Dear Coaches
Hope you had a good Xmas celebration.
Below is the latest update from England Athletics (5th Jan).
Could you please ensure all your sessions comply with the latest guidance.
Best regards and stay safe
On behalf of the Club committee
B. Cook (Gen. Sec.)
Following the UK Government’s announcement on Monday 4 January of a new national lockdown, regrettably our guidance for athletics and running must reflect these enforced Covid-19 restrictions across England.
As a result of everyone being required to stay at home, except for specific purposes as outlined by the UK Government’s guidance, the impact on our sport includes the following with immediate effect and until further notice:
- The suspension of all face-to-face indoor and outdoor club / group activity.
- The suspension of all indoor track and field competitions.
- The suspension of all outdoor competitions including track and field, cross country, road, trail, fell and multi-terrain running.
- The suspension of all face-to-face coaches’ and officials’ education.
- The suspension of any other face-to-face club / group training sessions, events, athlete camps, running groups or other social events as well as club committee or other meetings.
- Indoor gyms and facilities will remain closed.
What can take place?
The UK Government has confirmed that elite sport is able to continue in line with the strict protocols and measures that are in place. Similarly, organised outdoor sport for disabled people can continue and we will provide further details on this once we have the required information from the UK Government.
- The UK Government has confirmed that individuals can exercise outside of their home in a public outdoor space, limited to once per day and not involving travel outside their local area, as follows:
- By themselves
- With people they live with
- With their support bubble (if legally permitted to form one)
- In a childcare bubble where providing childcare
- Or, when on their own, with one person from another household
- Virtual training sessions can be delivered by qualified coaches
- Virtual competitions can still take place. Click here for a list of virtual road races
- England Athletics will continue to coordinate the Weekly 30
Anyone taking part in any virtual activity should at all times observe the above restrictions. We are currently seeking clarity from UK Government on 1:1 coaching and will provide an update as soon as possible.
We believe athletics and running play a vital role in improving the physical and mental health and wellbeing of participants of all ages and abilities and remain in constant dialogue with the UK Government to ensure a full, and safe, return to the sport as soon as possible.
To ensure athletics and running can still play an important role in the lives of many people during these challenging times, we continue to provide clubs, affiliated athletes, runners including RunTogether groups, coaches and leaders, officials and families with access to support, resources and activities through our Athletics and Running @home campaign.
We are also aware of the impact Covid-19 has had on clubs and offer a reminder that funding is available through our new Club Support Fund.
Please continue to follow all the latest news and updates for your local area as these could be subject to change at short notice, with UK Government advice superseding the above guidance relating to athletics and running.
Again, we would like to thank everyone involved in the sport, from clubs, runners, athletes, coaches, leaders, officials, administrators, volunteers, facility providers, competition providers, parents and carers for their continued support, patience and understanding whilst adhering to our guidance issued in accordance with the UK Government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The physical and mental health and wellbeing of all our members and their loved ones remains the priority throughout this difficult and challenging period so it is vital everyone adheres to the UK Government’s new national Covid-19 restrictions until further notice.
Contacts
- Club Support – clubsupport@englandathletics.org
- Road Running Competitions – Gavin Lightwood glightwood@uka.org.uk
- Track & Field and Cross Country Competition– Nichola Skedgel nskedgel@englandathletics.org