Coronavirus: What sport can people in England practise now?

The government announced new easing of restrictions on sport and exercise at the end of last week as part of the phased return of outdoor sport and recreation in England.

What can we do?

From today, you can now exercise alone, with members of your household, or with up to, but no more than five other people from outside your household while keeping two metres apart at all times.

Gatherings of more than six people are not permitted (unless you are from one household or if it’s essential for work purposes).

Social distancing of two metres applies to people outside of your household. If you are playing sport or exercising with people from your own household, the two-metre rule does not apply.

People advised to follow this guidance:

• Check in advance if the facilities you want to use have reopened.
• When exercising in the countryside remember to follow the countryside code and act responsibly.
• If possible, hand sanitise at intervals if your sport or recreation means you have to touch communal surfaces.
• Once you are home remember to wash your hands.
• Try to avoid using shared equipment such as racquets and bats.
• If catering facilities are open at the venue (for takeaway items) respect social distancing whilst queuing for food and drink. Do not share food items, cups, plates or eating utensils with anyone else.

Can we play team sports?

People who play team sports can now meet to train together and do things like conditioning or fitness sessions but they must be in wholly separate groups of no more than six and must remain two metres apart at all times.

While groups could practice ball skills like passing and kicking, equipment sharing should be kept to a minimum and strong hand hygiene practices should be in place before and after.

Physical contact with anyone outside of your household is not permitted, therefore playing of any games (small sided or full) is also not permitted at this time.

Avoid meeting in groups of six in busy or overcrowded areas, if it is so busy that it is not possible to maintain social distancing at all times.

What about individual sports?

Athletics tracks can re-open, but this is at the discretion of the facility and must be done in a way that adheres to guidance on social distancing.

You can now go fishing but only alone, with members of your household, or with up to, but no more than five other people a minimum of other metres apart.

You can play golf providing you only meet up with no more than 5 other people from a different household and observe social distancing guidelines, remaining a minimum of two metres apart. Clubhouses must remain closed except for takeaway catering and toilets.

You can ride a horse, providing that you are alone, with members of your own household or with no more than 5 other people from a different household. You are allowed to visit venues like a riding club to exercise.

You can play tennis providing you only meet up with no more than five other people from a different household and observe social distancing guidelines, remaining a minimum of two metres apart. You can also play doubles tennis with people from outside of your household as long as you remain 2 metres apart.

All forms of water sports practised on open waterways, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and the use of privately owned motorised craft are allowed provided that the guidance on social distancing is observed.

Can we travel to exercise or practise sport?

You can travel to outdoor open space irrespective of distance, but ideally use your nearest, local appropriate venue to reduce pressure on transport infrastructure.

You shouldn’t travel with someone from outside your household unless you can practise social distancing - for example by cycling.

It is not possible to practice effective social distancing in small vehicles. You should consider all other forms of transport before using public transport.

What could we do already?

From May 13, outdoor sports courts and other outdoor sporting activities have been permitted to reopen if those responsible for them are ready to do so and they can do so safely, following Covid-19 Secure guidelines.

Indoor facilities such as clubhouses should be kept closed, apart from toilets and throughways. Clubhouse bars and restaurants can also offer take-away services (see below for more detail).

What can we still not do?

Outdoor gyms, playgrounds and outdoor and indoor swimming pools remain closed to the public.