In light of the remarks from the First Minister yesterday confirming Scotland is moving to Phase 1 of the Route Map out of lockdown, we are pleased to confirm the phased return of fencing in Scotland in line with our attached guidance documents.
This remains a public health issue and as such Scottish Fencing is committed to supporting the Scottish Government as it looks to continue to slow the spread of the virus. We are delighted the sport of fencing can such a positive contribution to the protection of public health in Scotland.
The measures outlined by the First Minister includes include the amendment of current daily exercise guidelines to include certain outdoor sport and activities. With some augmentations Fencing can resume some activity outdoors.
However, this is the beginning of a long process for sport to return in a style considered “normal”and we understand this looks quite different from any standard version of Fencing and there are still a number of things we cannot do until later phases of this plan and government guidance has been received.
Effectively, this is not a return to our sport as we know it but an opportunity for people to use some outdoor non-contact sports as part of daily exercise activities but only within the guidelines. As mentioned by the First Minister, other sports have also been given government approval to return in a phased approach.
The key points to consider are –
• All activity must be conducted outdoor
• Physical distancing of a minimum of 2 metres must be observed at all times when with anyone from out with your household
• Limited interaction with one other household is permitted (provided the 2 metre physical distance element is respected and no group exceeds 8 people)
• Coaching, instruction or personal training can happen in this phase of the return to exercise and sport – please see our “Return to Coaching” document available at the link below.
This will be an ever-moving picture and if there is further clarity needed please do reach out.
If members are able to resume fencing whilst respecting the guidance governments and ourselves have published then of course we’d love to see and share your positive stories. Scottish Fencing are committed to continue working with the Scottish Government and sportscotland for the duration of this crisis and beyond.
Do not leave your home to take part in sport or physical activity if Scottish Government advice means you should stay at home because you or someone you live with has or has had symptoms of COVID-19, or you are in the most vulnerable category and have been advised to shield from the coronavirus.
Please do keep checking the Scottish Government website www.scot.gov and www.scottish-fencing.com for further updates on resuming fencing activity and of course, look after yourself and your loved ones.
Our Return to Fencing and Return to Coaching documents are available here - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/lx72jkblvz76rs9/AAB0cJlv388QA5b_GQlXasuVa?dl=0
