Fans & Major Events

Last Updated: Wednesday 19th July - England & Northern Ireland

               England

               Northern Ireland

               Scotland

               Wales

23/07/2021 - When can I move onto phase 3?

The British Gymnastics Return to Coach Contact Framework has been reviewed and approved by the Department for Communities and Sport Northern Ireland’s Expert Panel.

Following the completion of Phase 1 (minimum of 2 weeks) and Phase 2 (minimum of 2 weeks) by the club, coaches/instructors can now resume coach contact for all pre-planned activity, if following the control measures included within the action plan and adhering to the appropriate protocols for each phase.

23/07/2021 - What is Phase 3?

Following the completion of Phase 1 (minimum of 2 weeks) and Phase 2 (minimum of 2 weeks) by the club, coaches/instructors can now resume coach contact for all pre-planned activity.

There are no restrictions on the coach contact time and multiple groups throughout the day and session can be supported. Where necessary a group of gymnasts are now able to have more than one identified coach provide coach contact activities.

Coaches/instructors should control and keep to a minimum the number of gymnasts that require manual support to reduce the number of contacts any one coach has.

The following must be adhered to in order to reduce the risk of transmission:

All gymnasts and coaches/instructors must complete a self screening before each session and not leave the house if displaying symptoms
Maintain social distancing for noncoach contact activities
Coaches must wear a mask/face covering during coach contact (unless exempt) and;
Use hand sanitiser between every gymnast

Return to Coach Contact is completely optional and anyone wishing to engage must opt-in.

23/07/2021 - If I am only spotting a skill and not providing manual support, should I still wear a face mask? 

Yes – even if you are spotting you will still need to wear a face mask/covering. Coach contact involves moving within 2m of a gymnast. There is still the risk that you will need to support the gymnast and therefore, you must protect both yourself and the gymnast from the risk of transmission of coronavirus.

23/07/2021 - Can I provide manual support to gymnasts over the age of 18?

Yes, manual support activities with adults over the age of 18 are permitted.  

23/07/2021 - What is the maximum number of gymnasts I can provide manual support to?

In Phase 3, there are no limits on group sizes and multiple groups may be supported throughout the day/session. However, coaches/instructors should control and keep to a minimum the number of gymnasts that require manual support to reduce the number of contacts any one coach has and help limit the spread of the virus.

To ensure that a safe and effective coaching/instructing situation is maintained, British Gymnastics recommends reasonable ratio of participants to coach/instructor here.

23/07/2021 - Does this now mean that social distancing is not required in sessions?

The approval of the British Gymnastics Return to Coach Contact Framework does not allow for social distancing to be fully removed from the gymnastics environment. The controls in place are specific to the planned manual support activity. Where these activities are not being performed, social distancing must be adhered to (for example, during warm-ups, conditioning, and individual skill work).

Coaches/instructors should maintain social distancing for noncoach contact activities.  

23/07/2021 - Are 2 coaches/instructors support together permitted (double supporting)?

Yes - additional assistance from another coach/instructor (double supporting) is permitted at this stage of the phased return where it is necessary. Coaches/instructors must take this into consideration when planning the skills they are incorporating in sessions.  

23/07/2021 - Can a coach/instructor provide manual support across multiple groups?

Yes, in Phase 3, there are no limits on group sizes and multiple groups may be supported throughout the day and within the same session. However, coaches/instructors should control and keep to a minimum the number of gymnasts that require manual support to reduce the number of contacts any one coach has and help limit the spread of the virus.  

23/07/2021 - Is there a limit on the amount of time I can provide manual support?

In Phase 3, there is no limit to the amount of time coaches/instructors can deliver coach contact activities including manual support. All coach contact must be pre-planned and coaches/instructors should still aim to keep manual support to a minimum.  

23/07/2021 - I coach/instruct in gymnastics in multiple gymnastics spaces, can I provide manual support in all sessions?

Yes, there are no restrictions on the number of venues that coaches contact is permitted. Any coach/instructor who is working in multiple venues will need to risk assess further with their club/ gymnastics provider for their own safety as well as the gymnasts due to the increased risk of transmission.

Coaches/instructors should control and keep to a minimum the number of gymnasts that require manual support to reduce the number of contacts any one coach has.  

Last Updated: Wednesday 19th July at 2.45pm

UPDATED: 28/7/21 – updated information regarding Step 4 of the Government’s roadmap.  

Masks and face coverings are an important measure to help reduce the spread of Covid-19 and save lives. The links below provide information regarding the use of masks/face coverings within the gymnastics environment for gymnasts, coaches, staff, volunteers, adults assisting in sessions and spectators. It is important to wear a mask/face covering where required unless exempt. Please be mindful and respectful of such circumstances, noting that some people are less able to wear face coverings, and that the reasons for this may not be visible to others. 

The information below is correct as of 19/7/21. Please refer to and keep up-to-date on the latest government advice.  

As a gymnast?

Mandatory	Encouraged	Not Required
		✓

The use of masks/face coverings is not recommended during sports activities. All forms of face coverings may restrict breathing efficiency and should not be used during exercise except on specific advice from a physician.  

Gymnasts can wear masks whilst not on apparatus, between time in apparatus, if they so wish, but masks should not be worn whilst on equipment or performing any form of gymnastics elements, including warm-ups/cool downs. 

Whilst coaching or assisting with a session?

This includes:
• Coaches
• Adults in pre-school sessions
• Helpers/Assistants

Mandatory	Encouraged	Not Required
	✓ Assistants and coaches whilst spotting/ supporting	✓ Coaches

From 19 July 2021, there is no longer a legal requirement to wear a mask/face covering in indoor settings, however the government is expecting and recommending individuals continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, and where they come into contact with people they don’t usually meet. In particular, where the risk of transmission is likely to be greater.

As part of their COVID-19 risk assessment, British Gymnastics encourages clubs and gymnastics providers to consider the use of masks/face coverings in enclosed and crowded spaces, and areas that are poorly ventilated as well as for coach contact activities.

It is important to consider that others may wish to take a more cautious approach. We should all be considerate of this, and provide the opportunity and space for others to feel safe.

For those assisting within a session, it is not compulsory to wear a mask/face covering, however, you may want to review your risk assessments based on the layout and individual circumstances of your club, and potentially encourage over 11s involved in a session to wear a face covering.

As a member of staff/volunteer?

For example, Non-Coaches roles e.g 
• Administrator
• Welfare Officers
• Receptionists

Mandatory	Encouraged	Not Required
	✓ In enclosed / crowded areas

Gyms must complete a risk assessment, and take reasonable steps to manage risks to the health and safety of their workforce and customers in their workplace or setting, including the risks of COVID-19.

Gyms can require or encourage their workforce to wear a mask/face covering. Where you require your staff/volunteers to wear face coverings there are some circumstances where people may not be able to wear one. You should be mindful and respectful of these.

If your workers (including contractors) or customers choose to wear a face covering, you should support them in using face coverings safely.

You should assess the use of face coverings on a case by case basis depending on the workplace environment, other appropriate mitigations in place, and whether reasonable exemptions apply.

Spectators

This includes Parents, carers & other members of family watching, picking up/dropping off for a session

Mandatory	Encouraged	Not Required
	✓ In enclosed / crowded areas

From 19 July 2021, there is no longer a legal requirement to wear a mask/face covering in indoor settings, however the government is expecting and recommending individuals continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, and where they come into contact with people they don’t usually meet. In particular, where the risk of transmission is likely to be greater.

British Gymnastics encourages clubs and gymnastics providers to consider as part of their COVID-19 risk assessment the wearing of masks/face coverings in enclosed and crowded spaces, and areas that are poorly ventilated.

Further Information

From 19 July 2021, there is no longer a legal requirement to wear a mask/face covering in indoor settings, however the government is expecting and recommending individuals continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, and where they come into contact with people they don’t usually meet. In particular, where the risk of transmission is likely to be greater.

Businesses and employers must complete a risk assessment, and take reasonable steps to manage risks to the health and safety of their workforce and customers in their workplace or setting, including the risks of COVID-19. Businesses can require or encourage customers, clients or their workers to wear a face covering.

As part of their COVID-19 risk assessment, British Gymnastics encourages clubs and gymnastics providers to consider the use of masks/face coverings in enclosed and crowded spaces, and areas that are poorly ventilated as well as for coach contact activities. You may want to review your risk assessments based on the layout and individual circumstances of your venue, and potentially encourage over 11s not actively participating in a session to wear a mask/face covering. For example, for anyone entering and exiting the building, a volunteer/parent helping out in a session and/or a coach on their break in an enclosed space.

When completing a risk assessment, you would need to consider the reasonable adjustments needed for staff and customers with disabilities.

All businesses should follow the principles set out in the working safely guidance.

Where businesses require their workers to wear face coverings there are some circumstances where people may not be able to wear a face covering. Businesses should be mindful and respectful of these.

If your workers (including contractors) or customers choose to wear a face covering, you should support them in using face coverings safely.

Up-to-date information regarding the wearing of face masks can be found at gov.uk.