Following the latest announcement from the Prime Minister, we’re delighted to communicate the roadmap for the return of gymnastics in England.
We understand and appreciate how difficult this time continues to be for everyone involved in the sport, from club officials and coaches, to gymnasts of all ages, but we hope that this news brings some hope that a return to normality isn’t too far away.
At this stage it is important to note that the guidance and dates announced could change depending on how successful the easing of restrictions are.
Full guidance is expected to be published on the government website, and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) FAQs in the next week which will hopefully provide further clarity.
Please find below our understanding of government’s four-step roadmap and how this could affect gymnastics;
Step 1 – (not before 8th March)
Under 18 sport can take place at school as part of educational provision, or as part of wraparound childcare (where it is needed to enable parents or carers to work, seek work, attend education, seek medical care or attend a support group), but should not otherwise take place at this time.
Gymnastics activities not being primarily used by parents for childcare purposes should remain closed for face-to-face provision unless registered childcare is provided. Unfortunately, this means Easter Holiday Clubs may not go ahead unless they are part of pre-existing childcare agreements.
Step 1 (not before 29th March)
Under 18 sport should not take place indoors at sports clubs at this time and therefore indoor gymnastics activity is not permitted.
Formally organised outdoor sports – for adults and under 18s – can restart, but will need to be compliant with the outdoor gymnastics activity guidance. This will be updated in the Step Forward Plan in due course.
Step 2 (not before 12th April)
Clubs and leisure centres in England can reopen their doors to under 18’s, ensuring that social distancing* measures are in place. We’re anticipating DCMS guidance to be updated in the coming weeks and we will update our Step Forward Plan when this is available.
This includes pre-school gymnastics sessions and parent and child groups also being able to resume indoor activity.
Gymnasts over the age of 18 will be able to return to clubs and leisure centres for individual training or to train with adults from the same household. Group sessions for over 18 gymnasts will not be permitted.
Step 3 (not before 17th May)
Group adult gymnastics sessions can resume with social distancing* in place.
At this time, all age groups will be able to take part in socially distanced gymnastics sessions.
Step 4 (not before 21st June)
Dependant on the successful lifting of restrictions, we hope that at this step in the roadmap, a level of normality can return. Here we will hopefully see gymnastics sessions run with fewer restrictions. We’ll continue to communicate with you throughout this process.
As restrictions do ease, we’ll continue to communicate the latest guidance with clubs and partners.
We’re excited by the prospect that gymnasts of all ages and abilities across England will hopefully be able to return to their gyms in the coming months.
*social distancing must be implemented at this time, unless gymnasts are following the team sport framework
**Elite gymnasts are exempt from the current restrictions and can continue to follow the Elite Training Guidance