Updated guidance on outdoor training and coaching in England – published 1 July 2020

This guidance was updated on 3 July 2020.

CIMSPA has been in dialogue with DCMS to clarify what the new guidance is for personal training, group exercise and coaching in England.

The key changes to the current guidance are:

• From 4 July, two households can meet indoors or outdoors (even if this exceeds six people). This means that personal training or exercise can take place indoors between members of two households (including the trainer’s household) provided hygiene and social distancing guidance is observed between members of different households.
• Particular consideration should also be given to mitigations, like ventilation and avoiding face to face contact. Outdoor exercise is encouraged wherever possible.
• ‘Indoors’ is limited to private homes - indoor sports or leisure facilities must unfortunately remain closed at this time.
• If you have an indoor studio, gym or other facility at your home that is used solely for business purposes, this would be considered an indoor sports facility and therefore should not be used at the moment. Guidance will be issued soon for indoor facilities.
• From 4 July, there is no limit on the numbers of people from two households who can meet outdoors, provided social distancing is observed between members of different households. This means a trainer could meet with more than five other people outdoors, but only if those people are all from the same household. There is no change to the limit of six people from different households who can meet for exercise outdoors, with social distancing.
• There is no change to the limit of six people from different households who can meet for exercise outdoors, with social distancing.
• From 4 July, people who are shielding can take part in one-to-one or group exercise indoors or outdoors, following the above guidance on numbers. Clinically vulnerable people should take extra care to minimise social contact with those outside their household, and be diligent about social distancing and hand hygiene.
• From 4 July, outdoor gyms (defined as “an outdoor space containing exercise fixtures and/or machines”) can open, at the discretion of the owner/operator. Trainers may use them for one-to-one or group sessions, with permission from the owner/operator, provided that social distancing and hygiene rules are observed, and within the numbers outlined above (a maximum of six people from different households). Click here for detailed Government guidance on outdoor gyms and playgrounds.

The above changes are in addition to the guidance currently in place for England:

• Personal training and coaching is allowed, provided that it takes place outdoors and all current social distancing and hygiene measures are observed.
• One-to-one training can take place in a private garden, while observing social distancing and hygiene rules.
• Personal training or coaching can take place in groups of up to six people (including the trainer/coach) in a garden or public outdoor space, provided that 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.
• 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.

For the latest Government guidance on social distancing and staying safe in England, please click HERE.

For the latest Government guidance on sport and recreation in England, please click HERE.

If you are in the Leicester area and affected by the local lockdown, please see HERE for additional Government guidance.

Tara Dillon (CIMSPA CEO) said:

“While it is disappointing that indoor facilities cannot yet open, this updated guidance does at least give some further clarity on what is permissible outdoors and indoors, within private homes. I recognise that many people in our sector are eager to return to work and help people to stay active and healthy, but we would urge everyone to adhere to the Government guidance and check with their insurance provider to ensure they have the appropriate cover in place. We will continue to work closely with the Government on the further reopening of the sector.”

CIMSPA has also published guidance for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - available here.

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.

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.

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.