All shinty has been postponed with immediate effect and until further notice amid increasing concerns in relation to the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
The Camanachd Association informed all clubs today that, following the advice issued by both the Scottish and British Government over recent days, they have taken the decision to postpone all matches under their control until further notice.
The announcement came on a sporting day of drama which began when the English Premier & Football Leagues suspended all football under their remit until at least Friday 3 April 2020.
The Scottish Professional Football League took matters a stage further by calling a halt to all domestic professional and grassroots football under the jurisdiction of the Scottish Football Association, including the Scottish Women's Premier League, until further notice. SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said it was "neither realistic nor possible" to continue with matches. Other sports including rugby, golf, formula 1 and cricket followed suit.
Whilst it is unlikely most shinty matches would have exceeded the 500 person quota put in place by the Scottish Government for events, concerns remained regarding the risk associated with the spread of the virus, particularly to those most vulnerable and for those travelling long distances in close proximity to others.
Consequently, shinty’s governing body took what they described as the difficult decision to postpone all matches under their remit.
A Camanachd Association spokesman said: "With events moving so quickly on this unprecedented circumstance, we have taken medical advice throughout the week and, as the public concern for this situation has grown, we now feel it is incumbent on us to postpone all matches.
"The wellbeing of the people in shinty communities is primary in this decision and we hope that this decision removes any expectations or pressures on participating during a time that we can be focused on doing all we can to supress the spread of the virus."
Shortly after the announcement, the Camanachd Association issued a further statement recommending that the suspension include all fixtures, training, festivals and other events.
A spokesman added: “In light of the government restrictions on public gatherings and the resulting pressure on emergency services and healthcare provision, the Camanachd Association has postponed all fixtures under our auspices whilst a further assessment can be made and to reduce any additional pressure our activities may have otherwise had on emergency services.
“Ultimately, training sessions are out with the Camanachd Association's jurisdiction and remain a club and player decision. We know that being physically active is one of the best things we can generally do to reduce the risk of infection and stay healthy however our guidance at present is focused on the wellbeing of all members and their families during such an uncertain time.
“Additionally it should not be overlooked that one of the age demographics most vulnerable to the coronavirus is older people many of whom play important roles in shinty clubs.
“As a result, we postponed all shinty fixtures and advise, at this time, that this should include training. We will endeavour to provide due notice to clubs ahead of any future shinty matches so as there is time to restart training.
“During the suspension period, the Camanachd Association will undertake further assessment and advise on any further action that may be required.
“In addition, during this uncertain time, we would also encourage clubs, where possible to have committee meetings via video conferencing using software such as Google Hangouts. Anyone with any symptoms should not attend any committee meetings at all.”
Meantime, the Womens Camanachd Association also issued a statement clarifying their position in relation to the coronavirus and WCA fixtures.
A statement read: “Given the current developing situation in the UK and the announcements by the Scottish Governments, Scottish Football Association and other sporting bodies, and in the best interest of player and community health and to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the WCA committee has decided that all WCA governed shinty will be postponed until further notice.
Clubs are encouraged to continue to follow government advice to keep themselves, teammates, friends and family members safe and healthy.”