Following the legislation of travel restrictions we have received further clarification on specific points in relation to travel connected to sport and physical activity in Level 3 and 4 areas.
Specific changes have been made the to travel sections (9 to 11) and Appendix 1 to reflect the legal text, in summary these are:
1. If you live in a Level 3 or Level 4 local government area you can take part in organised sport, activity or exercise in that area as detailed in the Levels Table in our guidance.
2. You should however, not travel out of your local government area, if it is at Level 3 or 4, to undertake organised sport, activity or exercise (exception: u18s in a level 3 area can travel into other areas for allowable organised sport, activity and exercise).
3. At Level 3 and 4 you can travel to a place up to 5 miles outside your local government area to take part in informal exercise (household rules apply) as long as you start and finish at the same place.
This table below is a helpful guide and you can read the full guidance here.
We have now received further clarification from Scottish Government in a couple of areas and have updated the Guidance (16 November) as follows:
1. Section 9: Travel
Includes further clarity on travel for Level 4 (5 mile guidance) and there is an update to travel for Level 3 (5 mile guidance).
Under 18s can travel to and from Level 0, 1, 2 & 3 areas to take part in organised sport. However it is still strongly recommended they train locally where possible.
2. Section 40.
Includes further clarity on allowable travel for coaches and officials. Note clubs need to mitigate and update risk assessments if this guidance is relevant to them.
3. Section 46.
Wording updated to include those supporting disabled participants in their sporting activity.
Full guidance is available here
Good evening everyone.
There has been a flurry of activity but the new guidance incorporating government levels 0-4 for local authorities is available here - whilst a lengthy document, the key table for your consideration is Table B which is the SF and sportscotland interpretation of the government guidance.
I understand there are frustrations regarding the length of time it has taken to produce the document but we are still in dialogue with government and sportscotland around some future changes particularly regarding adult fencing above Level 0 and I hope we can address this in the near future.
There are a number of key items to consider with this new guidance but it does of course depend on what local authority you live in. If you need to check the status of your local authority enter your postcode here
Key points are -
All fencing (outdoor) for U18 (those aged 17 and under) including lessons and sparring can happen up to and including local authorities in Level 3
All fencing (outdoor) for adults (those aged 18 and over) including lessons and sparring can happen up to and including local authorities in Level 2
Fencing (indoor) for U18 can happen up to and including Level 3. This includes sparring and other forms of training done within the age groups although all adults are required to distance therefore no traditional lessons can happen but coaching from a distance is fine.
Fencing (indoor) for adults is only permitted at Level 0. From Level 1 upwards all adults not in the same household must distance as per the usual requirements (2 metres)
The staff team are still around and we are happy to answer queries, please do reach out to the team using admin@scottish-fencing.com or check the contacts page for specific email addresses and phone number of the team.
There are still more questions than answers, I understand that and of course I understand frustration and disappointment related to restricted opportunities for fencing. There is more to come of course and thanks to everyone for their patience so far.
Vincent Bryson
CEO - Scottish Fencing
