The First Minister provided an update to the Scottish Parliament on covid-19 and the related restrictions on Tuesday 9 March 2021.
The First Minister’s statement set out key changes to permitted outdoor sport and exercise that come into effect from Friday 12 March 2021.
The First Minister also announced that she will set out a clearer timetable for exiting lockdown next week, including an updated level system due to come into effect later in April 2021.
The key changes for outdoor sport and exercise in Level 4 areas are:
Outdoor Gatherings – Adults 18 Years & Over
- The maximum numbers for socialising outdoors will increase to four adults from two households. This applies to social and recreational purposes as well as for exercise.
Outdoor Gatherings – 12 to 17 Year olds
- The maximum numbers for socialising outdoors will be 4 individuals from 4 households. This applies to social and recreational purposes as well as for exercise.
Outdoor Sport & Group Exercise – 12 Years & Over
- Up to 15 people can take part in outdoor non-contact sport and organised group exercise.
(NB: Guidance already permits this for under 12s.)
Travel restrictions
- People should stay as close to home as possible in line with current travel restrictions. However some flexibility will be given to under 18s to travel across local authority boundaries to take part in sport. Further clarity on this will be provided when it is available.
What This Means For Shinty
The Camanachd Association welcomed Nicola Sturgeon's announcement for further easing of lockdown restrictions. In anticipation of the announcement, updated guidance documents have already been submitted by the Camanachd Association to sportscotland following last week’s covid guidance group meeting. These documents are required to be approved by sportscotland on behalf of Scottish Government and the Association anticipates they will have updated guidance to share with clubs in the coming days. The finer details of the guidance are still to be clarified and will be communicated as soon as possible to allow clubs to access the opportunities now available in line with Government Guidance.
Camanachd Association Chief Executive Officer Derek Keir said: "It is so exciting to see restrictions being lifted in a measured way and I am sure everyone in the shinty community will be excited to get back to some form of normality even if that means physically distancing in the first instance.
“Shinty matches are now in sight and all going well, we anticipate shinty matches taking place from as early as May with continued progress. The announcement today and the guidance from our covid readiness group presents an incredible opportunity for all clubs who have updated their COVID readiness guidance and registered and insured their players to return to non-contact activity with a real focus on re-establishing core skills whilst maintaining physical distancing. The opportunity to focus on these core skills and the physical conditioning in advance of competition and games will be vital in preparing players and clubs for a successful return to shinty in the weeks and months ahead."
Next Steps For Clubs
The Camanachd Association made contact with all club-nominated covid coordinators suggesting they liaise with their Regional Development Officer to review the updated covid guidance when it becomes available.
A covid coordinator meeting has taken place and, as soon as the covid guidance is available, clubs will be in an informed position to update risk assessments and club procedures to inform players and mitigate risks. All clubs wishing to return to playing shinty must register their players in advance for insurance purposes and confirm updated covid guidance with their Regional Development Officer. Further details of updated guidance will be shared at the earliest opportunity.
Following the Camanachd Association's roadmap towards shinty, published on Wednesday 10 March 2021, there was confirmation from sportscotland, on behalf of Scottish Government, that under 12s will be able to return to contact sport and shinty training.
The announcement also detailed this can include up to a maximum of 30 participants, including players and coaches. Games can take place within clubs but it is not permitted to play matches between clubs at this time.
The return of shinty for under 12s is a very welcome development with clubs across the country eager to return.
Return To Shinty & Physical Activity Guidance 12.3.21
In order to return to shinty, clubs must have done the following:
- Have their COVID-19 Readiness Documentation verified by a member of the Camanachd Association Development Team.
- Have registered their participants on GoMembership for the 2021 season.
The developments over recent days are hugely exciting but the quick turnaround in legislation means volunteers may need more time to figure things out and digest the guidance as well as adjust their plans in order to restart shinty.
A key component is to return safely to ensure everyone takes a considered approach, balancing the desire of participants with the capacity of club coaches and volunteers and placing wellbeing at the top of club agendas for all.
Any questions should be referred to Regional Development Officers:
National Development Manager - graham.cormack@shinty.com / 07894588538
Regional Development Manager (East) - ronald.ross@shinty.com / 07718630563
Regional Development Officer (North) - katie.drain@shinty.com / 07834522260
Regional Development Officer (Central) - paul.macarthur@shinty.com / 07921210179
Operations Manager / Regional Development Officer (West) - astie.cameron@shinty.com / 07912731295