Kings to delay restart until schools open

The Camanachd Association held a video meeting with club representatives last night to discuss a restart of under-17 shinty.

But Premiership champions Kingussie revealed they will not be resuming youth shinty until the schools reopen.

Kingussie manager John Gibson said: “We held a meeting of coaches from primary to first team to discuss the green light for youth outdoor contact sports.

“Ronald Ross, the Association’s regional development manager, attended and outlined the protocols that would need to be put in place for youth training sessions.

“We feel it is too much of a risk for very little reward at the moment and it will be difficult to manage.

“We’ve agreed to meet again on August 25.”

Two coronavirus cases have been found in nearby Newtonmore and Gibson said: “That’s not necessarily why we’ve taken our decision. But if an affected parent takes his kid to a training session then some 20 youngsters might be exposed.”

Graham Cormack, the Association’s national development manager, said he has advised clubs of the protocols to be in place ahead of youth training beginning.

He said: “Teams need to arrange that parents have to drop off youngsters in a set order and all camans and equipment need to sanitised. Dressing rooms cannot be used, so players need to come kitted out.

“We’re asking clubs to do their risk assessments and hygiene checks and if they complete the necessary paperwork, then we’ll reactivate their club insurance and allow youth activities to get cracking.”

John Gibson