24 Jul 2020
Latest update on Covid-19 and running sessions
Latest Covid-19 update - 24th July
This is a long article but please take the time to read it.
Last week, England Athletics updated their social distancing guidance and rules for running groups, which included the idea of scheduling regular sessions of small groups of 6 ( 1 leader and 5 runners) and even unlimited numbers in a ratio of 1 leader per 12 runners within a Covid-19 secure environment. Chorley Runners group leaders took some time to read and understand what this guidance meant and discussed the implications during a Zoom call on Wednesday evening.
The outcome of that meeting was that we will not be restarting regular running sessions now.
We realise this may come as a disappointment to many of you, but the health and safety of everyone is our guiding principle. We will continually review guidance from the UK Govt. and England Athletics and hopefully it will not be too long until we can safely restart.
WE WOULD STILL ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONTINUE RUNNING AND ARRANGING YOUR OWN INFORMAL SMALL GROUPS OF UP TO SIX AS PER THE GOVERNMENT AND ENGLAND ATHLETICS GUIDANCE.
We discussed the guidance and the practical implications of the guidance and creating running sessions that would be safe for the group’s runners, leaders and members of the public. We do not feel that we can create a Covid-19 secure environment, it is quite complex and difficult to administer at the moment. For your information, we have provided further information below.
England Athletics has issued new social distancing guidance which includes rules for running groups, including RunTogether Groups and is as follows.
In summary, RunTogether group running can now take place in unlimited numbers IF the runs are within a Covid-19 secure environment*. Otherwise you can continue to run in groups limited to groups of 6 (1 leader to 5 runners).
*A Covid-19 secure environment means in summary:
· Your group has a Covid-19 Officer in place
. Your group complies with all other social distancing guidance
· A venue/environment / route must develop a Covid-19 action plan including potential impact on the public
· All clubs, groups and coaches must capture pre-activity health questionnaires from all attendees in advance of a session
· Your group develops a Covid-19 risk assessment
· Your group must capture all participants contact details which can be shared upon request with the NHS test and trace initiative
Full details can be found on the England Athletics Covid-19 web pages
IMPORTANT NOTES:
It has always been the case and it still is the case that a RunTogether Run Leader can only train 12 people at one time. Multiple groups can be run if the requisite number of Leaders are present within a Covid-19 secure environment. Social distancing and hygiene is still to be maintained.
Off track coaching and leading including road running
• Athletes and runners training in a public space, other than a track and field facility, can take place in unlimited numbers as long as the activity is taking place within the COVID-19 secure environment setting. If a COVID-19 secure environment is not in place the following will apply; activity can take place on a one to-five basis only (i.e. one coach or leader and up to five athletes or runners within an organised session OR up to six athletes and runners in a non organised session with no coach or leader present). These individuals do not need to be from the same family household, but all must adhere to the latest social distancing guidance. More support for clubs and venues can be found in the EA clubs and venue guidance documents.
· Coaches, leaders, athletes, or runners should adhere to all restrictions that may be placed on a public space by the owner of that space.
· Coaches and leaders should think about a booking system being put into place before sessions.
· A coach or leader can carry out a coaching session or lead a session with up to five athletes or runners and then coach or lead another group of five athletes or runners after the conclusion of the first session. Coaches and leaders should not coach more than five athletes or runners at any one time.
· Do not congregate before or after training, return home.
· Group session plans should aim to minimise the risk of athletes interacting with or impacting on social distancing of members of the public.
· Coaches and leaders should ensure they have carried out a standard risk assessment of any training space or route, as they would normally, prior to the session taking place.
· Coaches and leaders should think about touch points, such as gates and stiles, on the route and as such should plan accordingly.
· Coaches and leaders should think about the public space they are meeting in along with the general population demand on the route being used.
· Coaches, leaders, athletes and runners should ensure they carry out standard safety procedures (e.g. phones, first aid kit, route planning etc) when accessing ‘wild’ public spaces.
· Coaches, leaders, athletes and runners aiming to access trails and mountains or public spaces a long way from assistance and emergency services should make themselves aware of any local guidance/considerations prior to travel/training. Consideration of whether the activity could add to pressure on emergency services should be taken.
The summarised changes are below:
Clubs, groups, and coaching/leading activity can now take place in unlimited numbers if it is within a Covid-19 secure environment, otherwise the limit of groups of six (including a coach or leader) remains. Each coach is able to train 12 people at one time so in a Covid-19 secure club/running group setting, multiple coaching/training groups can be run if the requisite number of coaches/leaders are present.
Different rules apply for those working with young people under 18. Please read and implement the government guidance.
Informal activity or that outside the Covid-19 secure environment must still be within two household units or groups of no more than 6.
Social distancing and hygiene is still to be maintained and is key within a training involvement.
Register with RunTogether
Group running is a great way to keep fit and healthy. You’ll get plenty of motivation, support as well as making new friendships.
Find out more