Return to Rowing: New UK Government Local COVID Alert Levels
Following the publication of the Government’s new Local COVID Alert Levels, we have assessed their application to rowing activity
Please note this article was updated on 16 October to reflect clarification from Sport England on indoor training, key changes are highlighted in yellow.
On 12 October, the UK Government set out a new, three-tier Local COVID Alert Level system that sets base COVID-19 restrictions for each local area in England. The three tiers are medium risk, high risk and very-high risk and for each of these specific levels we have assessed the impact of the restrictions on rowing activity:
| Local COVID Alert Level | Government wording in relation to organised sport | Advice on application to rowing activity |
|---|---|---|
| Medium risk | exercise classes and organised sport* can continue to take place outdoors, or indoors if the rule of 6 is followed | Follow the guidance as set out for the current phase in our Return to Rowing guidance. |
| High risk | exercise classes and organised sport* can continue to take place outdoors. These will only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with or share a support bubble with, or for youth or disability sport | Follow the advice as set out for the current phase in our Return to Rowing guidance.
Check any specific local restrictions for your area which may further restrict rowing activities. |
| Very-high risk | exercise classes and organised sport* can continue to take place outdoors. These will only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with), or for youth or disability sport | Follow the advice as set out for the current phase in our Return to Rowing guidance.
At this level, travelling outside or into the “very high-risk area” is advised against and therefore this should be taken into account when considering taking part or organising competitions. Check any specific local restrictions for your area which may further restrict rowing activities. |
* For the avoidance of doubt, activities run under British Rowing’s Return to Rowing guidance is classified as ‘organised sport’
Indoor Training
Following clarification by Sport England, indoor rowing training and use of club gyms are permitted in high and very-high risk areas (unless specific additional restrictions exist in the local area beyond the standard national tiered restrictions) subject to the advice in our Return to Rowing guidance. This activity can continue with appropriate numbers based on the size of the venue, provided that people are in separate groups of up to six people, or larger groups if they’re from the same household or support bubble, which do not mix (i.e. remain socially distanced at all times).
Club hospitality facilities
In addition to the sport-specific guidance, rowing clubs will also need to consider the guidance for hospitality venues in relation to club bars and catering facilities. In the medium and high risk areas, this means these must close at 10 pm and must be table-service only; in very-high risk areas, bars must close, except where operating as a restaurant.
Clubs and competitions must carry out their own risk assessment taking into account all local information in addition to British Rowing’s Return to Rowing guidance.
Please note that, as well as Local Restrictions, university and school rowing clubs must consider their own educational establishment’s COVID risk assessments and procedures.
For more information on the Local COVID Alert Levels please see the following GOV.UK links:
- Local COVID alert levels – What you need to know
- Find out the Local COVID Alert Level for an area by postcode
Sport England have produced a helpful FAQ in relation to coronavirus restrictions including the new Local COVID Alert Levels:
Given the recent changes to Government guidance, we will be reviewing our Return to Rowing guidance and the phasing framework within it over the coming week to ensure it is as easy to use and as helpful as possible in the context of the new Local COVID Alert Levels structure.
