Member Update 7
Dear Member Clubs,
On Friday, the First Minister announced some changes that will come into force on Monday 22 June. We will update the Guidance document but, in the meantime, I have attached the relevant information taken from the Welsh Assembly website. The bottom line is that boxing clubs are to remain closed, outdoor gyms are also not allowed but you are able to meet with one other household still, as long as social distancing measures are adhered to and its within 5 miles. The Welsh Assembly has confirmed that Elite sports can return, if able to do so safely and in agreement with Sport Wales. Hope the answers below help, regards,
Sport and outdoor activity
Which sport, leisure and recreation facilities are now open?
From 22 June, all outdoor sport and leisure facilities, with the exception of playgrounds and outdoor gyms are allowed to open. Facility operators are expected to take all necessary measures to manage risk and maintain social distancing. But team sports, contact sports and large gatherings of people undertaking leisure or recreation activities are not allowed. The type of facilities that can now re-open, subject to all other measures being met, include:
· outdoor tennis courts
· outdoor bowling greens
· outdoor basketball courts
· outdoor golf driving ranges
· outdoor cycling velodromes
· outdoor athletics tracks
· outdoor cricket nets
Which outdoor sport, leisure and recreation facilities must remain closed?
The coronavirus restrictions regulations set out the list of all businesses, which must be closed – these include playgrounds and outdoor gyms. Restrictions on gatherings mean that in practice managed sports pitches (such as 5 a side football pitches) cannot open.
Why are some indoor and outdoor facilities still not allowed to open?
We are learning more about the virus every day and we know the risk of transmission is lower outdoors than indoors. However, a lower risk doesn’t mean no risk. Even in these circumstances it is vital we all maintain social distancing so we can continue to tackle the spread of this virus. Some outdoor facilities carry a greater risk of transmission where surfaces or equipment are shared between people, such as playgrounds and outdoor gyms. Enclosed, managed, sports pitches should remain closed until team sports can resume.
Are basketball courts allowed to re-open?
Yes, but the restrictions on the number of people allowed to exercise together remain in place so team games are not permissible at this time. You can play on a court, alone or only with a member of your or one other household.
Are skate parks allowed to open?
All outdoor sport and leisure facilities, excluding playgrounds and outdoor gyms and enclosed sports pitches, are allowed to open if the facility operators are ready to open them. They should take all reasonable measures to manage risk and maintain social distancing. But team sports and gatherings of people from more than 2 households undertaking leisure or recreation activities together are not allowed.
Can elite athletes resume training?
Some elite athletes, such as our Olympic and Paralympic Games hopefuls, are now able to resume their training programmes. These athletes need to resume structured training and have access to appropriate facilities to properly prepare for the time when sporting competition resumes. Sport Wales will manage a programme for a small cohort of athletes who have been nominated to participate in the programme by their sport’s national governing body. There are strict protocols in place to allow athletes to train and prepare safely, without compromising their own health and the health and safety of others. The changes to the regulations allow elite athletes to:
· travel for training in Wales and across UK
· train in small groups and to train with coaches from outside their household
· access facilities (for example swimming pools, boxing gyms, weight-lifting gyms, squash courts) for the purposes of undertaking training
Colin Metson
Chief Executive Officer