We will be publishing resources and key information on the dedicated Return to Play page
With venues beginning to open up we know that there are some clubs that in principle are able to Return to Training (RTT). While we still await formal sign off of our guidance by DCMS we now have agreement from our insurers that we are covered to play providing we meet all of the government guidance and follow the measures which we as an NGB put in place. Although some indoor venues are becoming available again, there are still many which are not open for our use, and others that have closed for good, so the availability of places to train will still present a challenge for some clubs. If this applies to you then please discuss with your RDO so that we can support you in finding a solution. It is also the case that due to restrictions and ongoing COVID-19 concerns very few sports have actually returned to indoor training. As an example, wheelchair basketball will start training in September but only outdoors. They have done a great job in preparing to RTT but have no plans to return to indoor play before the end of the year. With the incidents of COVID-19 also rising in many places at the moment there is still a need to continue to be alert and to ensure full attention is paid to following all government advice, particularly around hygiene, social distancing and travel.
Click above to view the full plan, or download a PDF copy
When we are able to press the button on RTT it will signal the start of our 5 step plan. The plan is shown in the infographic above, and you will see from this that the return will be based on a gradual ramp up to full play with movement up the steps dependent on a changing and improving COVID-19 picture, and the strict application of government advice. Our priority at all times will be to ensure we only permit training at a level and within conditions which minimises any risk of COVID-19 infection being transmitted within our training environment. It is also our priority to ensure that individuals do not rush into training but begin with chair acclimatisation and fitness training, as most players have been out of their playing chair for some time. For these reasons when we do start it will be at Step 1, which I understand some may be frustrated by as there is an understandable desire to return to o full play, but we are some way from the conditions being met which will enable that.
The idea of sharing the 5 Step Plan at this point is to enable you and your clubs to start thinking about and preparing for RTT. For individuals, an important part of that preparation is to ensure that you understand the risk to you personally of RTT and for this reason we are advising that you consult with your GP or other medical practitioner. On the day of each training session you wish to take part in you will first have to make an online declaration in which you will be asked to agree to RTT, whilst acknowledging the contagious nature of COVID-19 and that you voluntarily assume the risk that you and anyone you come into contact with may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19. These are good reasons why you should seek proper medical advice so that you fully understand the risks to you personally should you contract the virus.
In order for us to agree that a club can RTT we will also require that at least one club member, and the COVID-19 club lead, undertake a short training module which we will be providing online. This will cover key areas such as hygiene, cleaning of kit and equipment, risk assessment and training protocols. The aim will be to get these courses online by the end of this month. Preparation for the provision of any PPE such as masks and cleaning equipment is also something that can now be considered. GBWR is looking to help support with some of the costs of such provision and we will be providing details of how you can access that support.
I hope this and the infographic describing the 5 Step Plan gives you a little more insight on how we are approaching RTT. There will be many questions about the 5 Steps and the conditions around each step. All of these should be answered in the detailed guidance when it is released, which I anticipate will be in the next 2 weeks and should also be covered in the training modules. I do understand that the unanswered question is ‘when can we start?’. In the knowledge that we still have to get that final sign off and that clubs need to prepare by undertaking the training and completing risk assessments with their venue provider, I think it is unlikely to be before mid-September that we can activate Step 1. I am grateful for your continuing patience and please be assured that all of us want to get you back on court at soon as it is safe to do so.
David Pond, Chief Executive
