the women’s doubles final. 

Playing their first tournament together since winning the ITF 2 Bolton Indoor title early in 2020, two-time Paralympic bronze medallists Shuker and Whiley were edged out 4-6, 6-4, 10-3 by the Rio Paralympic champions. 

A successful event for players on the LTA’s Wheelchair Tennis World Class Programme, the Loughborough Indoor saw Antony Cotterill finish runner-up in Friday’s quad singles final to American top seed Bryan Barten, while Cotterill and fellow Brit Greg Slade were also runners-up in the quad doubles.  

For news and updates from the Loughborough Indoor follow on Twitter @WChairTennisGB and @the_LTA and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GBWheelchairTennis/. 

To find out more about the LTA’s work with disability tennis, head to www.lta.org.uk/play or email disabilitytennis@lta.org.uk

Photo courtesy of the LTA

Jamie McCowan – The impact of Covid on performance sport

With the ongoing restrictions owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, this has led to much sporting activity grinding to a halt from grassroots to the elite level. Whilst these measures are undoubtedly necessary, there has been an inevitable impact on all facets of the sporting landscape.

To gain an understanding of this impact on performance sport, we spoke with Boccia athlete Jamie McCowan about the effects of the pandemic on his journey, and how he has adapted where he can to continue playing the sport he loves, including time spent competing against his brother, also a performance Boccia athlete, in a local church hall.

Background on Jamie

Jamie is 26 years old and has been playing Boccia since he was 11, but it was a chance meeting with Claire Morrison, a current SDS Board Member, that set him on his path to success. Spotting his potential at the Ayrshire Special Games, Claire spoke with Jamie but it took a while for him to act upon this unaware of his talent and the opportunities that Boccia could afford him – “the idea of playing high performance sport is something I never thought about”, he said.

Upon a second meeting with Claire he was convinced that a career in Boccia was possible and was soon making strides in his career. He was soon consumed by it and a trip abroad to Canada where he competed against some of the best athletes in the world was enough to convince him that he could represent his country and the paralympics and win tournaments.

Since then he has competed across the globe in a variety of competitions, winning (Jamie to fill this in)

He is also fortunate to have a brother who is also a Boccia athlete who he trains with and competes against, with his parents acting as ramp assistants. In what he describes almost as a “family business”, Boccia has become the “biggest part of my life”, he said.

What was his initial reaction to the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Much like most people, Jamie’s initial reaction to the spread of the virus was uncertainty, recalling a journey on the way home from a training camp in Loughborough where he realised there were likely to be effects on Boccia after an event he was due to attend was cancelled that evening.

Mentioning that he was initially worried as to the danger the virus posed, particularly as someone who was in a vulnerable category and his priority was staying safe. He soon knew that Boccia was likely to be seriously affected and that the camp would be his last for a while, with tournaments in Canada and Croatia cancelled it soon became clear that the Paralympic Games in Tokyo would be under serious threat, with it being suspended for a year soon after.

How did he adapt to train during lockdown?

Despite the unfortunate curtailment of competition, Jamie recognises his fortune in that his family is so embedded in the sport of Boccia. Under the lockdown rules, his living room took centre stage as a space to compete against his brother albeit at a slightly shorter distance than usual.

Once lockdown restrictions were temporarily relaxed Jamie and his brother would go to the local Church hall where they were able to play on a full size 10m court, leading to highly competitive boccia battles, which Jamie says exceeded 60 matches in total.

In this compact space, there was an element of competitive tension which helped both brothers keep their eye in and maintain sharpness, something he understands others have not been as fortunate to have. Jamie likened this to ‘cage’ football, where players compete in a fast-paced and confined environment which he says saw intensity levels rise to something even a normal boccia competition may not have.

Has the pandemic affected Jamie’s athlete journey?

Jamie acknowledged that everyone was different and those at different stages of their athlete journey would have been affected in different ways, however for himself he said he treated it like a pause. When lockdown came into force in March 2020, Jamie felt prepared tactically and technically for his next competition in Canada as well as the year ahead which included the Paralympic Games in Tokyo saying, “I love competing so when you take away the competitions it is a blow”. He however remained upbeat and the period of lockdown presented an opportunity to fine tune a few elements including the psychological aspect of the game.

Importantly he knew the priority was maintaining his physical condition and whilst he felt in a good place for 2020, it was about staying that way until he was able to compete again. Being able to compete against his brother certainly allowed himself to keep sharp with a realistic setting to work on his craft.

Jamie also recognised that Boccia is a team sport played in pairs, and that it was crucial for the squad to feel confident and ready to reach the right level when competition begins again. With regular zoom meetings to keep everyone connected they spent a lot of time reflecting on what they do and any further improvements they could make to add to their overall game. With everyone being different and at different stages of their development he was aware that a break would be beneficial for some and detrimental to others but as a group they have remained positive in their outlook with the mindset of using the extra time available to prepare for the games in an even more thorough manner.

What does he think the long term effects of the pandemic will be on boccia?

Answering this question Jamie preferred to remain positive as to how boccia, and wider sport, can be a positive driver in the post-pandemic recovery. He mentioned how it had put things into perspective and how previously taking part in sport was something that was taken for granted. With the pause in sport, he believes people, not least himself, will appreciate it more in future.

In a final positive message, Jamie believes that once sport begins to return we will see an excitement that we’ve likely never seen before, and the power of sport will help us recover a sense of normality once again. Sport, he said, is a place where people come together, uniting those from all backgrounds and it will help us recover from this extremely challenging time.

Get Out Get Active – Empowering communities to be physically active in Tayside

Get Out Get Active (GOGA) is an exciting programme that started in April 2020 which aims to support people of all abilities to be active together. Funded by Spirit of 2012 and London Marathon Charitable Trust, all partners are focused on encouraging people to move more through fun and inclusive activities. In Tayside, GOGA is a partnership between Scottish Disability Sport and NHS Tayside. GOGA Tayside hopes to engage and support people of all ages to be active.

GOGA is more than being active. It strengthens community spirit, increases confidence and can support local people’s health and wellbeing in a number of ways.

Over the past year, GOGA Tayside has been delivering a free online activity programme delivered over Zoom. The programme has included a variety of activities, delivered 6 days a week, where people from all over Tayside have come together to not only be active but support one another in times of isolation.

There has been a real sense of community throughout the programme, providing a safe space to meet virtually and move together. We have recently introduced a cuppa and a catch up online every Friday which has been really well received by our participants and increased everyone’s ability to get to know one another.

We have seen the positive impact that connecting virtually to take part in physical activity can have; it has lifted mood, boosted morale as well as having many benefits to physical health, strength and mobility. It has reduced loneliness, allowing those who may have been isolated, to communicate daily, create bonds which they would never have been able to create and be a part of something unique.


Here’s what some participants had to say about the programme:

“All I can say is, that I don’t know how I would have survived mentally and physically if it hadn’t been for GOGA! My experience has been very positive and beneficial to my whole wellbeing in participating in the classes. I certainly have more energy, my posture and balance has improved, and I look forward to the next sessions over the long drawn out winter.”

“I’ve found it a great help, it’s a good use of time, you see people, its conversation you just wouldn’t have, it boosts your morale, you feel better.”

“GOGA is person centered, its very good, people can go at their own pace, everybody is welcome, its welcoming, its friendly and its free!”

“Its brilliant, there it is in a nutshell.”


To find out more about GOGA Tayside please check out our Facebook and Twitter page @GOGATayside. To sign up to our online activity programme please find us on Eventbrite: GOGA Tayside’s Online Activity Programme – Week beginning 29th March Tickets | Eventbrite