This guidance is being produced to support athletes, participants with a disability, SDS Branches, coaches, volunteers and staff on Phase 3 of the return of outdoor sport and physical activity in Scotland.This guidance follows the Scottish Government’s updates route map Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 3: Scotland’s route map update – 10 September 2020.
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.
Sporting activities can now 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 identified within this section. See here and Appendix 1 below for latest update.
People who are symptomatic should self-isolate for 10 days and household members for 14 days as per info on NHS 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 that the easing of restrictions does not mean that all facilities will open immediately. Clubs, owners and operators will require time to consider all the implications of opening facilities and put plans in place to re-engage staff and to set up operations that ensure the safety of participants, staff and volunteers. This is a difficult time for everyone so please be patient.
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. 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.
Should a return to sport be possible for your sport during phase 3 in line with government and your sport specific Scottish Governing Body guidelines. Further guidance will be available from your mainstream Scottish Governing Body to advise you on the implications for your individual sport. For further information on sportscotland’s guidance on Phase 3: return to sport and physical activity click here and Scottish Governing Bodies guidance click here.
Permitted Sport and Leisure Activities
Subject to the guidelines below a ‘field of play bubble’ can be created whilst an organised sporting or leisure activity is taking place indoors or outdoors, in effect suspending physical distancing guidelines for the duration of the activity.
Where there is likely to be proximity (within 2m) or contact between participants aged 12 years or over 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.
Face coverings do not need to be worn when undertaking physical activity, exercise or showering.
Outdoor Sport & Leisure Activity
Facility operators may open all 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. Please refer to additional guidance produced by sportscotland at: Getting Your Facilities Fit for Sport.
Adults and children can take part in organised outdoor non-contact and contact sports training, competition or events if guidance within this document is followed.
A sporting ‘field of play bubble’ can consist of a maximum of 30 people including coaches and officials 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 sportscotland.
Where SGBs or sports facility operators are considering running outdoor sport or leisure activities with multiple bubbles of 30 people taking part, they must ensure that these bubbles do not mix at any time including before, during or after the activity. Consideration should be given, for example, to staggered starts, different access/egress points at venues, parking arrangements and the duration of activities.
SGBs and sports facility operators should introduce a period of training to familiarise participants with guidelines before running competitions.
Outdoor group coaching for organised sport and leisure activities including aerobics and fitness classes can take place with up to 30 people at any one time, including the coach, if physical distancing is maintained.
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.
Indoor contact and non-contact sports training, activity and competition can be undertaken by children up to and including the age of 11 years.
Indoor non-contact sports training, activity and competition can be undertaken by those 12 years of age or older.
Non-contact sports where participants would normally encroach within 2m can resume if mitigating measures are introduced to limit this risk. For instance, the implementation of physically distanced training or competition with amended rules which support physical distancing. Any proposed changes must be included in SGB guidance and approved by Scottish Government or sportscotland.
The number of participants allowed to take part in indoor sport or leisure activity must be risk assessed by the sports facility operator following Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities and sport specific SGB Guidance.
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 and in Appendix 1 below.
Coaching & Instructing
Guidance for coaches, leaders, personal trainers, and instructors (herein referred to as coaches) is available at Getting your coaches ready for sport .
Coaches can take organised outdoor group training sessions with a maximum of 30 people involved at any one time but it is encouraged that coaches work with smaller groups where practical.
During all sessions appropriate risk assessed physical distancing and hygiene measures should be put in place to protect participants.
Boccia
For the sport of boccia 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
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 should self-isolate for 10 days; household members for 14 days as per info on NHS guidance. No one who is self-isolating should attend a sports facility/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 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 3: Scotland’s route map update – 10 September 2020 a separate Route Map. 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
sportscotland Phase 3: Return to Sport & Physical Activity
For further guidance on the following areas please refer to the Phase 3; Return to Sport and Physical Activity document produced by sportscotland:
- Furlough Scheme
- Sport Facility and Operational Guidance
- Equipment Provision and Use
- Travel Guidance
- Definitions
- Test & Protect
- Changing Facilities, Showers & Toilets
- Organised Sporting Activity for Children & Adults
- Health, Safety & Hygiene
- First Aid
- Guidance for Participants
- Physical Distancing
- Spectators
- Covid-19 Officer Training sportscotland Covid Officer E-learning Module
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
- Guidance for coaches, leaders, personal trainers, and instructors (herein referred to as coaches) is available at Getting your coaches ready for sport.
- From the 3rd August 2020 restrictions were lifted on the number of households (or extended households) that can be coached per day.
- From the 24th August 2020 coaches can take organised outdoor group training sessions with a maximum of 30 people involved at any one time.
- 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’s guidance here
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.
APPENDIX 1: LOCAL MEASURES & RESTRICTIONS
Introduction
- The guidance within this appendix is applicable to sport and physical activity facilities and activities where Scottish Government have identified the requirement for local measures and 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.
- Local measures and restrictions will come into force for licensed premises from 18:00 on Friday 9 October, with all other restrictions applying from 00:01 Saturday 10 October and run until midnight on Sunday 1st November 2020.
- The restrictions currently apply to the following NHS Health Boards and local authorities, but be aware these may change if infection rates increase in other parts of Scotland; NHS Ayrshire & Arran (North, South and East Ayrshire), NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (Glasgow, East and West Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, and Inverclyde), NHS Lanarkshire (North and South Lanarkshire), NHS Forth Valley (Clackmannanshire, Stirling and Falkirk) and NHS Lothian (Edinburgh, East, West and Mid-Lothian).
- The information outlined below should be used in conjunction with, and where appropriate supersede, the ‘Phase 3: return to sport and physical activity guidance’ to inform the development of sport specific guidance which will be shared with participants, clubs, local authorities/trusts, third sector and other sports facility operators within local areas identified by Scottish Government as requiring additional measures/restrictions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 infection.
- 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.
- Travel to or from an area with Scottish Government local measures or restrictions in place to undertake sport or physical activity should where possible be avoided.
- People living in areas with Scottish Government local measures or restrictions should not participate in outdoor amateur contact sport in any location (unless they are under 18 years of age.
- Be aware that the Scottish Government may update or change measures 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.
Outdoor Sport & Leisure Activity – local measures
- Facility operators in areas subject to local measures and restrictions may continue to open all outdoor sports areas, courts and pitches 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.
- Children and young people under 18 years of age can continue to take part in organised outdoor non-contact and contact sports training, competition or events if all relevant guidance is followed.
- Adults (18 years of age or older) can take part in organised outdoor non-contact sports training, competition or events if all relevant guidance is followed.
- Adults should not take part in any form of contact sport in areas which are subject to Scottish Government local measures or restrictions.
- Where outdoor sports training, competition or events are planned and include multiple bubbles; facility operators, organisers and deliverers 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.
- Facility operators, organisers and deliverers 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 or activity.
- Outdoor group coaching for organised sport and leisure activities including aerobics and fitness classes can continue to take place with up to 30 people at any one time, including the coach as long as physical distancing is maintained at all times.
Indoor Sport & Leisure Activity – local measures
- Indoor sport and leisure facilities can remain open if Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities is fully implemented.
- Children under 12 years of age can continue to take part in organised indoor contact and non-contact sports training, activity and competition.
- Young adults under 18 years of age can continue to take part in indoor non-contact sports training, activity and competition.
- Adults (18 years of age or older) should not take part in any indoor group activity such as exercise classes, any form of contact sport, group competitions or group coaching/training.
- Adult group activity for the purposes of this guidance is activity, involving adults, from more than 2 households / 6 members of those households who take part in an activity.
- Recreational activity, such as gym use, 1:1 personal training, swimming, ice skating and indoor snowsports activity where physical distancing can be maintained is permitted.
- Coaches can take multiple sessions per day, but each session should not include more than one other household if adults are involved (maximum of 6 people in total).
- The number of participants allowed to take part in indoor sport or leisure activity must be risk assessed by the sports facility operator following Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities and sport specific SGB Guidance.
- Guidance for coaches, leaders, personal trainers, and instructors (referred to as coaches) is available at Getting your coaches ready for sport.
Hospitality
- Additional restrictions are in place for hospitality businesses. Sports facility operators providing catering or bar services should refer to Scottish Government guidance for details of these restrictions. Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector guidance.
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