We will maintain summaries of the coronavirus updates for the parts of the UK in which our affiliated clubs operate. Please note that different rules apply for different parts of the UK:
- Updates for England (updated 19th July 2021)
- Updates for Scotland (updated 19th July 2021)
- Travelling for training (updated 19th July 2021)
- Relevant guidelines for training (updated 14th September 2020)
Please note that the following summaries are only our best understanding of the rules given by the government and by the devolved powers. The guidance and rules change on a regular basis and you absolutely should do your due diligence before taking any steps to reopen.
Updates for England
Updated 19th July 2021.
As of Monday the 19th of July 2021, virtually all Covid-related restrictions in England will be lifted, with the public instead being advised to apply common sense. (source)
DCMS has confirmed the contact combat sports may resume all kinds of training, whether outdoors or indoors. Clubs should still follow appropriate guidance and ensure that people can still participate safely without catching Covid at the club. (source) The contact combat sports framework is no longer in force. “Return to play” policies agreed with Sport England are no longer required.
This means that your club can reopen and get back to “normal” without any legal restrictions. However, you do still have your legal duty of care toward your participants; this is not just a Covid-related restriction, it is a legal requirement all of the time.
Updates for Scotland
Updated 19th July 2021.
On the 13th of July 2021, the Scottish Government announced that the whole of Scotland would move into level 0 on Monday the 19th of July. (source) This supersedes the previous timetable for easing restrictions across the whole country.
With regard to sport, the existing framework of protection levels planned for level 0 of the Scottish strategic framework, which means that: “All organised sports and exercise activities for all age groups are permitted, provided appropriate safety measures are followed. Sports organisations will need to refer to guidance produced by their Scottish Governing Body of Sport and ensure they operate in line with the guidance.” (source)
Sport Scotland maintains an up-to-date list of guidance on their website, which does confirm that indoor contact sport will be permitted for adults in level 0. (source)
| Levels | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult outdoor non-contact sports | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Adult outdoor contact sports | – | – | YES | YES | YES |
| Adult indoor non-contact sports | – | – | YES | YES | YES |
| Adult indoor contact sports | – | – | – | – | YES |
| Adult outdoor individual exercise | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Adult indoor individual exercise | – | YES | YES | YES | YES |
This means that your club can reopen and get back to “normal” training. However, you do still have your legal duty of care toward your participants; this is not just a Covid-related restriction, it is a legal requirement all of the time.
It is important to remember that in Scotland, there are still some restrictions and the perception of rules being lifted is because the country is in level 0 of the strategic framework – areas of the country could feasibly be returned to higher levels in the framework if this is necessary. It is not open season and the 19th of July is not any sort of “freedom day”.
Travelling for training
Updated 19th July 2021.
As of the 19th of July 2021, travel within Scotland, England, and Wales is allowed without any restrictions.
Travelling to Northern Ireland may still require a negative Covid-test. (source)
Many of the islands have also allowed travel without restrictions, or sometimes requiring a negative Covid-test.
Relevant guidelines
Updated 14th September 2020.
Make sure your first aid qualifications (and any relevant child protection paperwork) are up to date.
If you want to train outdoors, please consider our guidance for practising in public and private spaces.
Please consider our guidelines for the safe practice of HEMA during Covid-19 for further information.