Is it a case of game on
ORGANISED outdoor activities, including team sports, being able to resume in Wales this week was the latest part of the Welsh Government’s lockdown-easing measures.
Welsh Government guidance says: “It is recognised that risk in sport cannot be completely eradicated, but with caution and care, risks can be reduced and the benefits of team sport enjoyed fully again.”
And on that note, from Monday, the rules changed to allow larger gatherings of up to 30 people – outdoors only – where these are organised and supervised by a responsible person for sports and other leisure activities and classes.
But what exactly counts as an “organised outdoor activity”? How many other people can you play sport with? Is a kickabout in the park allowed?
We’ve answered those questions for you.
What qualifies as an organised group activity?
The activity must be outdoors and organised by a business, public body or charitable institution, a club, or the national governing body of the sport or other activity, official guidance says.
“The person organising the activity needs to have carried out an appropriate risk assessment.”
Which sport, leisure and recreation facilities are now open?
All outdoor sport and leisure facilities – except playgrounds and outdoor gyms – are now allowed to open with those to follow on Monday.
Operators of these grounds and facilities must take all necessary measures to manage risk and maintain physical distancing.
Unless you are taking part in an organised outdoor activity, where up to 30 people are allowed to partake, you can only participate in sport/leisure activity with members of your own household (or extended household if you have formed one) and members of one other household or extended household.
If not taking part in an organised activity, you must still social distance from those outside your household or extended household.
What are the rules on rugby, football and cricket?
They vary somewhat.
The Football Association of Wales said players are permitted to resume low-contact training outdoors with a focus on improving skills and fitness, with rules including no tackling, marking or groups of more than six.
The Welsh Rugby Union is allowing clubs to return to non-contact training at the start of August, but there are strict rules in place, including the completion of World Rugby’s Covid-19 return to play awareness course and training taking place in small groups of 10 to 15 players.
As for cricket, Cricket Wales has published practical guidance to players and clubs on the next steps they should take while participating in recreational cricket activity, including no spitting on the ball or high-five celebrations.
What about five-a-side football?
It’s been confirmed to us that five-a-side football at a designated sports pitch does count as an “organised” outdoor activity, fitting into the “organised by a business” category, which would be in a controlled environment.
Being an “organised” activity means you can in theory go and play with, for example, nine friends from nine different households. Arranging with nine friends from nine different households, for example, to go and play five-a-side football in a public place does not count as an organised activity.
Do you have to social distance during organised outdoor activities?
Yes. Social distancing must be followed at all times while people are gathered for any outdoor activity, other than in the narrow circumstances required by each sport during competitive play, but warm-ups and breaks in play should be socially distanced and equipment sharing should be avoided, as well as pregame handshakes, huddles and celebrations.
However, Welsh Government says: “Maintaining the physical distancing measures while outdoors means there is a low risk of infection, but low risk does not mean no risk. So although you can do this, please think about whether you should do this.”
Players are also strongly advised to follow the Welsh Government’s advice on how to protect yourself and others from coronavirus outside the sports setting, to reduce the risk to their fellow participants.
Guidance also reiterates that Covid-19 can be transmitted not just through close proximity, but also through touching surfaces.
Both are relevant to outside gameplay too, as players and officials congregate, prepare, and socialise.
After activity, participants must maintain physical distancing for social interaction.
Match officials should observe the governing body guidance in the same way as participants are required to, and officials must remain socially distanced from players where possible during play.
What about the sharing of equipment and kit?
The Welsh Government guidance says sports should consider how to protect participants in relation to all equipment use and the risk of transmission.
There should be spaced out areas for equipment and drinks storage for each individual.
Coaching staff and substitutes should, for example, spread out and avoid sharing a dugout or bench if social distancing cannot be observed.
Water and drinks bottles should in no circumstances be shared, with players advised to bring their own in a named container.
The sharing of equipment should be avoided where possible, particularly that used around the head and face (helmets, etc).
Where equipment is shared, equipment must be cleaned to the appropriate standard before use - you can check the latest guidance on cleaning and advice from the Welsh Government.
For sports where a common ball needs to be handled by multiple players (like basketball, cricket or football) a risk-reduction plan is required.
For example, Cricket Wales’ new guidelines say players should minimise handling of the ball by limiting contact as it makes its way back to the bowler.
Players should take their kit home to wash it themselves, rather than have one person handling it all.
Where kit absolutely has to be shared or kept together (for last minute stand-in players, shortage of kit, or an essential club function, for example), each person handling it must wash or sanitise their hands immediately afterwards.
What if there are injuries?
Injuries during play should still be treated as participant wellbeing is utmost. The best way to protect yourself and others is through rigorous cleaning, personal hygiene and regular hand hygiene.
After contact with an injured participant, clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitiser at the earliest opportunity.
This advice is applicable to all situations, regardless of whether there was close contact or the minimum 2 metre social distancing was maintained. Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose.
Physios or their equivalent should keep a record of each participant they have come into contact with for track and trace purposes.
Can spectators go and watch sports which resume play?
Welsh Government advice