Return to Boccia in Scotland
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18 June 2021
Return to Boccia in Scotland
Contents
Introduction
FACTS
SDS Key Messages for Return to Sport & Recreation
Equality & Inclusion
Venues & Facilities
Social Distancing
Cleaning & Hygiene
Equipment
Advice for Clubs
Coaching & Officiating
Safe Sessions
Competitions
Test & Protect
Parents & Assistants
Health & Injury Prevention
Useful Resources
Appendix 1: Boccia Court Layouts
Appendix 2: Badminton Court Layouts
Appendix 3: Table A
Back to top
Return to Boccia in Scotland
Introduction
This guidance is being produced to support boccia participants, athletes, SDS Branches, coaches, volunteers, and
staff in relation to the Scottish Government’s strategic framework document (version: April 2021) for managing
COVID-19 which provides a 0-4 Level approach to restrictions with each local authority area (or sub-area) placed in a
relevant protection Level depending upon its COVID-19 status. Clubs and participants should be aware of their local
area protection level and associated restrictions which may be in place and should consider this as part of risk
assessment planning.
Further support is available from SDS Regional Managers to facilitate your safe return to boccia.
This document provides practical guidelines based on the Scottish governments guidance to allow boccia in Scotland
to be played safely within an indoor facility.
This paper has been divided into the sections below, but it will be added to accordingly as and when we release
information on events, competitions, and festivals.
1. Venue & Facilities
2. Social distancing
3. Cleaning and hygiene
4. Equipment
5. Advice for Clubs
6. Coaching & Officiating
7. Safe Sessions
8. Competitions
9. Test & Protect
10. Parents and Assistants
11. Health & Injury
12. Useful Resources
SGBs, clubs and participants should be aware of their local area protection level and associated restrictions which
may be in place and should consider this as part of risk assessment planning. Broad guidance for sporting activity
which should be followed within each Level is set out in Appendix 3.
Not all facilities will be in a state of readiness to open and you should contact your local facility provider to ascertain
their position. All planned activity must be consistent with current Scottish Government guidance on health, physical
distancing, and hygiene. You will also need to make sure that your club, facility, and participants are made aware
and can adapt to changes in guidance at short notice. Information on Scottish Governments approach to managing
covid-19 is available on the Scottish Government website: Scottish Government: Coronavirus in Scotland
Back to top
To prevent spread of the virus, please follow the FACTS:
IMPORTANT: People who are symptomatic and household members should self-isolate for 10 days as per NHS
Scotland guidance. No one who is self-isolating should attend a sports facility or activity.
SGBs, clubs and participants should be aware of their local area protection level and associated
restrictions which may be in place and should consider this as part of risk assessment planning.
Broad guidance for sporting activity which should be followed within each Level is set out in
Appendix 3.
Further information on protection levels that will apply in each local authority area are available at
Coronavirus (COVID-19): allocation of protection levels to local authorities. A local post code checker is
also available at COVID restrictions by protection level in areas of Scotland.
Additional sport specific guidance and support can be found on the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) website and the
following links will be useful:
SDS Return to Sport and Physical Activity
Guiding Principles: Return to Sport for Individuals with Disabilities
sportscotland is regularly producing guidance to a safe return to sport and they have published a toolkit for athletes,
clubs and facilities which can be found here:
sportscotland Guidance and Toolkit
Back to topSDS key messages for the return to sport and recreation
This guidance relates only to sport and recreation in Scotland
The focus of activity at this stage should be non-competitive, essentially a return to training.
All boccia players, volunteers, officials and coaches will be welcomed back when they feel comfortable to
return to boccia.
For guidance on different ages returning to sport and physical activity please refer to sportscotland’s latest
sport and physical activity guidance by clicking here
Face coverings: Mandatory (with limited exceptions) on public transport and in shops. Sports facility
operators should ensure participants and visitors wear face coverings, if indoors, before and after activity or
when in non-playing areas of the facility e.g. reception, locker rooms and storage areas. This is a mandatory
requirement
Be kind, friendly and considerate to everyone you meet
Follow Public Health guidelines for hygiene
Any athlete, club or session activity must be in accordance with the guidelines provided
Exercise well within your capabilities
Our priority remains to protect the health of our coaches, volunteers, athletes, participants, staff and the wider
community and help to suppress the spread of the Covid-19 virus. We should all continue to follow the government’s
and public health guidelines.
Equality & Inclusion
Covid-19 is affecting everyone. But the impact of the pandemic is not being felt equally. Before the pandemic certain
groups were less likely to participate in sport and physical activity. These groups are also the most at risk of worsening
inequalities due to Covid-19:
Older people
Disabled people
Ethnic minorities
Women
People from deprived communities
It is more important than ever to consider inclusive guidance for people who need extra support to be active and
sports facility operators should consider this as part of their work to encourage people to return.
The evidence emerging has clear implications for how we design and deliver sport and physical activity. Some key
areas for consideration include;
Communication – Digital exclusion is a key issue. With so many services and so much information moving online it
risks worsening the health impacts of the pandemic. We have to think innovatively about the range of ways we can
provide information to people about sport and physical activity.
Accessibility – Accessibility of our environments is another key issue emerging from the pandemic. As clubs and leisure
centres re-open it’s important to build understanding of people’s specific accessibility needs around things like
hygiene, physical distancing and face coverings so we can provide the best possible support to people to take part in
sport and physical activity.
Anxiety, mental health and wellbeing – The pandemic is leading to an increased risk of anxiety and mental ill-health
for people who share all characteristics. We know that sport and physical activity can have significant benefits for
people’s mental health so it’s vital that we continue to promote those benefits, so people are encouraged to get
involved.
Back to topConfidence - Confidence to return to sport is a big issue across all groups. We know that some groups are at higher
risk from Covid-19 than others (including some ethnic minorities, disabled people and households experiencing
poverty). These groups may be even more nervous about returning to sport or starting to participate. They are also
less likely to participate in sport in the first place, so we’ll need to give extra attention to their needs to help build their
confidence.
1. Venues & Facilities
It is essential for all owners and operators of sports facilities to plan and prepare accordingly so that sport can
resume. sportscotland has produced guidance that can be used for this purpose, but it can also be adapted to
support other planning-based work being undertaken by sports, clubs, and community organisations. The
recommendation is to develop a robust plan for your facility that protects the health and safety of all participants.
This guidance can be viewed here: Getting your facilities fit for sport
All clubs, sessions and participants should be aware that the easing of restrictions does not mean that indoor
facilities/venues will open immediately. Owners and operators will require time to consider all the implications of
opening facilities/venues and put plans in place to re-engage staff and to set up operations that ensure the safety of
participants, staff and volunteers. This is a difficult time for everyone so please be patient.
As indoor facilities and sports halls re-open, clubs, sessions, coaches, and participants must follow the guidance
below to ensure the safety of all concerned.
It is the responsibility of the clubs, sessions, and coaches (and individual participants if solo training) to
understand the specific guidelines of the venue which you are using and to communicate these to your
members. These guidelines must always be abided by before, during and after training sessions.
Individuals must follow the venue’s guidance to maintain social distancing on entering and leaving the venue
and whilst moving around it.
All clubs and sessions involved should work with venues to ensure that there is enough space for players
who are wheelchair/ powerchair users or players with walking aids to social distance.
Spectators are not permitted unless where supervising a child or vulnerable person or where organisers follow
Scottish Government (COVID-19): events sector guidance and (COVID-19): calculating physical distancing
capacity in public settings and any other relevant guidance. Competitions with spectators must be organised
and take place at premises whose entrances and exits are controlled for the purpose of crowd and capacity
management.
Players are recommended to arrive in their kit to play boccia
Session organisers should contact venues in advance to ensure that accessible toilets, changing rooms and
lockers are open. They should also ensure that disabled parking spaces remain available if the venue is
considering limiting car parking spaces.
Back to top Have knowledge of where sanitisers are within facilities and communicate with their members. All members
are encouraged to bring their own anti-bacterial products.
Changing rooms, showers and toilets
For detailed facility guidance including a checklist that covers use of changing rooms, showers and toilets
visit Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the opening of indoor and outdoor
sport and leisure facilities.
Locker Rooms
The sports facility operator should ensure mitigating actions are put in place to minimise the risk of virus
transmission including physical distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures.
2. Social Distancing
The latest information from the Government about social distancing measures is available by clicking here and
should be read fully by clubs. During club sessions, all players/coaches/volunteers/parents/carers are expected to
practice social distancing measures. This includes:
Players and coaches should always social distance as per government guidelines during sessions.
Clubs and sessions should operate with two players, two assistants and one coach per full boccia court,
adhering to social distancing guidelines (Example court layouts in appendix 1).
A boccia court can accommodate up to four players, four assistants and two coaches if set up for half court
play (Example court layouts in appendix 1).
All badminton courts or similar sized space can be utilised in a similar way to boccia court (Example court
layouts in appendix 2).
There are no social distancing rules for those individuals under 18 years old. If a club or session has a mixture
of age ranges training together the advice would be to maintain 2 metres between all players or provide
separate training sessions. Coaches must remain at 2 meters distance from all players at all times.
Coaches must not pick up balls and return them to players; this is the role of the players’ assistant.
Players should only be assisted by members of their own households or dedicated care givers.
Do not shake hands with other players, coaches, or assistants
3. Cleaning and Hygiene
It is essential that all players, coaches, volunteers, assistants, parents, and care staff take sensible measures to
maintain good hygiene. This will help slow the spread of Coronavirus and ensure the safe return of boccia in
Scotland. SDS recommends that the following principals are followed:
Wash hands: Hand washing for at least 20 seconds, and showering at home before and after playing boccia,
is crucial for good hygiene. Anti-bac gel must be made available by clubs and we advise all individuals to
carry their own supply. Use anti-bac gel prior to playing boccia and before using wheelchair controls
Avoid touching face: Where possible, all members must refrain from touching their face during sessions.
Clean surfaces: Avoid touching any surface others will have contact with. Ensure any area you are going to
spend time is cleaned/wiped directly prior to you using. If this is not possible, wash hands or use anti-bac gel
after touching surfaces. Clean all surfaces (including wheelchair control and arm rests) prior to eating and
drinking.
Clean Equipment: All equipment should be cleaned before and after a session, including wheelchairs. Avoid
using any shared equipment.
Cover coughs and sneezes - If possible, individuals should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or bent
elbow. All tissues should be disposed of immediately.
Back to topA checklist for health, hygiene and cleaning considerations and actions is available here: Getting your Facilities Fit for
Sport
Further health, safety and hygiene guidance is available at;
Health Protection Scotland: General guidance for non-healthcare settings
Health Protection Scotland: Cleaning in a non-healthcare setting
Health Protection Scotland: Hand hygiene techniques
St. John's Ambulance: Covid-19 advice for first aiders
HSE: First Aid during the coronavirus
4. Equipment
Boccia is a sport which relies heavily on equipment and the following guidelines should be used to support the safe
use and cleanliness of all items.
Players should use their own equipment, including boccia balls, ramp, and assistive devices during sessions.
Players must mark all their equipment with their initials.
Players should only take the required equipment with them to a session.
Players must not share equipment, including the jack ball.
Boccia balls should be collected and returned by a household member or assistant who is already providing
care/ in social distance bubble. Members must take all equipment with them after the session and must not
leave anything on court or in the sports hall.
If a non-family member is collecting balls, use a grabber stick, therefore not coming into physical contact
with the ball. These can be placed on a clean surface for the player or assistant to collect.
When club equipment is being used, players should use the same ramp and set of boccia balls for the
duration of the session.
It is the club’s responsibility to wipe down all their equipment which players have used before and after use
with 60% alcohol wipes.
Balls are sensitive to moisture and the recommendation is to clean them with a dry cloth before, during and
after sessions.
As a preventative measure there should be a focus on ensuring the floor is clean and disinfected where
possible as this will decrease the risk of ball contamination. In addition, it is recommended that clubs should
reduce the ‘traffic’ on playing areas and consider the use of foot covers and not wearing outdoor shoes in
the sports hall.
5. Advice for Clubs
To help ensure that boccia clubs are following the correct guidance at the correct time, SDS recommends the
following guidance. However, we want to reassure clubs that we are here to support, and all national and regional
staff members will provide the necessary assistance if required.
Every club must nominate a COVID Officer. This person will liaise with facility providers, club/session
members to undertake a risk assessment to identify and implement measures required to ensure a safe
return to boccia for players, coaches, assistants, and volunteers. This person will be the main point of
contact within each club with regards to COVID-19. This person could be a coach or a current member of the
committee. The name of this person must be submitted to Scottish Disability Sport and communicated to all
club members. A summary of the role can be found via the following link: Covid Officer
Each Covid officer should complete the short online sportscotland Covid e-learning module. This can be
found here: Covid Officer e-learning module
It may be helpful for clubs to also identify a Return to Sport Coordinator who will take a positive and
proactive role by focussing on supporting participants as they return to the club. The ideal volunteer is likely
Back to topto be the person who finds it easy to smile and welcome people as they arrive, who is listened to when they
give information and who will enjoy ensuring that participants are clear and comfortable with the new
measures in place to ensure everyone’s safety. A role descriptor can be found by via this link: Return to
Sport Coordinator role description
Further support can be found on the sportscotland website via this link: Support for clubs and
community sport organisations
Where a person requires the support of a carer to undertake sport or physical activity safely, the carer will
not be counted in the bubble total. In such circumstances the Covid Officer should risk assess and where
required take additional precautions to minimise risk. For instance, the carers may wear, if appropriate,
personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks during the activity.
Where a disabled participant requires functional support to help them participate coaches, carers or those
supporting the participant can provide this without maintaining physical distancing. In such circumstance the
responsible ‘Covid Officer’ should consider appropriate mitigating actions as part of the risk assessment. For
instance, providing appropriate PPE, limiting the number of participants an individual provides functional
support to, limiting the duration spent in close proximity, or a combination of actions.
6. Coaching and Officiating
Guidance for coaches & leaders is available at Getting your coaches ready for sport.
Coaches and leaders working with children should familiarise themselves with the additional considerations
developed by Children 1st: Child Wellbeing and Protection Considerations.
Coaches and volunteers from high-risk groups should self-assess whether they should attend training
sessions. Consult your doctor for advice if you are unsure.
Arrive in time to ensure that the training is ready so when players arrive, they can start immediately.
Reinforce club guidelines to ensure sessions are as safe as possible.
No officiating should take place at this stage as no formal or informal match play should occur.
Coaching (Levels 0-3)
Coaches can take multiple indoor sessions per day in line with the level restrictions for age groups. The number of
participants allowed in each session will depend upon the protection Level restrictions in place in the given location.
As part of your preparation please consult with facility providers.
Face coverings must be worn by coaches when indoors, except where an exemption applies. For instance;
where an individual has a health condition or is disabled, including hidden disabilities, for example,
autism, dementia or a learning disability.
or if there is a reasonable excuse not to wear a face covering such as;
o where there is difficulty in communicating with participants who may not be close by
and safety is an issue i.e. in a swimming lesson. In such cases alternative measures
should be considered such as use of a face visor.
o being physically active or exercising as part of the coached session.
The Coronavirus (COVID-19): public use of face coverings provides guidance on general use and exemptions.
Links to supporting guidance;
Health Protection Scotland: General guidance for non-healthcare settings
Health Protection Scotland: Hand hygiene techniques
Back to top HSE: First Aid during the coronavirus
The priority should always be on ensuring the safety of the coach and participants and minimising the risk of virus
transmission before, during and after activity.
At all times coaches should:
Plan and risk assess appropriately for the session in advance, be aware of responsibilities, be clear on
expectations with participants and build in a review period to reflect on effectiveness and safety of the
session.
ensure signage on guidelines for participating safely and promoting hygiene measures are clearly
displayed and up to date.
check, in advance of delivery, that appropriate insurance policies are in place for all coached activities and
that their insurance is valid for the activities they plan to deliver.
find out about their direct and surrounding delivery environment in advance of the session and contact
the facility operator, where relevant, to confirm any changes in processes and procedure.
Coaches working with children should familiarise themselves with the additional considerations
developed by Children 1st: Child Wellbeing and Protection Considerations.
Additional support tools are available for coaches and volunteers at the Getting Coaches Ready for Sport section of
the sportscotland website including mental health and wellbeing awareness training .
7. Travel
Travel guidance outlined by the Scottish Government should always be followed. Further information on what travel
is permitted is available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on travel and transport.
Information for each local government area, including their level is available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): local
protection levels including a post code checker.
Specific information on car sharing is available from Transport Scotland: advice on how to travel safely.
Participants can take part in organised sport and physical activity based on their local government area Level as
detailed in Appendix 3. Such activity is subject to exemption from household rules as detailed within this guidance.
When a participant travels out with their local government area they should follow the travel guidance detailed below.
Travel Summary
Age Group Level 0 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
U18s
Local Travel Local Travel
18+ (Adults)
Only Only
Children & Young People (17 years or under)
Back to topParticipants aged 17 years or under can travel to and from Level 0, 1, 2 and 3 areas to take part in organised sport,
training, and competition.
Children and young people can also travel to and from a Level 4 area, if for example, they belong to a
club which is outside their own local government area. This flexibility is to allow children and young
people to take part in sport or organised activity, but they should travel no further than they need to.
If attending a sport/activity in a Level 3 area or below, Level 4 guidance will apply to the whole activity
e.g. 12 to 17-year-old outdoor activity should be restricted to non-contact and include a maximum of
15 participants.
Children and young people living in a Level 3 or 4 area can also travel out with their local government
area to take part in informal exercise such as walking, running or cycling. Such activity should follow
Scottish Government ‘local protection levels’ guidance.
Adults (18 years or over)
Participants aged 18 years or over can travel to and from a Level 0, 1 and 2 area to take part in
organised sport, physical activity, training and competition. They should not travel to a Level 3 or 4
area.
Adults living in a Level 3 or 4 area should only travel locally (within their local government area) to take
part in organised sport or physical activity as outlined in Table A.
Adults living in a Level 3 or Level 4 area can also travel up to 5 miles out with their local government
area to take part in informal exercise or recreation such as walking, cycling, golf or running that starts
and finishes in the same place. Such activity should follow Scottish Government ‘local protection
levels’ guidance.
8. Safe Sessions
Before
Introducing a screening questionnaire prior to sessions is recommended to ensure everyone in attendance is
in good health. An example can be found here: Covid-19 Self Screening Form
The use of a non-contact infrared thermometer to check the temperature of all club attendees is advised.
Anyone with a temperature greater than 37.8 degrees should not be allowed to enter the facility.
Players, coaches, and support staff should not travel to sessions in the same car as others from different
households. If travelling to sessions on public transport, face covering must be worn unless exempt.
It is everyone’s responsibility to be aware of Covid-19 related safety and ensure that hygiene and social
distancing protocols are followed during all sessions.
If attending a club or session in Scotland, players must notify organisers prior to attendance to ensure safety
measures can be planned accordingly.
Where possible payments should be made in advance electronically via direct debit or bank transfer to avoid
handling of cash.
The clubs designated Covid-19 Coordinator should add Coronavirus risks to their risk assessment for
sessions. Example templates can be found here.
Participants should be advised of PPE requirements and club processes in advance of attending their first
session.
Clubs should ensure that all necessary PPE equipment is made available to participants, coaches and
assistants.
During
Back to top Everyone involved (players, coaches, assistants, and volunteers) are responsible for the implementation of
measures during sessions to ensure the ongoing safety of all concerned.
If physical money does exchange hands, ensure that it is the exact amount and is sanitized beforehand.
Strict government rules on social distancing must always be followed, which is currently 2 meters. Please see
section 4 in this document providing our recommendations for safe measures during boccia sessions.
Players should be a minimum of two boxes apart from each other whilst on court.
Players should only be assisted by members of their own household/ or personal assistant whilst on court
Boccia balls must be collected in turn by players or assistants following the conclusion of each end.
After
Players should leave the venue as soon as the session has ended.
Clubs or session providers must thoroughly clean all equipment which has been used during the session.
A register of attendance must be kept for a minimum of 21 days after a session to comply with Scottish
government Track and Trace protocols.
9. Competitions
Sports events, including spectator events, can take place subject to appropriate Scottish Government guidance being
followed. Further information is available on the sportscotland website here: Return to Competition & Events: sport
events.
Competitive boccia can resume for under 18’s as part of club training sessions. For adults non-contact training
should continue with strict 2-meter social distancing measures in place and a strong emphasis on good hand hygiene
to mitigate risk of transmitting the virus. Players and assistants should avoid touching their face at all times and if
they cough or sneeze, hand sanitizer should be used immediately.
1. Sanitize before the start of the match and between ends.
2. Players must move on and off the court when its not their turn to play. Please note that players should not
sit side by side in boxes 3 and 4 during the match.
3. Balls can only be retrieved by the players individual assistant.
4. Coaches must maintain physical distancing during match play.
10.Test & Protect
Test and Protect is Scotland’s way of putting into practice NHS Scotland’s test, trace, isolate and
support strategy.
If someone who has attended your club or session activity or activity develops symptoms of COVID-19, they
should be directed to follow the Scottish Government’s ‘test and protect’ guidelines, which can be found
here Test and Protect.
The free NHS Scotland Protect Scotland app has been designed to help us protect each other, reduce the
spread of coronavirus and avoid further lockdowns. By using the app and following current public health
measures we can all stay safe when we meet up, socialise, work or travel. To find out more and download
the app please visit protect.scot
A leaflet providing information on the Test and Protect service from NHS Scotland is also available here.
Containing outbreaks early is crucial to reduce the spread of COVID-19, protect the NHS and save lives, and
avoid the reintroduction of social and economic lockdown. This will support the country to return to, and
maintain, a more normal way of life.
If you have COVID symptoms, contact the NHS to arrange to be tested at 0800 028 2816 or
www.nhsinform.scot.
Back to top Ensure an accurate register, including contact details, is kept for EVERY session. This register should be held
by the nominated COVID Officer, session lead coach or facility operator for the duration of lockdown. An
example register can be found here: Track & Trace Register
Ensure all participants are aware of who their relevant COVID Officer or facility operator contact is, should
they have to pass on their details to a member of the NHS Scotland Test & Protect team.
It is not the responsibility of the club or facility operator to inform members if someone at the club has
tested positive for COVID. This will be done by the NHS Scotland Test & Protect team. An individual’s right to
privacy must be observed.
The club or facility operator will be expected to be able to pass on contact details of all attendees should
they be asked by a member of the NHS Scotland Test & Protect team.
Data protection guidance should be followed at all times and personal details not held for any longer than 21
days
What to do if someone in the club or session has Covid-19
11. Parents and Assistants
Participation in boccia relies significantly on the input of parents and assistants and the following guidance seeks to
support their continued involvement.
Players should be accompanied to training sessions by only one parent/ guardian or personal assistant unless
they require more than one individual due to personal circumstances.
If players require more than one parent/guardian or personal assistant to accompany them to sessions, then
the club Covid-19 Officer should be notified in advance.
Parents/guardians and personal assistants must always adhere to social distancing guidelines and measures
during boccia sessions.
Parents/guardians and assistants should only assist the player they are accompanying to the boccia session.
They must not assist any other player before, during or after a session.
Care staff employed by an individual player or external company are advised to wear personal protective
equipment (PPE) however, these arrangements are at the discretion of the individuals involved.
12. Health & Injury prevention
SDS recognises the importance of boccia to players across Scotland and the eagerness to get back playing as soon as
possible. However, with many players shielding, and the understandable anxiety about returning to sports facilities,
it is important that players do so in their own time and when they, and their families, are comfortable. Players need
to be mindful of both their physical and psychological readiness.
Back to top Players should opt in to any organised boccia activity and it should be assumed that players will not attend
until they do so. There is absolutely no pressure to return to the sport.
Players and coaches need to be mindful of the effects of reduced training levels since the Coronavirus
outbreak, and the increased chance of injury when returning. Sessions must be tailored to suit the individual.
SDS recommends a reduced intensity and length of session, with a phased approach to increasing activity.
It will take time for players to reach the playing standard they were at pre lockdown. All clubs, coaches and
support staff must be mindful that this will take time and support accordingly.
In the event of an individual being injured during club sessions, it is important that medical advice is sought.
Furthermore, any cuts or abrasions must be cleaned and covered at the earliest opportunity. This will
prevent dirt or debris entering the body that could cause an infection. Clubs are encouraged to have first aid
kits well stocked and easily accessible.
13.Useful Resources
https://www.scottishdisabilitysport.com/resources/
https://sportscotland.org.uk/covid-19/
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-
covid-19
https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
https://www.actify.org.uk/activescotland
Please note that this paper is for guidance only and has been written with the best of intentions, in a fast-changing
environment. It is in no way exhaustive and SDS understands that each individual circumstance is different. Please
refer to government guidelines alongside this document.
Back to topAppendix 1.
Back to topAppendix 2.
Back to top18 June 2021
Appendix 3
Sport & Physical Activity Protection Levels
Level 0 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
An outdoor sporting ‘field of play bubble’ can operate for organised sport with maximum numbers
noted below. At Levels 0-2 figures exclude coaches, officials, and other support staff*. Multiple
Local training/competition only.
bubbles can be used for training, events, and competition if appropriate guidance, set out within
this document, is followed. Indoor and outdoor stadium, or equivalent events/competitions, U12s: max 30 including coaches.
involving spectators are subject to relevant Scottish Government guidance and approval. Any Over 12s/adults max 15 including
Overview variation to these numbers must be approved by Scottish Government directly.
coaches.
OUTDOOR Maximum bubble Maximum bubble
Maximum bubble Maximum bubble size:
SPORT size: 500 size: 100
size: 50 participants* 30 participants
participants* participants*
Organised Total Daily Limit: No Total Daily Limit:
Total Daily Limit: 500 Total Daily Limit: 200
outdoor sport, participants participants
limit 1,000 participants
competition, U12s: Contact sport permitted
events and Children & Young 12-17 years: Contact sport
Physical Activity people (u18 Contact & non-contact
temporarily permitted up until the
sport & PA permitted
(PA) years) Contact & non- Contact & non- Contact & non- 25 April 2021. Non-contact only at
contact sport & PA contact sport & PA contact sport & PA Level 4 from 26 April 2021.
permitted permitted permitted Non-contact sport & PA
Adults (18+ permitted Non-contact sport & PA permitted
years) Contact sport & PA Contact sport & PA prohibited
prohibited
Back to topThe number of participants allowed to take part in organised indoor sport or physical activity should follow Scottish Government guidance
on the opening of sport and leisure facilities and sport specific SGB Guidance.
INDOOR SPORT Overview ‘Group’ activity refers to adults, who take part in organised sport or physical activity, where the number of participants is larger than allowed
under normal household rules. ‘Individual exercise’ refers to organised sport or physical activity which takes place within household rules
Organised i.e. 1:1 coaching. For further information see definitions within this guidance.
indoor sport, Children & Young Contact & non- Contact & non- Contact & non-
competition, people (u18 contact sport & PA contact sport & PA contact sport & PA
Indoor sport & PA prohibited:
events and years) Contact & non- permitted permitted permitted
Physical Activity contact sport & PA Non-contact sport Non-contact sport Indoor individual Leisure Centres, gyms and other
(PA) Adults (18+ permitted & PA permitted & PA permitted exercise only indoor sports facilities closed.
years) Contact sport & PA Contact sport & PA No contact or non-
prohibited prohibited contact group activity
General guidance is available within this document for coaches, leaders, personal trainers, deliverers and instructors, herein referred to as
Overview coach/es. In addition Getting Coaches Ready for Sport provides a 4-stage approach/checklist to further support coaches to plan and deliver
safe sessions.
COACHING
Indoor & The local protection Level in place for sport and physical activity will dictate what activity can be coached, indoors and outdoors and to
Outdoor whom in that area. See indoor / outdoor above for further information.
coaching Coaches can take multiple sessions per day, however the numbers allowed in each session will depend upon the protection Level in place.
PERFORMANCE Professional & Professional & performance sports with Resumption of Performance Sport guidance in place and approved by Scottish Government or
SPORT Performance sportscotland is permitted at all Levels.
Indoor / Outdoor
TRAVEL Sport & Physical For further information please refer to Travel Guidance within this document.
Activity
Clubhouses and sports facilities which provide catering and bar services, can operate providing they adhere to Scottish Government
guidance appropriate to the protection Level in which they are operating. Further information is available at Coronavirus (COVID-19):
HOSPITALITY & Clubs & Sports tourism and hospitality sector guidance.
RETAIL Facilities Retail units operated by sports facility operators may reopen provided all specific Scottish Government guidance for retailers appropriate
to the protection level in which they are operating is in place and adhered to. Further information from the Scottish Government is available
at Retail Sector Guidance.
Back to topWhere changing rooms and showering facilities are to be used specific guidance relating to use of Indoor sports facilities closed.
TOILETS,
‘Changing and Showers’ is available at Getting Your Facilities Fit for Sport. This is applicable at all
CHANGING & Clubs & Sports levels where facilities remain open. Changing rooms closed.
SHOWER Facilities
Operators may open public toilets if they follow the guidelines outlined on the Scottish Government
ROOMS website Opening Public Toilets Guidelines. Public Toilets open.
Contractors & Sports facility operators must ensure that Scottish Government guidance on workforce planning in sport & leisure facilities is followed for
Staff contractors and staff and ensure existing health and safety advice is maintained and aligned. This should be detailed in the risk assessment.
WORKFORCE Although gym and leisure facilities can open up to Level 3, we would encourage providers to consider whether meetings and training must
Meeting Rooms be completed in person or whether these can be completed online or via telephone. If it is essential that meetings and training takes place
in person, Scottish Government guidance for general workplaces must be followed and a risk assessment should be completed.
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