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 4/11/20 and will be updated as necessary in line with government guidelines.
For gymnasts aged 11 and over it is not mandatory to wear a mask/face covering during exercise or strenuous activity. It is mandatory for those 11+ to wear a facemask in between activities.
Anyone aged 11 and over must wear face coverings until they are taking part in exercise or strenuous activity, unless exempt. This includes preparing to exercise, changing or undertaking any activity that isn’t strenuous, especially when in close contact with other people.
For gymnasts aged 10 & under it is not mandatory to wear a mask/face covering during exercise or strenuous activity. The government encourage the wearing of facemasks in between activities.
It is particularly important to avoid wearing a mask whilst performing activities that will cause perspiration.
This includes: • Coaches • Adults in pre-school sessions • Helpers/Assistants
Mandatory
Encouraged
Not Required
✓
Coaches must wear a mask/face covering unless completing exercise or strenuous activity; it is particularly important to avoid wearing a mask whilst performing activities that will cause perspiration (exemptions apply).
For those aged 11+ assisting within a session, it is also compulsory to wear a mask/face covering unless exempt.
If staff and volunteers are working behind a plastic screen which gives sufficient protection, this would generally not be considered to be a public area and therefore a mask/face covering is not required. However, if there is more than one member of staff working behind the screen and social distancing cannot be maintained, your employer would be expected to require the use of face coverings unless there was a good reason not to.
This includes Parents, carers & other members of family watching, picking up/dropping off for a session
Mandatory
Encouraged
Not Required
✓
It is mandatory for spectators to wear a mask/face covering in indoor fitness studios, gyms, swimming pools or other indoor leisure centres unless exempt (see further information).
A face covering must be worn by all people in the settings listed below, except where an exemption applies: •Indoor gyms, fitness studios and indoor leisure centres.
A face covering must be worn before entering the above settings and must be kept on until leaving unless an exemption applies.
If there is a need to temporarily remove a face covering, at all times possible, 2 metres distance must be maintained.
Those exempt under the guidance and regulations do not have to prove their exemption and should not be made to wear a face covering or denied access to places where face coverings are required. The government ask for people to be aware of the exemptions and to treat each other with kindness.
Where face coverings are required, people responsible for relevant premises should take reasonable steps to promote compliance with the law.
