British Wrestling can now provide confirmation that there will be no continuing restrictions on wrestling activity in England from Monday 19th July 2021 following the move to Step 4 of the government’s roadmap.
This means that people of all ages can now engage in contact training at clubs across England.
While most legal restrictions are to be removed by the government from the 19th July, people are urged to continue to exercise caution.
With infection numbers continuing to rise the chances of catching the virus and passing it on are still high. Additionally, some young people not having yet had the opportunity to be vaccinated and others are concerned about returning to an environment where restrictions are being eased. British Wrestling is asking the wrestling family to show consideration for others as these restrictions are removed.
British Wrestling has produced this guidance, available below and from the Coronavirus page, to encourage members, coaches and clubs to consider continuing some practices to help reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
Please note that it remains a legal requirement to self-isolate for 10 days if you test positive for Covid-19. You must also self-isolate if you are told to do so by NHS Test and Trace, for example if you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive, regardless of your vaccination status.
The full government guidance for Step 4 can be found by clicking here, while Sport England’s frequently asked questions page can be found by clicking here.
Ready to Wrestle?
To restart training and re-engage with your friends, please contact your wrestling club to find out more details on session times, Covid-19 procedures, and general information.
Adults, please remember it has been a while since many of you have engaged in high-intensity training. We encourage you to start slowly and work to your current capability as you progress over the coming months.
Engaging in Covid safe practices is still paramount and we would like to ask everyone to ensure you follow government health and safety advice at all times.
Please ensure that your club is affiliated to British Wrestling and all participants have a current membership.
Step 4 Recommendations
This guidance sets out ways that the wrestling family can continue to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection. However, it is important to stress that these are only recommendations, and it is up to individuals and clubs to decide whether to implement them.
General Safety Information
It is important to make all members and participants aware of the risks of Covid and remind athletes that they are participating in a close contact physical activity that carries risk.
Clubs and coaches are reminded to coach the person in front of them and move back to contact training at a pace that suits the participants. This should include building up the fitness, strength and flexibility needed for wrestling before moving to competitive contact training.
Personal Hygiene
All members and participants are encouraged to continue to practice good personal hygiene habits including regular washing of hands and covering your mouth when coughing.
Clubs and venues are encouraged to continue to provide hand sanitising solutions and cleaning materials to enable equipment to be cleaned before and after each use.
Transmission From Surfaces
Wrestling mats should continue to be regularly cleaned between sessions, this will continue to prevent the spread of coronavirus but also other infections including ringworm and staph.
Clubs should consider continuing enhanced cleaning regimes focusing on regularly touched surfaces.
Social Distancing and Face Coverings
It is recommended that face coverings are used, and that people remain socially distanced as much
as possible, when operating in confined enclosed spaces within buildings.
Ventilation
It is recommended that clubs and venues maintain good ventilation throughout all buildings including making use of ventilation fans and keeping doors and windows open. Evidence shows that the risk posed is much reduced when outdoors or in well ventilated environments.
Capacity Limits
There are no capacity limits for indoor venues for coronavirus, but bear in mind some may choose to put in place their own specific restrictions and guidance, particularly around enclosed areas, so please follow these where appropriate.
The continued use of one-way systems in venues is encouraged. Mass congregations and spectators should be discouraged during training activities.
Clubs may wish to consider keeping class sizes lower to assist members who are anxious about returning.
Track and Trace
Anyone showing symptoms should immediately get a test and follow the latest government guidelines. Those with a positive test should self-isolate according to the latest government guidelines and follow any track and trace instructions given.
Clubs are reminded that for insurance purposes they should keep a record of participants at all sessions, and this can be used to support track and trace efforts if necessary. Clubs are asked to inform British Wrestling if they have any outbreak of coronavirus.
Venues should continue to display the NHS Track and Trace QR Codes for visitors to scan with the NHS app should they wish to.
Mental Health
Please bear in mind that the restrictions on wrestling activity for such a long period may have adversely affected the mental health of some members. You can find support and guidance from Mind, remember it is good to talk.
