In the first of our new Spotlight on Sport series we are delighted to highlight the work of the Scottish Canoeing Association (SCA), an organisation committed to delivering an even more inclusive sport across multiple areas from grassroots engagement to the pinnacle of disability sport.

The following is a just snapshot of the exciting projects and programmes that the SCA run to make the culture of paddlesports more inclusive and accessible for those who would like to experience the unique thrill of being on the water.

Collaboration & Partnership Working

Over the past 3 years SDS and the SCA have been working collaboratively to produce a joint plan and partnership agreement to ensure inclusion is at the heart of policy and practice.

Here the SCA have recently established a disability equality group which is part of the wider equality work.

Stuart Smith, CEO of the SCA said:

“We believe that the wide range of activities available means that paddlesport offers something for everyone – and we are delighted to continue to work with SDS to find more ways to make our sport more accessible. This applies to grassroots sport as well as those aspiring to compete, including those with Paralympic ambitions.”

Club Support

In 2018, SCA Development Manager Roger Holmes led an exciting programme to support 3 clubs in Scotland to become more inclusive. Embracing the support were Aberdeen Kayak Club, Forth Canoe Club and Fife CAG holding a series of sessions to attract participants with a disability to get on the water.

Roger was on hand to provide practical advice regarding adapting equipment and building confidence and engagement with participants – demonstrating that all clubs can be welcoming and inclusive for paddlers with a disability. It soon became obvious that there was plenty of expertise within clubs and further potential to grow further opportunities. In 2020,it was hoped to work with a club in Orkney, however the pandemic has postponed this for now.

You can view the Inclusive Canoeing video here to see how an inclusive culture can make a positive difference to people with disabilities.

Inclusive Canoeing 2019 from WeeFlee Productions on Vimeo.

Physical Accessibility

With the support of SDS, the SCA was instrumental in securing a grant to make Pinkston Watersports in Glasgow an accessible and inclusive venue. By 2022 the venue will be made fully accessible for all participants with disabilities to access the water and enjoy the social, psychological and physical benefits of paddlesports.

Roger Holmes from the Scottish Canoe Association stated:

“I am absolutely delighted that the sportscotland facility fund and SUEZ Communities Trust have provided funding to enable Pinkston Watersports to become fully physically accessible to all paddlers. We have also secured funding for adaptive equipment that can be loaned to clubs and individuals using the centre. Further news is pending regarding the development of accessibility at the SCA facility at Grandtully”.

Paddleability – Training for Inclusion

SCA have delivered an inclusive training module over the past 8 years, Paddleability, with over 400 people completing this training to date. There is a network of Tutors in place to deliver this training across Scotland and online This training supports volunteers and coaches to have confidence and competence in working with paddlers with disabilities.

Each year a collaborative programme, Wheels to Water is used  to offer practical training for coaches and volunteers to support  participants with disabilities to taste their first experience of paddlesports.

Pathway to performance

For those who demonstrate potential and a desire to perform at the highest level, there are opportunities within the performance structure of the SCA to progress and perform.

One such shining light is Hope Gordon, who transitioned from swimming into paracanoe through the performance structures where she is now part of the British Canoeing World Class Performance programme at Holme Pierrepont in Nottingham.

You can listen to Hope’s incredible journey on the SDS Paracast here: Part 1 | Part 2

Following from Hope’s successful transition to canoeing, the SCA is now looking to develop more sustainable and repeatable pathways for paracanoe in partnership with SDS, sportscotland and British Canoeing.

How can you get involved in paddlesports?

The SCA is constantly working towards a genuine culture of inclusion which welcomes paddlers in Scotland to engage, participate, progress and perform.

• Visit the SCA’s information page – Paddlers with a disability
• To find your nearest club or delivery partner offering accessible activities, visit the Go Paddling website –  Get involved in paddlesports here.
• Find out more about the SCA’s work on equality, inclusion and diversity

This guidance is being produced to support athletes, participants with a disability, 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.

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.

Organised sporting activities can be undertaken, providing all activity is 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 at Scottish Government:  Coronavirus in Scotland .

Where Scottish Government local measures and restrictions are in place guidance detailed will supersede the corresponding guidance  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.

To manage a safe return to sport and leisure activities it is a mandatory requirement that all clubs, facility operators and deliverers put in place comprehensive Test & Protect procedures to help break chains of transmission of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Further information is available within this guidance and at Scottish Government: Test & 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

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 Table A below. 

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.

Where a participant with a disability requires functional support to enable their participation in physical activity and sport this can be provided without maintaining physical distancing. This support can be provided by a coach or other individual. In such circumstance the responsible ‘Covid Officer’ should consider appropriate mitigating actions as part of the risk assessment in consultation with the participant. This process is reflective of making “reasonable adjustment,” in line with the Equality Act 2010.

“Reasonable adjustment” ensures the meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities within physical activity and sport by meeting individual needs.

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.

Further information on supporting the inclusion of participants with a disability can be found here.

 

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.

Confidence – 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.

Guidance – From 26^th April 2021

Following the First Minister’s update, the latest Return to Sport & Physical Activity Guidance will be effective from 26 April 2021 and will see all of Scotland move to Level 3  sport and physical activity restrictions.

Travel Guidance

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.

Sport & Physical Activity Participation

Participants can take part in organised sport and physical activity based on their local government area Level as detailed in Table A.  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.

Children & Young People (17 years or under)

Participants 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.

Travel Summary (Organised sport and physical activity)

Definitions – for the purposes of this guidance

‘Organised sporting or physical activity’ refers to activities which are undertaken in a structured and managed way following specific rules and guidance of relevant SGBs, local authorities or businesses who in turn have fully applied related Scottish Government and sportscotland guidance.  All organised activity should be overseen by a Covid Officer with documented risk assessments undertaken and mitigating actions put in place to ensure the health, safety and welfare of participants, coaches and officials.

Contact sport or activity is defined as “a sport or activity in which the participants necessarily come into bodily contact or as a matter of course encroach within 2m of one another” such as Judo, Netball and Basketball.

Non-contact sport or activity is defined as “a sport or activity in which the participants are physically separated by playing rules such as to make it difficult for them to make physical contact during an activity.  Examples include Tennis, Cricket, Boccia and Curling.

Sports competition refers to where participants or teams compete against different opponents as part of an organised league or competition.

Adult ‘group’ sport or 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.

Indoor individual exercise refers to non-contact recreational sport or physical activity which follows household rule numbers.  This includes gym use, 1:1 personal training, swimming, ice skating and indoor snowsports activity where physical distancing can be maintained.

Permitted Sport and Leisure Activities

Participants and operators should follow guidance based on the area protection level in which the sporting activity is to take place.  A summary of what sporting activity can be undertaken at each protection level is available in Table A and should be read in conjunction with the rest of this document.

Subject to the protection level guidance within this document, organised sporting or physical activity can take place indoors or outdoors, in effect suspending physical distancing and household guidelines, for the duration of the activity.

Where there is likely to be proximity (within 2m) or contact between participants involved in a sporting activity, mitigating actions must be put in place to minimise risk and keep participants safe.  For instance:

• Guidance should focus on providing sporting activity involving as few participants as possible, for the minimum amount of time, whilst still allowing the activity to run effectively. This may also require a change to game formats, numbers and/or rules to minimise risk to participants.
• As soon as a participant has completed training, a competition or event, they should leave the field of play/venue.

No spectating should take place other than where a parent or carer is supervising a child or vulnerable adult or when following specific sector guidance for sporting events.

No formal presentation ceremonies should take place during or after a sporting activity or competition as the focus should be on reducing the numbers in attendance at any one time.

Holiday camps, extended sports activity or events which would not normally come under the jurisdiction of an SGB should refer to the appropriate local authority, umbrella body or care commission guidance.  Organisers of these activities may alternatively wish to use Scottish Government household, physical distancing and group size limits.

Outdoor Sport & Physical Activity

Operators may open outdoor sports areas, courts and pitches if documented risk assessments are undertaken and all appropriate measures are put in place to ensure the safety of participants, staff and volunteers and where activity is undertaken in line with guidance for the appropriate protection level. Please also refer to guidance produced by sportscotland at: Getting Your Facilities Fit for Sport.

Information relating to outdoor sport and physical activity that can be undertaken by protection level and age group is available in Table A.

Outdoor sporting bubbles for training, competition, or small-scale participation events (Levels 0-3)

An outdoor sporting ‘field of play bubble’ can consist of a maximum of 30 people including coaches, officials and other support staff at any one time at Level 3 (numbers are subject to further confirmation from Scottish Government for Level 0, 1 & 2). In exceptional circumstances, numbers may be increased, but only if approved directly by Scottish Government or where specific Scottish Governing Bodies of sport (SGBs) guidance and mitigating actions have been agreed by sportscotland.

Multiple outdoor sporting bubbles can be used for SGB training and competition up to a maximum of 200 per day at Level 3 In such cases operators and organisers should undertake comprehensive risk assessments to ensure that these bubbles do not mix at any time including before, during or after an activity.  Once an individual has completed their activity, they should immediately vacate the ‘field of play’ and are then subject to household rules.

Total participant numbers allowed to take part in small-scale events at Levels 0, 1 & 2 are being reviewed by Scottish Government.   Further information will be provided once available.

Permanent outdoor sport, leisure and club facilities which are accessed on a regular basis by the general public and/or club members and have in place a designated COVID officer should risk assess and identify mitigating measures to protect participants and staff.  This may for instance include operating separate activity zones, implementing staggered time slots and putting in place other measures to ensure participation bubbles remain separate including consideration of parking and access/egress.

Any further exemptions or variation to training, competition, or event participant numbers, including the addition of spectators, must be agreed directly with Scottish Government and may be subject to other relevant Scottish Government guidance.

Where outdoor sports training, competition or events are planned and include multiple bubbles; operators and organisers should, as part of their risk assessment, consult with relevant local authorities, environmental health, the police, or other body responsible for the safety of the public.  Agreement must be reached with these bodies before the training, event or competition takes place.

Operators and organisers should note that the situation around COVID-19 is fluid and activities may need to be cancelled at short notice should there be a change in local or national restrictions.  In such circumstance’s plans should be in place to notify participants of event cancellation and to ensure they do not attend the venue.

SGBs and operators should introduce a period of training to familiarise participants with guidelines before running competitions.

Outdoor group coaching for organised sport and physical activity including aerobics and fitness classes can take place with up to 30 people at any one time in Level 3, including the coach, if physical distancing is always maintained. Bubble numbers for Level 0, 1 & 2 are to be confirmed by Scottish Government.

Indoor Sport & Physical Activity

Indoor sport and leisure facilities can open if Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19):  Guidance for the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities is fully implemented.

Appropriate risk assessments and mitigating measures must be put in place to reduce risk and protect participants.  For instance, consider physically distanced training, reducing numbers taking part and changing game formats or rules.

Participants should not congregate before or after an activity.  Operators must ensure comprehensive mitigating actions are put in place and documented in their risk assessment to stop this happening.  Consider staggering start/arrival times and any other relevant additional measures.

The number of participants allowed to take part in indoor sport or physical activity must be risk assessed by the operator following Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities and sport specific SGB Guidance.

Information relating to indoor sport and physical activity that can be undertaken by protection level and age group is available in Table A.

Coaching

The guidance below is to support coaches, leaders, personal trainers, deliverers and instructors, herein referred to as coach/es.  In addition, please see Getting Coaches Ready for Sport which provides a 4-stage approach/checklist to help coaches get ready for delivering sport and physical activity. It can be used as it is or amended to reflect the sport or delivery activity.

Coaches operating within clubs and facilities should liaise with the relevant COVID Officer before undertaking coaching and all sporting or physical activity must adhere to operator and relevant SGB Guidance.

Coaches and others supporting organised sporting or physical activity should attempt to keep physically distant, but it is recognised that this will not always be possible to ensure the safety of participants.  In such circumstances the responsible ‘Covid Officer’ should consider appropriate mitigating actions as part of the risk assessment.

Coaches should be aware that local restrictions may be in place for sport and physical activity and this should be considered as part of risk assessment planning and will dictate what activity can be coached, indoors and outdoors and to whom.  See Table A for further information about protection levels.

Scottish Government travel guidance provides exemptions for travel into and out of Level 3 and Level 4 local authority areas. This includes   ‘travel for work, or to provide voluntary or charitable services, but only where that cannot be done from your home’.

Where paid/voluntary coaches or officials use the above exemption mitigating actions should be put in place to reduce risk to the coach, official and participants.  This should be documented in the operator or deliverer risk assessment.

Coaching (Levels 0-3)

Coaches can run organised outdoor group training sessions in protection Levels 0-3 in line with maximum bubble sizes outlined in Table A or as agreed through approved SGB Guidance and Scottish Government (COVID-19):  guidance on the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities.  They should also ensure to follow specific guidance on sporting bubbles within this document.

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.

Coaching (Level 4)

Coaches can run organised outdoor non-contact group training sessions in protection Level 4 for a maximum of 15 people aged 12 years or over (including the coach/es)

Coaches can run organised outdoor contact and non-contact training sessions for up to 30 children (including the coach/es) aged under 12 years.

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;
  • 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.
  • 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
• 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 1^st: 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 .

Toilets, Changing and Locker Rooms

Use of changing rooms and showering facilities should be avoided where possible, although they may be made available (other than in Level 4 areas where indoor facilities should remain closed) for participants who require additional support such as disabled people or those with special needs.

Where changing rooms and showering facilities are to be used specific guidance relating to use of ‘Changing and Showers’ is available at Getting Your Facilities Fit for Sport.

Operators may open public toilets if they follow the guidelines outlined on the Scottish Government website Opening Public Toilets Guidelines.

Access to indoor locker rooms and storage areas is permitted for dropping off and collecting sports equipment or clothing.  The operator should ensure mitigating actions are put in place to minimise the risk of virus transmission including physical distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures.

Equipment Provision and Use

Operators should, where possible, remove equipment including benches, scoreboards, tables and any other objects that are not essential for participation purposes.

Where the above is not possible appropriate cleaning measures, including provision of sanitiser and disposable gloves, should be put in place to reduce the risk of contamination.

All fixed equipment should be checked prior to use to avoid participants having to adjust or touch it.

Where shared equipment is necessary for an activity appropriate hygiene measures must be put in place before, during and after use.

Where balls are used in sports areas, courts and pitches a risk assessment should be undertaken to ensure measures are put in place to minimise uncovered body contact.  Appropriate hygiene protocols should be undertaken including hand hygiene and regular cleaning of balls before, during and after exercise.

Local restrictions

Where a locality or region is subject to localised restrictions, not all of the changes above will apply. Details of local restrictions are available here.

Boccia

There will be no organised boccia activity under Level 4 restrictions. However, under other levels there is the ability to return depending on the readiness of facility providers to open to clubs and sessions for training purposes only.

Competition will be considered in the future.  SDS will publish further updates and guidance as and when competition is allowed to return.

SDS has published a separate Return to Boccia Guidance Paper. To access this guidance please follow this link: Return to Boccia

Travel guidance can be found in Table A on page 3.

General Guidance

To prevent spread of the virus, please follow the FACTS:

Face coverings

Avoid crowded places

Clean hands regularly

Two metre distance

Self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms

 

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.

Shielding is currently paused, and it is the individuals responsibility to decide when it is safe for their return to sport. The advice is  highlighted in here. The advice to people is to continue to strictly follow the guidelines on physical distancing, handwashing, surface cleaning and respiratory hygiene guidance on the NHS Inform website.

What to do if someone in the club or session has Covid-19

Local Outbreaks or Clusters of Coronavirus Cases

Scottish Government travel advice and guidance relating to local outbreaks or clusters of coronavirus cases is available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): local advice and measures. 94. Where a local outbreak has been reported, sports facility operators and deliverers within this locality should review Scottish Government ‘local measures’ guidance, their facility/operational risk assessment and consider if additional mitigating actions should be put in place to reduce risk. This may, for example, include; suspending activity, enhancing hygiene and physical distancing measures or introducing additional activity restrictions.

SDS key messages

• This guidance relates only to sport and physical activity in Scotland.
• Further guidance will be available from your mainstream Scottish Governing Body to advise you on the implications for your individual sport. Click here
• It is the responsibility of the relevant facility operator / COVID officer to ensure that full risk assessments, processes and mitigating actions are in place before any sport or leisure activity takes place and to check if the activity is in an area which is subject to additional Scottish Government localised measures and restrictions.
• Guidance for coaches, leaders, personal trainers, and instructors (herein referred to as coaches) is available at Getting your coaches ready for sport.
• During outdoor group training sessions appropriate risk assessed physical distancing and hygiene measures should be put in place to protect participants.
• Face coverings: Mandatory (with limited exceptions) on public transport and in shops
• Be kind, friendly and considerate to everyone you meet
• Follow Public Health guidelines for hygiene
• Any branch or club 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, participant, 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.

You can download this guidance here.

 

In September 2020, the first ever online learning series for boccia was launched.Six months on and we are delighted to report on the successful delivery of 13 sessions which attracted over 200 attendances from across the UK boccia community.The sessions provided a diverse range of learning and development linked to boccia coaching, officiating, classification, equipment and more. All sessions were delivered as 60-90 minute online interactive workshops and 80% of surveyed respondents said their knowledge within boccia and the subject has improved or significantly improved since attending.
By adapting to new ways of working we have been able to both reach new audiences and upskill our existing workforce during the pandemic. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both new volunteers and experienced individuals;

What next?

Following the success of these sessions, we are delighted to confirm that we will be continuing with online learning opportunities for the foreseeable future. Here are the four upcoming sessions:

Introduction to Nutrition – Wednesday 28^th April – 7pm
https://introductiontonutrition.eventbrite.co.uk

Classification for Coaches – Wednesday 19^th May – 7pm
https://classificationforcoaches.eventbrite.co.uk

Introduction to Visually Impaired Boccia – Wednesday 9^th June – 7pm
https://visuallyimpairedboccia.eventbrite.co.uk

Athlete Experiences with Will Arnott – Wednesday 23^rd June – 7pm
https://athleteexperienceswillarnott.eventbrite.co.uk

Book a space on all future sessions here

Recordings of some of the sessions can be found via the Boccia England YouTube channel

We are proud to announce the launch of the new Scottish Disability Sport Strategic Plan – Inspiring through Inclusion, 2021-2029.

SDS CEO, Gavin Macleod said:

“SDS is delighted to launch our new Strategic Plan that will lead the work of the organisation through to 2029.

Inclusion and diversity enjoy a high profile within sport and physical activity at this time and the new plan reflects the many exciting partnerships that SDS has forged to ensure equality of opportunity for participants and athletes with disabilities.”

Read through the plan, Inspiring through Inclusion here: SDS Strategic Plan 2021-2029

A fund to empower disabled people to enjoy the wide range of benefits of becoming more physically active has invested more than £390,000 in clubs and activity providers throughout the UK in the past 12 months.

The Toyota Parasport Fund is a partnership between Toyota (GB), ParalympicsGB, Sport England and the Home Nations Disability Sports Organisations. Launched in 2019 it provides training and equipment to enable disabled people to become more active.

Scottish Disability Sport delivered 14 workshops involving 222 participants which took place between August 2020 and March 2021 covering 12 branches across Scotland including two workshops postponed from 2019/2020 as a result of Coronavirus.

You can read about the great success of this programme here.

Agustín Martín, Toyota (GB) President & Managing Director said: “At Toyota, we are committed to creating a fairer and more inclusive society. The Toyota Parasport Fund is helping to break down the barriers that we know can prevent those with impairments from being able to participate in sport and activity, making a marked difference to communities across the UK”.

Mike Sharrock, Chief Executive of ParalympicsGB, said: “The Toyota Parasport fund is a huge boost to ensuring activity providers are able to access the equipment and have the training they need to offer the best possible experience for disabled people.

“We want to thank Sport England, Mencap NI, Scottish Disability Sport, Disability Sport Wales and Toyota GB for their generous support during these incredibly challenging times for the sector.

“We know disabled people are still far less likely to take part in physical activity than non-disabled people. That is why we relaunched Parasport in 2019. We want to ensure everybody has the opportunity to experience the wide range of benefits associated with becoming more active whether it be physical and mental wellbeing, friendship, or the joy of learning something new.”

Parasport.org.uk has more than 3,500 activities listed to help disabled people find inclusive opportunities in their local area and also promotes virtual classes and home workout videos people can use while activity providers are closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Media Enquiries

Please direct media enquiries to Paul Cox, Head of Communications at the British Paralympic Association, via: paul.cox@paralympics.org.uk 07766 991152.

Calling all parents/ guardians of children with additional support needs!

Chattersense and Bounce are interested in developing a Covid-19 response summer project to support the wellbeing of children and young people who have additional support needs through the summer holidays.

They will use this survey to tailor an activity project to support the health and wellbeing of children of all ages with additional support needs.

The survey should take only 10 minutes to complete and the organisations very much appreciate your support.

Take survey: https://forms.gle/Wn9p9xPP33eQHH7q6

This guidance is being produced to support athletes, participants with a disability, SDS Branches, coaches, volunteers, and staff in relation to the Scottish Government’s new strategic framework document (version: Feb 2021) for managing COVID-19 which became effective from 23 February 2021.  This 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 which will be reviewed weekly. 

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.

Organised sporting activities can be undertaken, providing all activity is 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 at Scottish Government:  Coronavirus in Scotland . 

Where Scottish Government local measures and restrictions are in place guidance detailed will supersede the corresponding guidance  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.

To manage a safe return to sport and leisure activities it is a mandatory requirement that all clubs, facility operators and deliverers put in place comprehensive Test & Protect procedures to help break chains of transmission of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Further information is available within this guidance and at Scottish Government: Test & 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

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 Table A below. 

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.

Table A:  Sport & Physical Activity Protection Levels
		Level 0	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
OUTDOOR SPORT Organised outdoor sport, competition, events and Physical Activity (PA)	Overview	An outdoor sporting ‘field of play bubble’ may consist of participants including coaches, officials and other support staff with maximum numbers allowed in each level noted below. Multiple bubbles can be used for training and SGB competition if appropriate guidance, set out within this document, is followed.  Indoor and outdoor stadium, or equivalent events/competitions, involving spectators are subject to relevant Scottish Government guidance and approval.  Other outdoor participation events are permitted subject to further Scottish Government clarification on numbers.				Local training/competition only. U12s: max 30 including coaches. Over 12s/adults max  15 including coaches.
		* Subject to SG Confirmation	* Subject to SG confirmation	*Subject to SG confirmation	Maximum of 30 participants.
	Children & Young people (u18 years)	Contact & non-contact sport & PA permitted	Contact & non-contact sport & PA permitted	Contact & non-contact sport & PA permitted	Contact & non-contact sport & PA permitted	U12s: Contact sport permitted 12-17 years:  Contact sport temporarily permitted up until the 25 April 2021.  Non-contact only at Level 4 from 26 April 2021.
	Adults (18+ years)				Non-contact sport & PA permitted Contact sport & PA prohibited	Non-contact sport & PA permitted Contact sport & PA prohibited
INDOOR SPORT Organised indoor sport, competition, events and Physical Activity (PA)	Overview	The 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. ‘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 i.e. 1:1 coaching.  For further information see definitions within this guidance.
	Children & Young people (u18 years)	Contact & non-contact sport & PA permitted	Contact & non-contact sport & PA permitted	Contact & non-contact sport & PA permitted	Contact & non-contact sport & PA permitted	Indoor sport & PA prohibited:    Leisure Centres, gyms and other indoor sports facilities closed.
	Adults (18+ years)		Non-contact sport & PA permitted Contact sport & PA prohibited	Non-contact sport & PA permitted Contact sport & PA prohibited	Indoor individual exercise only No contact or non-contact group activity
COACHING	Overview	General guidance is available within this document for coaches, leaders, personal trainers, deliverers and instructors, herein referred to as 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.
	Indoor & Outdoor coaching	The local protection Level in place for sport and physical activity will dictate what activity can be coached, indoors and outdoors and to whom in that area.  See indoor / outdoor above for further information. Coaches can take multiple sessions per day, however the numbers allowed in each session will depend upon the protection Level in place.
PERFORMANCE SPORT	Professional & Performance	Professional & performance sports with Resumption of Performance Sport guidance in place and approved by Scottish Government or sportscotland is permitted at all Levels.
TRAVEL	Indoor / Outdoor Sport & Physical Activity	For further information please refer to Travel Guidance within this document.
HOSPITALITY & RETAIL	Clubs & Sports Facilities	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): tourism and hospitality sector guidance.  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.
TOILETS, CHANGING & SHOWER ROOMS	Clubs & Sports Facilities	Where changing rooms and showering facilities are to be used specific guidance relating to use of ‘Changing and Showers’ is available at Getting Your Facilities Fit for Sport.  This is applicable at all levels where facilities remain open.				Indoor sports facilities closed. Changing rooms closed.
		Operators may open public toilets if they follow the guidelines outlined on the Scottish Government website Opening Public Toilets Guidelines				Public Toilets open.
WORKFORCE	Contractors & Staff	Sports facility operators must ensure that Scottish Government guidance on workforce planning in sport & leisure facilities is followed for contractors and staff and ensure existing health and safety advice is maintained and aligned.  This should be detailed in the risk assessment.
	Meeting Rooms	Although gym and leisure facilities can open up to Level 3, we would encourage providers to consider whether meetings and training must 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.

 Where a participant with a disability requires functional support to enable their participation in physical activity and sport this can be provided without maintaining physical distancing. This support can be provided by a coach or other individual. In such circumstance the responsible ‘Covid Officer’ should consider appropriate mitigating actions as part of the risk assessment in consultation with the participant. This process is reflective of making “reasonable adjustment,” in line with the Equality Act 2010.

“Reasonable adjustment” ensures the meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities within physical activity and sport by meeting individual needs.

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.

Further information on supporting the inclusion of participants with a disability can be found here.

 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. 

Confidence – 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.  

The information outlined below is generic and should be used to inform the development of suitable sport specific guidance which can be shared with participants, clubs, local authorities/trusts, third sector and other sports facility operators.

Level 4 Guidance – 2^nd April Up to 25^th April 2021

The guidance within this appendix is applicable to sport and physical activity facilities and activities where Scottish Government have identified the requirement for Level 4 restrictions to be applied.

This guidance is not applicable to professional or performance sports activity which is approved through the ‘Resumption of Performance Sport’ process by Scottish Government or sportscotland.

The information outlined below should be used in conjunction with, and where appropriate supersede, the ‘Return to sport and physical activity guidance’ to inform the development of sport specific information which will be shared with participants, clubs, local authorities/trusts, third sector and other sports facility operators within Level 4 areas. 

It is the responsibility of the relevant facility operator / COVID officer to ensure that full risk assessments, processes and mitigating actions are in place before any sport or leisure activity takes place and to check if the activity is in an area which is subject to additional Scottish Government localised measures and restrictions. 

Where a local outbreak has been reported, sports facility operators and deliverers should review their facility/operational risk assessment and consider if additional mitigating actions should be put in place to reduce risk.  This may, for example, include; suspending activity, enhancing hygiene and physical distancing measures or introducing additional activity restrictions.

Scottish Government may update or change Levels and restrictions at any time, including the local areas subject to them.  Therefore COVID officers should regularly check Coronavirus (COVID-19): Local Protection Levels.

Travel Restrictions in Level 4 areas

Those living in a Level 4 local authority area can travel out with that area to undertake informal outdoor sport, exercise and recreation including walking, cycling, golf or running, as long as they abide by the rules on meeting other households.

Exemptions are also applicable for essential animal welfare reasons, such as exercising or feeding a horse or going to a vet.

When taking part in sport, exercise or recreation participants should at all times follow Scottish Government guidance.

Travel Summary (Organised sport and physical activity)

Age Group	Level 0	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
U18s	ü	ü	ü	ü	ü
18+ (Adults)	ü	ü	ü	L3 Travel Only	Local Travel Only

Participants can take part in organised sport and physical activity within their own local government area based on Level as detailed in Table A.  Such activity is subject to exemption from household rules as detailed within this guidance.

When a participant travels out with their home local government area they should follow the travel guidance detailed below. Travel regulations are now legally enforceable.

Participants in organised sporting or physical activity should, where possible, avoid any unnecessary travel out of area and keep journeys within area to an absolute minimum.

Children & Young People (17 years or under)

Participants aged 17 years or under can travel to and from Level 0, 1 and 2 areas to take part in organised sport, training, and competition. 

Children and young people can also travel to and from a Level 3 or 4 area, if for example, they belong to a club which is just outside their own local authority area.  They should however travel no further than necessary to to take part in the organised activity. 

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 area should only travel locally or to another Level 3 area to take part in organised sport or physical activity as outlined in Table A.  (from 26 April 2021)

Adults living in a Level 4 area should only travel locally to take to take part in organised sport or physical activity. 

Adults living in a Level 3 or Level 4 area can also travel out with their local government area to take part in informal exercise such as walking, cycling, golf or running. Such activity should follow  Scottish Government ‘local protection levels’ guidance.  

 Outdoor Sport & Leisure Activity

Operators in Level 4 areas may continue to open outdoor sports areas, courts, pitches and facilities (with the exception of ski centres/resorts) if documented risk assessments are undertaken and all appropriate mitigating actions including the guidance herein is put in place to ensure the safety of participants, staff and volunteers. Please also refer to additional guidance produced by sportscotland at: Getting Your Facilities Fit for Sport.

Restrictions on participants taking part in outdoor organised sport, exercise and recreation in Level 4 is as follows.

Children (aged up to 11 years)

Children can take part in outdoor contact and non-contact organised sport including training, group exercise and competition within their usual club or facility environment.  Inter club competition should not take place.

An outdoor sporting ‘field of play bubble’ can consist of up to 30 children, coaches, and officials at any one time.

Young People (aged 12-17 years)

Young people can take part in outdoor contact and non-contact organised sport including training, group exercise and competition within their usual club or facility environment up to and including the 25^th April 2021.  Thereafter only non-contact sport or physical activity should take place at Level 4.  Inter club competition should not take place.

1. 

An outdoor sporting ‘field of play bubble’ can consist of up to 15 young people, coaches, and officials at any one time.

Adults (aged 18 years or over)

Adults can take part in outdoor non-contact organised sport including training, group exercise, aerobics, fitness classes and competition within their normal club or facility environment.

An outdoor sporting ‘field of play bubble’ for adults can consist of up to 15 people, including coaches, and officials at any one time.  Physical distancing should always be maintained. 

Where there are multiple bubbles operating at the same venue these must be risk assessed to ensure there can be no mixing of participants before, during or after the activity. Specific mitigations could include staggered start times, limiting car parking or controlling access / egress points.

Outdoor sporting bubbles for training, competition, or small-scale participation events (Levels 0-3) – From 26^th April 2021

An outdoor sporting ‘field of play bubble’ can consist of a maximum of 30 people including coaches, officials and other support staff at any one time at Level 3 (numbers are subject to further confirmation from Scottish Government for Level 0, 1 & 2). In exceptional circumstances, numbers may be increased, but only if approved directly by Scottish Government or where specific Scottish Governing Bodies of sport (SGBs) guidance and mitigating actions have been agreed by sportscotland.

Multiple outdoor sporting bubbles can be used for training and competition.   In such cases operators and organisers should undertake comprehensive risk assessments to ensure that these bubbles do not mix at any time including before, during or after an activity.  Once an individual has completed their activity, they should immediately vacate the ‘field of play’ and are then subject to household rules.

Total participant numbers allowed to take part in small-scale events at Levels 0, 1, 2 & 3 are being reviewed by Scottish Government.   Further information will be provided once available.

Permanent outdoor sport, leisure and club facilities which are accessed on a regular basis by the general public and/or club members and have in place a designated COVID officer should risk assess and identify mitigating measures to protect participants and staff.  This may for instance include operating separate activity zones, implementing staggered time slots and putting in place other measures to ensure participation bubbles remain separate including consideration of parking and access/egress.

Any further exemptions or variation to training, competition, or event participant numbers, including the addition of spectators, must be agreed directly with Scottish Government and may be subject to other relevant Scottish Government guidance.  

Where outdoor sports training, competition or events are planned and include multiple bubbles; operators and organisers should, as part of their risk assessment, consult with relevant local authorities, environmental health, the police, or other body responsible for the safety of the public.  Agreement must be reached with these bodies before the training, event or competition takes place.

Operators and organisers should note that the situation around COVID-19 is fluid and activities may need to be cancelled at short notice should there be a change in local or national restrictions.  In such circumstance’s plans should be in place to notify participants of event cancellation and to ensure they do not attend the venue.

SGBs and operators should introduce a period of training to familiarise participants with guidelines before running competitions.

Outdoor group coaching for organised sport and physical activity including aerobics and fitness classes can take place with up to 30 people at any one time in Level 3, including the coach, if physical distancing is always maintained. Bubble numbers for Level 0, 1 & 2 are to be confirmed by Scottish Government.

Indoor Sport & Leisure Facilities

Indoor sport and leisure facilities including club houses, changing rooms and activity areas should remain closed at Level 4.  Exemptions are available as noted below.

Public Toilets

·         Operators may open indoor toilets for public use if they follow Scottish Government Opening Public Toilets Guidelines.

·         Public toilets are defined as any toilets accessible to the public. The opening of toilets should be accompanied by local risk assessment, and control measures should be proactively monitored by operators.   

·         All appropriate cleaning procedures and equipment/disinfectant should be provided as per Health Protection Scotland guidance.

Definitions – for the purposes of this guidance

‘Organised sporting or physical activity’ refers to activities which are undertaken in a structured and managed way following specific rules and guidance of relevant SGBs, local authorities or businesses who in turn have fully applied related Scottish Government and sportscotland guidance.  All organised activity should be overseen by a Covid Officer with documented risk assessments undertaken and mitigating actions put in place to ensure the health, safety and welfare of participants, coaches and officials.

Contact sport or activity is defined as “a sport or activity in which the participants necessarily come into bodily contact or as a matter of course encroach within 2m of one another” such as Judo, Netball and Basketball.

Non-contact sport or activity is defined as “a sport or activity in which the participants are physically separated by playing rules such as to make it difficult for them to make physical contact during an activity.  Examples include Tennis, Cricket, Boccia and Curling.

Sports competition refers to where participants or teams compete against different opponents as part of an organised league or competition.

Adult ‘group’ sport or 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.  

Indoor individual exercise refers to non-contact recreational sport or physical activity which follows household rule numbers.  This includes gym use, 1:1 personal training, swimming, ice skating and indoor snowsports activity where physical distancing can be maintained.

Permitted Sport and Leisure Activities

Participants and operators should follow guidance based on the area protection level in which the sporting activity is to take place.  A summary of what sporting activity can be undertaken at each protection level is available in Table A and should be read in conjunction with the rest of this document. 

Subject to the protection level guidance within this document, organised sporting or physical activity can take place indoors or outdoors, in effect suspending physical distancing and household guidelines, for the duration of the activity.

Where there is likely to be proximity (within 2m) or contact between participants involved in a sporting activity, mitigating actions must be put in place to minimise risk and keep participants safe.  For instance:

·          

·         Guidance should focus on providing sporting activity involving as few participants as possible, for the minimum amount of time, whilst still allowing the activity to run effectively.  This may also require a change to game formats, numbers and/or rules to minimise risk to participants.

·         As soon as a participant has completed training, a competition or event, they should leave the field of play/venue.

No spectating should take place other than where a parent or carer is supervising a child or vulnerable adult or when following specific sector guidance for sporting events. 

No formal presentation ceremonies should take place during or after a sporting activity or competition as the focus should be on reducing the numbers in attendance at any one time.

Holiday camps, extended sports activity or events which would not normally come under the jurisdiction of an SGB should refer to the appropriate local authority, umbrella body or care commission guidance.  Organisers of these activities may alternatively wish to use Scottish Government household, physical distancing and group size limits.

Coaching

The guidance below is to support coaches, leaders, personal trainers, deliverers and instructors, herein referred to as coach/es.  In addition, please see Getting Coaches Ready for Sport which provides a 4-stage approach/checklist to help coaches get ready for delivering sport and physical activity. It can be used as it is or amended to reflect the sport or delivery activity.

Coaches operating within clubs and facilities should liaise with the relevant COVID Officer before undertaking coaching and all sporting or physical activity must adhere to operator and relevant SGB Guidance. 

Coaches and others supporting organised sporting or physical activity should attempt to keep physically distant, but it is recognised that this will not always be possible to ensure the safety of participants.  In such circumstances the responsible ‘Covid Officer’ should consider appropriate mitigating actions as part of the risk assessment.

Coaches should be aware that local restrictions may be in place for sport and physical activity and this should be considered as part of risk assessment planning and will dictate what activity can be coached, indoors and outdoors and to whom.  See Table A for further information about protection levels.

Scottish Government travel guidance provides exemptions for travel into and out of Level 3 and Level 4 local authority areas. This includes   ‘travel for work, or to provide voluntary or charitable services, but only where that cannot be done from your home’. 

Where paid/voluntary coaches or officials use the above exemption mitigating actions should be put in place to reduce risk to the coach, official and participants.  This should be documented in the operator or deliverer risk assessment.

Coaching (Levels 0-3)

Coaches can run organised outdoor group training sessions in protection Levels 0-3 in line with maximum bubble sizes outlined in Table A or as agreed through approved SGB Guidance and Scottish Government (COVID-19):  guidance on the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities.  They should also ensure to follow specific guidance on sporting bubbles within this document.

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. 

 Coaching (Level 4)

Coaches can run organised outdoor non-contact group training sessions in protection Level 4 for a maximum of 15 people aged 12 years or over (including the coach/es)

Coaches can run organised outdoor contact and non-contact training sessions for up to 30 children (including the coach/es) aged under 12 years.

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

·         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 1^st:  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 .

Local restrictions

Where a locality or region is subject to localised restrictions, not all of the changes above will apply. Details of local restrictions are available here.

There will be no organised boccia activity under Level 4 restrictions. However, under other levels there is the ability to return depending on the readiness of facility providers to open to clubs and sessions for training purposes only.

Competition will be considered in the future.  SDS will publish further updates and guidance as and when competition is allowed to return.

SDS has published a separate Return to Boccia Guidance Paper. To access this guidance please follow this link: Return to Boccia

Travel guidance can be found in Table A on page 3.

To prevent spread of the virus, please follow the FACTS:

Face coverings

Avoid crowded places

Clean hands regularly

Two metre distance

Self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms

 

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.

Shielding is currently paused, and it is the individuals responsibility to decide when it is safe for their return to sport. The advice is  highlighted in here. The advice to people is to continue to strictly follow the guidelines on physical distancing, handwashing, surface cleaning and respiratory hygiene guidance on the NHS Inform website.

What to do if someone in the club or session has Covid-19

Local Outbreaks or Clusters of Coronavirus Cases

Scottish Government travel advice and guidance relating to local outbreaks or clusters of coronavirus cases is available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): local advice and measures. 94. Where a local outbreak has been reported, sports facility operators and deliverers within this locality should review Scottish Government ‘local measures’ guidance, their facility/operational risk assessment and consider if additional mitigating actions should be put in place to reduce risk. This may, for example, include; suspending activity, enhancing hygiene and physical distancing measures or introducing additional activity restrictions.

·         This guidance relates only to sport and physical activity in Scotland.

·         Further guidance will be available from your mainstream Scottish Governing Body to advise you on the implications for your individual sport. Click here

·         It is the responsibility of the relevant facility operator / COVID officer to ensure that full risk assessments, processes and mitigating actions are in place before any sport or leisure activity takes place and to check if the activity is in an area which is subject to additional Scottish Government localised measures and restrictions.

·         Guidance for coaches, leaders, personal trainers, and instructors (herein referred to as coaches) is available at Getting your coaches ready for sport.

·         During outdoor group training sessions appropriate risk assessed physical distancing and hygiene measures should be put in place to protect participants.

·         Face coverings: Mandatory (with limited exceptions) on public transport and in shops

·         Be kind, friendly and considerate to everyone you meet

·         Follow Public Health guidelines for hygiene

·         Any branch or club 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, participant, 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.

You can download this guidance here.

Over the weekend of 8-11 April 2021, the British Para–Swimming International Meet was held at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield. The event incorporated the opening event of the World Para Swimming World Series and Britain’s Paralympic trial meet.

You can read full coverage including athlete quotes on the Scottish Swimming website, with the below summarising how the Scottish representatives fared in the pool.

Day 1

S12 athlete Stephen Clegg (Edinburgh University) broke a British Record in the men’s 100m freestyle with a time of 53.72, which falls inside the qualification standard for the Paralympic games in Tokyo.

Louis Lawlor (City of Glasgow Swim Team) came very close to his S14 Scottish Record in the 100m freestyle, with his teammate Gavin Roberts as well as Conner Morrison (University of Aberdeen Performance Swim) setting personal bests for the event.

S9 swimmer Toni Shaw (University of Aberdeen Performance Swim) finished with a time of 1:03.71 in her 100m freestyle final, enough to claim the silver medal position for the world series event.

Day 2

Louis Lawlor was back in the pool finishing 0.2 seconds inside the S14 consideration time for Tokyo in the 100m backstroke final – this coming after having finished outside the consideration time in his earlier heat.

Scott Quinn (SB14) also finished safely within the Tokyo consideration time in the 100m breaststroke final, winning his race in a time of 1:05.97.

Behind Scott in the 100m breaststroke were Conner Morrison and Gavin Roberts making it an all Scottish top 3, with Roberts claiming a PB of 1:09:67. In 6th place came Jack Milne (Dundee City Aquatics) in 1:11:21.

Following this in the women’s 100m backstroke final, S13 athlete Abby Kane (University of Stirling) finished fourth in a time of 1:14.48.

Day 3

On day 3 Toni Shaw was back in the pool and again finished within the Tokyo consideration time in the 400m freestyle in 4:45:50, putting herself well within the S9 standard for the Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

Meanwhile in the men’s 400m freestyle final, Oliver Carter finished with a time of 4:19:21, enough to break his own S10 Scottish Record.

Day 4

The final day of the event ended in fine fashion with a World Record breaking swim from S12 Athlete Stephen Clegg in the MC 100m butterfly final.

Having come just short of a British Record in the heats, he went above and beyond in the final registering a World Record time of 57:42. This World Record had stood since 2013.

Jack Milne S14 competed in the same final finishing 6th in 1:02.73.

Elsewhere Oliver Carter S10 was also in record-breaking form as he broke Paul Noble’s long-standing Scottish Record in the 100m butterfly heat, a record that has stood for 25 years since 1996. Oliver finished with a time of 1:05:43

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Read more on the Scottish Swimming website