Updated guidance on outdoor training and coaching in England
Important announcements following recent guidance published by the UK government
Following recent announcements by the Government on the further easing of lockdown restrictions relating to groups of up to six people meeting outdoors, CIMSPA has been in dialogue with DCMS and Sport England to clarify what the new guidance means for outdoor training and coaching in England.
The key points are:
- Personal training and coaching is allowed, provided that it takes place outdoors and all current social distancing and hygiene measures are observed.
- From Monday 1 June, one-to-one training can take place in a private garden, while observing social distancing and hygiene rules.
- From Monday 1 June, personal training, coaching and group exercise can take place in groups of up to six people (including the trainer/coach) in a garden or public outdoor space, provided that two metre social distancing and other hygiene measures can be observed.
- A trainer or coach can meet with multiple clients (or groups) per day but should avoid overlapping sessions to prevent congregation of people.
- Parents can take their children to a one-to-one outdoor training/coaching session, provided the gathering does not exceed six people.
- Sports coaches or trainers undertaking one-to-one sessions should ensure they are complying with relevant National Governing Body Safeguarding Policies and Procedures and conduct a thorough risk assessment before engaging in any sessions. This should include particular consideration for under 18s and vulnerable adults.
- Appropriate insurance policies should be in place for all activities.
- The use of outdoor gyms is not permitted and use of equipment should be kept to a minimum (and only used if stringent hygiene practices can be assured, meaning the thorough cleaning of all equipment before and after use).
- Indoor sport facilities must remain closed at this time.
Tara Dillon (CIMSPA CEO) said:“This updated guidance for England will give further relief to many in our sector who have been impacted by the coronavirus crisis, and will enable more of them to get back to providing a valuable service to their customers. We would urge everyone to adhere strictly to the Government’s social distancing and hygiene guidelines, keep the safety of themselves and their customers as their number one priority and check with their insurance provider to ensure they have the appropriate cover in place.”
CIMSPA will shortly be publishing detailed guidance on outdoor training in Scotland, following dialogue with
sportscotland.
We are also in dialogue with the relevant authorities to seek clarity on the guidance for outdoor training in Wales and Northern Ireland and will provide an update as soon as possible. Follow the links for the latest official advice in
Wales and
Northern Ireland.
CIMSPA has several digital resources available to support the sector during the coronavirus crisis, including:
- ReOpen - an online hub offering guidance and resources to support the sector in reopening facilities, when permitted.
- Stronger Together Hub - a range of resources and advice to support businesses and individuals.
- Stronger Together Facebook Group - an open community for all those working in the sector.
For the official UK Government guidance on outdoor personal training and coaching in EnglandCLICK HERE FAQs
Will insurance cover PTs who are training clients, following the guidelines, whilst the ‘lockdown’/social distancing is still in play?
If you are normally covered for personal training that you are qualified to do, then you should still be covered, but please check with your insurance provider if you have any doubts.
Can people train in a private indoor space if there is room to fully adhere to social distancing?
No, it has to take place outdoors.
Who do we contact for queries about permissions to use outdoor spaces?
In most cases, you don’t need permission to use public outdoor spaces in this way, but if you are unsure you should contact the local authority responsible for the space.
I have seen that some full contact sports have resumed training but haven’t seen anything about my sport, can I train clients?
For full guidance on specific sports clubs and equipment usage please contact your National Governing Body and they will be able to answer your questions on club reopening guidance.
The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity
CIMSPA's work enhances the career opportunities and professional development of the workforce operating in sport, fitness, exercise, leisure, gym, coaching, health and wellbeing. We achieve this through sector-wide engagement, membership, networking, events, directories and professional standards.