Updated 16th May 202 9:37am
Covid-19 Guidance Update For Restricted Return to Activity
Following the publication of the new government guidelines on exercise England Athletics have been working with UK Athletics and other stakeholders to create guidance documents for athletes, runners, coaches and athletic venues:
- Guidance for athletes and runners return to activity
- Guidance for coaches and leaders return to activity
- Guidance for athletic venues return to activity
We’ve picked out some main points from the guidance which I want to share with you, however you should familiarise yourself with the full guidelines above.
As per the general government guidance issued on Monday, two people not from the same household can now meet somewhere outdoors and in public for exercise as long as they stay 2 metres apart. This means two individual athletes could meet to train together, keeping their distance.
A coach and one athlete could meet and EA guidance says this is OK, but, importantly, if the athlete is under 18 then a parent or guardian must be able to view the activity, from across the field say, from a safeguarding point of view. No coach should meet an under 18 athlete unsupervised. You will need to stick to the social distancing guidelines and stay well away from the training session.
This cannot be in a private garden, must be in a park or outdoor sports facility.
It could be on a track if a track is open. There is no indication yet when Sportspark facilities will reopen, but we assume it is most likely to be tied in with when gyms and leisure centres reopen which is much later in the government’s plans.
EA has issued guidance on different events and equipment to keep safe. For example, in this first stage they say jumps are not allowed if they use a sand pit or landing mat – so no long, triple or high jump or pole vault just yet.
There’s also guidance from EA on how to safely use equipment for throws, hurdles, blocks, etc to keep them sanitised and clean.
Clubs still must not organise any group activities at this point.
Updated 17th March 2020 9.54am
Following guidance issued this morning by England Athletics, City of Norwich AC has suspended all training, competition and meetings with immediate effect and until at least the end of April.
England Athletics has issued a statement advising that all face-to-face activity such as club training sessions, events, competitions, club committee and face-to-face meetings, athlete camps, running groups and social events should be suspended until at least the end of April.
The decision has been taken in the interests of athletes, runners, officials, coaches, volunteers, supporters and the wider athletics and running communities. This decision is also in alignment with actions taken by the home country athletics federations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and is similar to action taken by other sports.
Where possible, athletes and runners at all levels are encouraged to maintain their own personal fitness and keep active during this time, while following government guidelines about safe distance and safe exercise environments.
We will, of course, update all our members as and when the situation changes. The latest information from England Athletics will be updated here: https://www.englandathletics.org/athletics-and-running/news/coronavirus-statement/