Following the coronavirus update announcement from the Prime Minister this evening regarding 17th May, we can provide the following update on what this step means for wrestling in England.
Unfortunately, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has confirmed that all combat sports will remain at phase 1 for adults (both indoor and outdoor), and phase 2 for Under 18s (both indoor and outdoor) as defined in the guidance, as has been the case during Step 2.
This means that adults are only permitted to take part in non-contact training whilst under 18’s can take part in contact training within training bubbles as per current guidance.
The government’s rationale for this:
- The decision to keep adults at the non-contact stage is consistent with the risk exposure framework which applies to the other close contact sports that have team sport variations in place such as rugby and netball.
- The return of competitions and events has been delayed as it would cause increased contact and mixing with other groups, which the government want to restrict for the time being.
The next possible change to restrictions will come with the move to Step 4 which will happen no earlier than 21st June. We hope that this easing will see a move return to full contact training and competition for all enabling us to plan effectively for the new competition season beginning in September.
Chief Executive Craig Anthony said “We understand and share members frustrations at not being able to return to contact wrestling at a time when much of society is opening up. We have met with DCMS and voiced our concerns about the impact these continued restrictions are having on you, as members, our clubs and the wider combat sports community. We will continue to advocate for the relaxation of the restrictions ahead of 21st June. However, it is important that the wrestling family continues to abide by the current regulations and keep each other safe.”
What has changed
Whilst wrestling remains at phase 1 for adults and phase 2 for Under 18s, there are still some changes coming into force from Monday 17th May.
- Indoor activity: Indoor wrestling can take place in larger numbers. This means that both adult and children sessions can take place without number restrictions, as long as it is undertaken in line with Covid-secure guidance and adheres to the capacity restrictions for indoor sports facilities (100sqft per person).
- Outdoor activity: Organised outdoor sport can take place with unlimited numbers.
- Car sharing can now take place.
- Spectating can now take place indoor and outdoor. Spectators need to adhere to social gathering limits (maximum groups of 30 outdoors and maximum groups of six/two households indoors). The rule for indoors is that the total number of participants, coaches, officials and spectators must be in line with the facility guidance on ventilation rates, the maximum occupancy of each indoor facility should be limited by providing 100sq ft per person.
Return to the Mat
We know a number of clubs have been waiting for this announcement with plans to reopen after Ramadan, school holidays or just taking some time to come back. We encourage you to still return to the mat, a number of clubs have successfully reopened with contact sessions for Under 18s and non-contact sessions for adults.
For those planning to return take advantage of our Reactivate training to ensure you are trained in covid secure practices and environments. The online training is available for both coaches and facility managers.
When opening please ensure that your club is affiliated to British Wrestling and all participants have a current membership.
