Plan B: advice and recommendations for clubs and professionals
The Government has announced 'Plan B' restrictions for England, which have now come into force in an effort to slow down the transmission of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. This is a short summary and guidance on the new rules and how they impact Real Tennis and Rackets clubs and schools, aligned to Sport England’s COVID FAQs guidance released on 14th December.
There are no restrictions on Real Tennis or Rackets play, and so all forms of matches including social play, training, coaching and competitions can continue take place, with no set limits on numbers. While there are currently no plans for this to change, the situation can change very quickly and so clubs, professionals and players are advised to check the latest information on a regular basis.
Update your risk assessment
Where it is not possible for staff to work from home, they can continue to attend the Tennis or Rackets club in person and should consider taking lateral flow tests regularly to manage their own risk and the risk to others. You should ensure your COVID-19 risk assessment is current regardless of whether your staff are working from home or at the club. Up-to-date HMG guidance has been published on how employers can reduce the risks which should be considered when preparing your risk assessment and suitable mitigations, for example increasing ventilation.
Wearing face coverings
The Government has further extended the legal requirement to wear a face covering in most public indoor venues which came into effect from Friday 10th December. Whilst a face covering is not legally required in a sports club at present, HMG advises that anyone entering an indoor setting should ‘still continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet’. There is an exemption to wearing a mask when playing Tennis or Rackets.
Good hygiene protocols
Please encourage anyone entering the club/venue such as staff, professionals and players to wash their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, and use hand sanitiser whilst they are at the venue.
Travel
All staff, professionals and players should be aware of safe travel to and from the club, avoiding crowded and enclosed public spaces where possible
The T&RA will continue to monitor Government guidance – for further updates,