Coronavirus: What do the latest restrictions mean for grassroots sport in England?

 

New restrictions to try to stop the spread of coronavirus in England will have a significant impact on sport at grassroots level.

Though gyms, swimming pools and playing fields remain open, there will be tighter restrictions on what can and cannot take place.

Below is a guide to how different sports are affected.

You can find the full guidance for these and other sports here and be aware of the local restrictions also in place.

Football

Indoor five-a-side is now prohibited as the new regulations only allow indoor activity in groups of no more than six, or where groups of six will not mix.

Adults can continue to play outdoors in groups of more than six provided sessions are formally organised, for instance by a governing body, club, business or qualified coach. So that means you can continue to play for your Sunday league 11-a-side team or in organised leagues at pitch operators.

Whoever is organising formal matches must conduct a risk assessment and ensure compliance with Covid-19 secure guidelines, which includes players arriving changed and ready to play, social distancing during warm-ups and avoiding equipment sharing.

Informal games of any sport - such as a kickabout with your mates at the park - will have to stick to the "rule of six" - or the localised lockdown rules in your local area - otherwise you could be fined.

Children's football, both indoor and outdoor, is exempt from the new regulations and able to continue as before.