Return to Play Stage 3
Publication date: XXXX Pentathlon GB Return to Play Guidance: Stage 3
Pentathlon GB Return to Play Guidance: Stage 3
Publication date: 24th September 2020 (version 5)
The purpose of this document is to detail Pentathlon GB’s guidance for the gradual and safe return of participants to training / club sessions within our sport.
This guidance should be considered alongside UK Government or Home Nation guidance / restrictions and/or local restrictions/lockdowns. Pentathlon GB will continue to follow and be led by updates from the Government and subsequent updates will be released as and when Pentathlon GB has reviewed and considered updated guidance accordingly.
HOME NATION GUIDANCE
At the point of publication (24/09/2020) the following advice has been issued for each of the Home Nations, in relation to exercising / grassroots sport:
ENGLAND (Click here for full guidance)
Individuals may exercise in groups of 6 (in which all members may be from different households), providing all those from different households maintain social distancing when together. Whilst U18s (anyone aged 18 or under), may take part in activity both indoors and outdoors, there are some restrictions surrounding adult activity team sport activity indoors. Formally organised activity can involve more than one group of 6, if delivered by a sports club or similar organisation and providing the sports-governing body guidance has been issued.
WALES (Click here for full guidance) Gatherings of up to 30 people outdoors only are now permitted. Indoor activity can now also resume, in groups of up to 30 when in an organised activity or covid-secure facility.
SCOTLAND (Click here for full guidance) Outdoor group coaching for organised sports and leisure activities can take place for a maximum of 30 people at any one time. Indoor activities able to resume include the provision of non-contact and contact sport training and competition activities for children up to and including 11 years of age and non-contact sport training and competition for those 12 years of age and over where physical distancing can be maintained. Adult activity is restricted to outdoors at this time.
Further information and support relating to activity permitted in Scotland can be found on the sportscotland and Scottish Pentathlon websites.
Please note: the detailed guidance in this document relates to activity permitted in England only. Clubs/participants in Wales / Scotland should refer to guidance set by Home Nation Government or NGB and apply the restrictions accordingly.
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In this document
General considerations for returning to Pentathlon & its family of sports Some general considerations regarding the return to Pentathlon & its family of sports
Pentathlon GB’s Road Map Summary of Pentathlon GB’s anticipated plans for the return to the sport
Planning your club’s return General considerations for clubs/coaches looking to return - Appoint a COIVD-19 Officer - Risk Assessment - Preparing your workforce - Venue - Equipment - Administration of the session - Health and Hygiene - Group sizes and Coaching ratios - Multiple groups in training session
Sport specific guidance Guidance on what activity is currently permitted and recommendations on how to return. - Swimming - Laser Run - Biathle/Triathle - Fencing - Horse Riding / Show Jumping
Competitions Clarity on return to competitions / events
Resources Supporting documentation to help aid clubs/coaches prepare for their return.
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General considerations for returning to Pentathlon & its family of sports.
This document has been put together to allow Pentathlon GB members and clubs to begin to return to training in a controlled and safe manner. With 5 individual component sports to consider, and a family of sports sitting under the umbrella of Pentathlon – and each of these made up of a variety of the 5 component sports – Pentathlon GB’s “Return to Play” is and will continue to be multi-facetted and as such a return to our sport in its entirety is likely to be gradual process.
The information within this document has been aligned to our component sport NGB guidelines and clubs/individuals looking to return are strongly encouraged to ensure they have referred to all guidance provided for each component sport before finalising plans and choosing to return. As the Government announces further guidance and / or eases restrictions, advice across the NGBs is likely to change, and as such this document will need to be updated accordingly. The complexity of our sport means this in order to include all NGB updates, revision of this document may take place multiple times and / or involve a slight delay to ensure all information is captured.
It’s important to also recognise that the probability of close contact between individuals within different components of Pentathlon and its family of sports varies, and as such some elements of training will be easier to accommodate and return to than others and clubs should consider what they are able to return to at each stage.
Pentathlon GB know many individuals and clubs are keen to return to training as soon as possible, but we also recognise some may have genuine concerns relating to how to make returning safe. It should be noted that a return to any element of ‘formal’ training is a decision that needs to be made locally by clubs and coaches, considering their own circumstances and capacity to safely deliver sessions within the parameters set out in this document and by the Government. It remains the responsibility of each club to make their own assessment based on their local environment and circumstances.
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Road Map for Pentathlon
Pentathlon GB have put recently an anticipated Road Map for the gradual return to training and competition in Pentathlon and its family of sports. This road map is subject to change, but hopefully provides our members an anticipated idea of how Pentathlon GB aims to support their return to our sport.
Click here for Pentathlon GB’s Road Map
Summary of Road Map
Stage 1: Individual Activity
Stage 2: Some shared activity
Stage 3: Small group activity
Stage 4: Large group activity
Stage 5: Return to full training
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Planning your club’s return
This first section outlines a number of considerations we recommend all clubs and coaches discuss/deliberate prior to returning to training / providing formalised sessions in person.
Sport England have produced extensive resources for clubs / organisations looking to restart activity – Pentathlon GB strongly recommend clubs/coaches use these toolkits to aid their planning.
www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/coronavirus/return-play sportscotland resources www.sportscotland.org.uk/covid-19/
Appointment of a COVID-19 Officer
As part of Pentathlon GB’s commitment to ensure the return to community club activity is as safe as possible, it will be a requirement for all community clubs to nominate a COVID-19 officer before returning to activity.
The COVID-19 Officer will act as the club’s representative on all matters concerning COVID-19; acting as the primary point of contact for Pentathlon GB, facility/venue operators, and club members for matters relating to COVID-19.
For a full role description for the COVID-19 officer CLICK HERE.
To register your club’s COVID-19 officer CLICK HERE.
Pentathlon GB will soon be updating club profiles on Sport 80 to include this role and will update all records with the individual’s registered at the link above. Should the individual holding this role change, it will be the club’s responsibility to update this role on Sport 80.
Risk Assessment
The COVID-19 officer should lead on the production of a comprehensive risk assessment for all activities their club intends to deliver. This should not only encompass all standard considerations and mitigations (e.g. type of activity, venue / environment, safeguarding, etc), but should now also include how the club/coach intends to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 at sessions.
We have produced a new risk assessment template to encompass all component sports and COVID-19 considerations.
Visit our Coronavirus-hub webpage to download the Risk Assessment templates. Links to this and sport-specific risk assessments can be found on our website or in the Resource section of this guidance.
Clubs/coaches should ensure all workforce / volunteers at the sessions are familiar with the mitigations in place to reduce risk at the session. The risk assessment should be reviewed regularly, and a checklist conducted prior to each session.
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Prepare your workforce
Preparing your workforce to return is just as important as preparing your participants.
It’s important to recognise that not all volunteers/coaches will feel ready to return to face to face activity or will have personal circumstances that might prevent them doing so, so take time to understand your workforce and identify how you can make them feel safe enough to return to their role.
Following the appointment of your club’s COVID-officer, you should ensure that you share your finalised risk assessment and subsequent mitigations with all your workforce (volunteers, coaches, etc) and ensure they have access to the necessary provisions to deliver their sessions in a safe way (inc access to suitable PPE and cleaning materials where appropriate).
We strongly recommend that coaches check their Pentathlon GB membership status before returning to delivering sessions. In order to be covered by Pentathlon GB insurance, coaches must hold a relevant qualification, first aid and safeguarding certificates, a valid DBS check and be fully registered with Pentathlon GB and hold a full coaching membership via the Sport80 platform.
*Please note: Pentathlon GB insurers have agreed that coaches will continue to be covered by PGB insurance if their first aid certificate is out of date (up until 31st December 2020). Coaches should be looking to get this updated ASAP. After this date, coaches must ensure that they have a valid First Aid certificate to continue to be insured
There are currently several FREE training opportunities currently available for coaches and volunteers to help ensure they are fully informed ahead of returning to face to face activity. Pentathlon GB strongly recommend clubs and individuals consider accessing these to help aid their transition back to face to face activity.
Reactivate Training – CIMPSA / Sport England ReActivate is a FREE online training tool delivered by CIMPSA on behalf of Sport England. Available for anyone working in our industry in England, including coaches and volunteers, this training has been designed to give you confidence about returning safely to sport and physical activity and getting back to providing a valuable service to your customers and community.
The training on ReActivate covers a wide range of subjects, including:
Risk assessment and management / Health and safety / Social distancing / Use of equipment and PPE / Cleaning and hygiene / First aid / Travel / Communicating with customers & participants
To access ReActivate training visit: www.cimspa-reactivate.uk/access-reactivate
UK Coaching Duty of Care Toolkit and Digital Badge The Duty to Care Toolkit is a series of Knowledge Checks and coach learning resources set across the five distinct pillars that represent the Duty to Care ethos: Safeguarding, Inclusion, Diversity, Well-being and Mental Health.
For more information visit: www.ukcoaching.org/duty-to-care
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Venue
At this point in time, Pentathlon GB’s recommendation is that all activity, where possible, should remain outdoors.
Whilst it is recognised that indoor venues in England, Wales and Scotland are now open, the risk of contracting / passing on COVID-19 is significantly lower in an outdoor environment, and for the safety of all involved in the session, keeping sessions outdoors remains the best option from a risk management perspective. If choosing to return to indoor training, special consideration should be made relating to maximum numbers and ensuring ventilation is sufficient – Pentathlon GB recommend clubs discuss this with their venue providers directly. There are also several other mitigations to consider – including the use of masks for non-training individuals. Please see further details under the sport specific guidance section.
Prior to returning / booking your training venues, here a few things to consider:
• Space – is it large enough to accommodate a session / the numbers / the activity you are planning for in a safe manner, especially with social distancing taken into account • Ancillary facilities – check what facilities are available and ensure this is communicated with your members prior to the sessions (e.g. toilets, changing, café). Consider asking members to limit or avoid using shared facilities to reduce the points of contact they will have. • Access – consider the entrance / exit routes to your facility. Do you need to introduce a one-way or in/out route for participants coming to your session to allow for social distancing or to reduce risk of contact? What signage will help participants? If running multiple sessions back to back, we recommend staggering start/finish times to allow for groups to leave / arrive safely. • Parking / Transport – Consider the distance that participants in your sessions will have to travel to your session. We recommend staying as local as possible and avoiding unnecessarily long journeys for sessions. When booking or choosing your venue, consider how individuals will have to travel – will they have to use public transport? Participants should not be travelling together to sessions if from different households.
Equipment
Equipment sharing should be avoided where possible. Any equipment that is shared should be cleaned regularly, and before and after use.
Protective equipment – clubs/coaches should ensure appropriate PPE is available for workforce when needed (e.g. masks / gloves within first aid kits)
Hygiene equipment – clubs/coaches should ensure access to appropriate cleaning products and hand washing facilities and / or hand sanitiser to ensure hygiene protocols are met.
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Administration of the session
Clubs/coaches should consider COVID-19 at every step of their planning – including administration. Sport England’s comprehensive guidance includes a step-by-step toolkit for clubs planning to return to activity, which Pentathlon GB strongly recommend clubs to use in advance of returning.
Below are just a few of the key considerations clubs/coaches should think about whilst planning the administration of their sessions:
- Clubs/coaches should avoid accepting cash and look to use online payments when asking participants to pay for their training sessions.
- Clubs/coaches should ensure they have up to date contact details and emergency contact / medical info for all participants and workforce at their sessions. This is particularly important for NHS Track and Trace purposes.
- Clubs/coaches should consider reducing the amount of shared paperwork at a session – can registers be done electronically?
- Clubs/coaches will need to plan and familiarise themselves with protocols relating to anyone falling ill at their session, or after their session, and the subsequent track and trace measures they might follow. Clubs must keep accurate registers for their sessions, in preparation for future track and trace purposes.
- Clubs/coaches should consider using pre-session symptom checkers and codes of conduct/waivers to help detail the responsibility / expectations of participants / coaches. (see resources)
- Clubs/coaches should ensure they are openly communicating with their members. It’s important to ensure plans, protocols and mitigations in place, are communicated in advance to those attending your sessions. We encourage clubs to understand their members’ needs / wants in relation to feeling safe and what activity they are ready to return to.
- Clubs/coaches should consider using additional signage at their sessions to help remind their members of the protocols and mitigations in place.
- Clubs/coaches should consider how they will ensure participants will not gather unnecessarily or in groups more than 6, before, during and after activity.
- Clubs/coaches must ensure all participants are fully aware of the risks of COVID- 19 and the symptoms associated. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or has come in to contact with someone with COVID-19, should avoid attending the sessions. Clubs should ensure that all participants are asked about their symptoms upon arrival at every session. (See resources)
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Health and Hygiene
It is thought that the COVID-19 virus spreads primarily between people through respiratory droplets and contact routes. To reduce the transmission of COVID-19 it is important to reduce the instances of the virus being spread via droplet or formite transmission.
Droplet transmission: droplets carrying infectious pathogens can transmit infection when they travel directly from the respiratory tract of an infectious individual to another recipient, generally over short distances. This can be in the form of sneezing, coughing or speaking.
Fomite transmission: objects can become contaminated with infected organisms and these organisms are subsequently transmitted to another person when that person comes into contact with the object. Examples of potential fomites are surfaces, mobile telephones or any inanimate objects.
The current Government / NHS advice relating to individuals reducing the transmission of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is to:
• to stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you do not live with (or anyone not in your support bubble) • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available • wash your hands as soon as you get home • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
This advice should be applied to the delivery of all or any sessions a coach / club plans to proceed with.
Pre-Health Screening / Symptom Checker Before attending any session run by a club / coach, participants should be made fully aware of the risks associated with contracting COVID-19. Through normal club operating procedures, clubs should have a record of any medical conditions / injuries participants have, but we recommend checking these are up to date, and asking your members to identify specifically if they are deemed vulnerable in relation to COVID-19 and / or if they live with someone vulnerable (we recommend doing this electronically to avoid additional paperwork / points of contact).
In addition to understanding your participant’s medical conditions ahead of the session, Pentathlon GB also recommend getting your participants to complete a pre- session symptom checklist before taking part (this could be done electronically or could be a verbal confirmation of a checklist made available at a session). (see resources)
Opting in It is important that everyone involved in returning to your sessions (inc any workforce) have had the opportunity to opt-in to the session and are not forced or coherced in any way. As part of this opt-in process, its important to ensure those choosing to attend are fully aware of the risks associated, what behaviours are expected from them and what mitigations have been put in place. As mentioned previously in this document, we recommend you asking your participants / workforce to complete a waiver / code of conduct before returning. (see resources)
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Cleaning Equipment The sharing of equipment should be avoided where possible. Any equipment that is shared should undergo appropriate cleaning / sanitisation before/during/after the session.
Clubs should ensure adequate cleaning materials are available for every session.
Sanitisation / Cleaning of hands Participants / coaches / volunteers should all be encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly before attending the session and again after the session. Pentathlon GB also recommend participants sanitise / wash their hands regularly during sessions – a good rule of thumb is every 15 minutes.
Face coverings In England, it is mandatory to wear a face covering in several indoor settings (e.g. public transport, shops/supermarkets, GP surgeries etc), as well as in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
For Pentathlon GB insured sessions taking part in indoor facilities (e.g. sports / fencing halls), any non-participating individual should wear a mask/face covering for the duration of the session (this includes all coaches / volunteers).
Please check sport specific guidance regarding face coverings.
First Aid Ensuring appropriate first aid cover is available for the duration of your sessions is critical to safeguarding everyone at the session. You may need to ensure your club’s workforce have updated their understanding of the risks of COVID-19 when administering first aid. You may also need to ensure the first aid kit at your session is fully stocked with appropriate PPE for first aiders to use should they need to.
The advice issued by St John’s Ambulance (in line with government advice), is to make sure you wash your hands or use an alcohol gel, before and after treating a casualty and ensure that you don’t cough or sneeze over a casualty when you are treating them.
The Resuscitation Council (UK) provides some useful advice of how to keep yourself safe when providing CPR. You can read their full advice on their website here.
It is important you don’t lose sight of other cross contamination that could occur that isn’t related to COVID-19.
- Wear gloves or cover hands when dealing with open wounds - Cover cuts and grazes on your hands with waterproof dressing - Dispose of all waste safely - Do not touch a wound with your bare hand - Do not touch any part of a dressing that will come in contact with a wound.
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Group Sizes and Coaching ratios
It is crucial that any face to face session adheres to the Government’s guidance relating to social distancing and the number of households allowed to meet (please check home nations advice on this).
As per the Pentathlon GB Road Map, the sport is currently in Phase 3 of its return; activity can resume in small groups if safely delivered within government guidelines.
Small groups in this instance is a group made up of up to 6 people.
Currently, the Government advice is that activity should be delivered in groups of no more than 6 people. In a club/coach-led training session, a coach would be considered within this group of 6 (e.g. 5 participants: 1 coach). Anyone who comes from different households must adhere to social distancing (2m apart) during the session (coaches/clubs should ensure measures are put in place to reduce risk of social distancing being breached). Home Nations’ advice may differ to this.
Sessions for U18s Suitable supervision and adult: child ratios must be considered when coaching U18s. It is important adequate supervision of sessions is put in place to ensure the session adheres to safeguarding guidelines – for the safety of the children and of the coach, coaches should not be coaching U18s alone or unsupervised. In practice, this means that if a coach chooses to deliver an U18 session (either 1-2-1 or in a small group), they should be accompanied by one other appropriate adult – this could be another coach or the child’s parent. To clarify, this additional adult would make up one of the 6 individuals allowed to be in the group.
Sessions for beginners It is up to the discretion of clubs/coaches to decide if it is safe to reinstate sessions with beginners at this time. Special consideration should be made to the additional risk introducing individuals to some component sports would present.
Spectators / Parents To avoid the possibility of a mass gathering forming, Pentathlon GB advise clubs to avoid allowing any spectators to your sessions. It is currently widely accepted that asking parents to stay in their cars after dropping their child to a session is one way of avoiding additional people on site at the session. The exception to this is if a parent is required to stay in order to meet safeguarding requirements.
Alternative approaches may include having a designated spectator area near to your session – but it’s important any spectators know they are there at their own risk, that they are encouraged to socially distance, and that they are not deemed part of the session and should not form groups of more than 6 at any time.
Sessions in Schools / Education settings Pentathlon GB recognise that some schools will have their own parameters relating to group sizes and additional risk mitigations. For clarity, PGB insurance will only cover individuals to coach within the guidelines set out in this document. Coaches should ensure any additional requirements from the school are understood and agreed in advance of the session. If the schools' requirements fall outside of the PGB guidelines, the coach or these activities will not be deemed insured by PGB.
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Multiple Groups in a training session
As part of the current Phase 3 of activity, where a component sport allows for multiple groups of 6 to train in one session, Pentathlon GB will allow clubs/coaches to deliver to more than one group of 6, provided the coach/volunteer ratios detailed within this section are met and providing there is enough space at the venue to accommodate the numbers accordingly - whilst adhering to all social distancing measures, and COVID-19 mitigation measures. Groups should be considered separate and should not mix. Sport specific guidance should be reviewed before considering multiple groups within sessions.
Please note: For Biathle / Triathle training sessions, extra caution should be taken when supervising participants transitioning in/out of the water to ensure they are maintaining social distancing – please see our Sport specific guidance.
Clubs should take their time when considering delivering to multiple groups of 6 and only open sessions up if they can be certain the session can be delivered safely and will not put any additional pressure on local NHS services. Clubs will also need to put measures in place to prevent groups of 6 mixing before, during and after activity.
The maximum number Pentathlon GB will permit at one formal club session is 30 individuals – included in this is all / any coaches / volunteers / workforce – inc lifeguards / first aiders (where not supplied by the venue).
Please note: sport specific guidance will supersede Pentathlon GB’s guidance on maximum numbers and multiple groups – please refer to the relevant component sport guidance before proceeding with multiple groups.
Coach supervision Due to the additional COVID-19 risk / mitigations needed, where component sports allow multiple groups to train within one session, at this time, Pentathlon GB permits individuals (who are suitably qualified, and hold valid PGB coach membership and subsequent insurance) to oversee up to 2 groups of 5 at any one time (maximum of 10 participants)*. This supervision ratio has been agreed with the Pentathlon GB insurers.
The second group of 5 must be treated as a separate group of participants. It must be at least 2m from the other group and participants from different groups should not mix. It is worth noting that for U18 sessions, additional safeguarding requirements will dictate the need for more than one adult to be present.
* Pentathlon GB strongly advise coaches to consider the challenges associated with overseeing a socially distanced training session of 10 individuals (and the space required) and recommends that a designated volunteer / assistant coach is briefed to help oversee delivery to ensure everyone in the session remains safe. In this instance, the Pentathlon GB insured coach remains responsible for both groups and should ensure all qualifications / membership is up to date in order to be covered by PGB insurance. This must be done prior to the resumption of delivery.
The Pentathlon GB insured coach and any volunteer / assistant may move between groups within their session, providing they are maintaining social distancing at all times. 12 Publication date: 24/09/2020 (Version 5) Pentathlon GB Return to Play Guidance: Stage 3
Examples of sessions with multiple small groups – if component sport advice allows
DISCLAIMER: Whilst the ratios detailed below indicate the minimum supervision required at PGB insured sessions, full consideration of the activity being delivered and the coach’s capability to ensure safe delivery of the activity must be taken into account when planning sessions and coach ratios. There may be instances where additional support will be needed to ensure everyone’s safety – particularly when coaching participants under the age of 18 years.
5 participants: 1 PGB insured coach
6-10 participants: 1 PGB insured coach [+ 1 volunteer/assistant coach]
Additional support is recommended
11-15 participants: 2 PGB insured coaches [+ 1 volunteer/assistant coach]
Additional support is recommended
16-20 participants: 2 PGB insured coaches [+ 2 volunteers / assistant coaches]
Additional support is recommended Additional support is recommended
21-25 participants: 3 PGB insured coaches [+ 2 volunteers / assistants]
Additional support is recommended Additional support is recommended
REMINDER: At this time, the maximum number Pentathlon GB will permit at one formal club session is 30 individuals – included in this is all / any coaches / volunteers / workforce – inc lifeguards / first aiders (where not supplied by the venue).
REMINDER: Clubs/coaches must ensure that the venue is able to accommodate the numbers at the session, whilst adhering to social distancing (2m).
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Sport Specific Guidance
With Pentathlon and its related sports being made up of multiple component sports, in this section we have provided an overview of guidance / advice for each of the component sports.
The advice provided in this section of the document is accurate as of the date of publication (24/09/2020). It is important to highlight that Pentathlon GB have provided a summary of guidance for each component sport - before returning to any training, we advise all clubs/coaches to ensure they are familiar with the FULL information/guidance published by the relevant NGBs below and to check their websites for further updates accordingly.
British Fencing www.britishfencing.com/covid-19-advice-guidance/
Swim England www.swimming.org/swimengland/tag/coronavirus-advice/
British Equestrian www.britishequestrian.org.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-faqs
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Swimming ?
- Outdoor swimming permitted – providing coaches and participants have suitable experience and / or qualifications - Indoor swimming permitted. - Swimming sessions allowed to resume under the guidance set out by Swim England and in line with the pool operator guidelines. - Each club must assess the relevant numbers that can be catered for within its own sessions and this should comply with pool operator guidelines.
Swim England’s advice to clubs is to be prepared for change.
It’s unlikely that all pools will be ready to simply open their doors on day 1; many pools may open with reduced pool hours, there may be a phased return to certain activities within certain geographical areas and in some cases pools may not reopen at all.
Swim England have provided a number of comprehensive guides designed to support individuals / clubs / coaches to return to the pool – including, but not limited to guidance for clubs/coaches on how to manage numbers / timetables, and types of activities should be introduced initially.
Pentathlon GB advise all clubs / coaches looking to return to in-water training to review the guidance and advice provided by Swim England within these documents www.swimming.org/swimengland/pool-return-guidance-documents/
Open Water Swimming
- Activity permitted in small groups (6 participants or 1 coach: 5 participants) - Social distancing should be adhered to. - Beginners should not swim outside of an operated and supervised venue - Consideration on additional pressures to the NHS should be taken into account
Pentathlon GB does not recommend open water swimming unless individuals are suitably qualified and / or supervised by qualified individuals.
Some open water swimming venues are now open and are a preferred location due to the supervision of lifeguards on site.
Full guidance on open water swimming and a list of accredited open water swimming venues can be found: www.sh2out.org/
Clubs/coaches considering delivering sessions in Open water should ensure a full and comprehensive risk assessment is conducted – including ensuring suitably qualified coaches and lifeguards are present.
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Laser Run
- Outdoor sessions recommended - Activity allowed in small groups - Multiple groups allowed – providing coach/volunteer ratio adhered to - Social distancing should be adhered to at all times - Limit equipment sharing
Pentathlon GB recommend that where clubs / coaches are looking to return to in person Laser Run training sessions, they do so in an outdoor environment / venue. Whilst indoor venues are now open, the risk of transmission of COVID-19 is significantly lower outside and as such should be considered the preferred venue.
Group Size As per the advice detailed earlier within this document, outdoor Laser run sessions can be delivered in small groups of up to 6 people (where the Pentathlon GB insured coach is included in this number).
An additional group can be supervised by the same coach, provided the second group is considered as a separate group and must be at least 2m away from the first group. The groups should not mix at any time. Any further additional groups invited to attend the session will require additional coach supervision (please see the ratios outlines in Multiple Groups in a training session section). Participants should not mix with other groups, but coaches / volunteers may move between groups providing they are social distancing and not creating groups of more than 6. Coaches are advised to consider the challenge in supervising 10 socially distanced participants, and Pentathlon GB recommend considering having an assistant coach / volunteer to support delivery to a group this size.
As per Pentathlon GB’s advice in this document, the maximum number of individuals a Laser Run session can accommodate is 30 people (this number should include all workforce, volunteers and participants) – providing the venue can accommodate that size of group safely (whilst social distancing) and workforce ratio parameters as set out in this document are adhered to. If using an indoor venue, it’s vital to check the venue’s capacity and ventilation provision in relation to group size.
Running / the track or course Clubs/coaches should plan activities based on the anticipated numbers expected at the session. Running routes / tracks and activities delivered within the session should be set up to allow for social distancing to occur. To help ensure participants have adequate space to socially distance when taking part in running activities, coaches should consider setting off participants in small groups of 2-3 (staggered at intervals of 10-15 seconds). When using a track, clubs/coaches could also consider using separate / alternate lanes to allow for social distancing.
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Shooting / the range To allow for social distancing, shooting ranges should be set up with 2m between each shooting point (with a maximum of 5 shooting points in one range area) – additional ranges can be set up to accommodate other groups if multiple groups are taking part in the session – providing the next nearest shooting point is at least 2m away – Pentathlon GB strongly recommend the next set of shooting points / range is set up further than 2m away, to ensure that separate groups do not mix during the session. Clubs/coaches will also need to ensure the shooting area is increased so that participants are given adequate opportunity to remain socially distanced when entering / exiting their shooting area – Pentathlon GB recommend increasing the depth of the area to 2m or ensuring the edge of an individual’s shooting area is at least 2m from re-joining the running route (see diagram below).
Clubs/coaches should also ensure that entrance / exit routes to the range are planned as such to allow for social distancing to take place between participants – ideally this would one way. It is recognised that in some venues where the entrance/exit is via the same point, it may not be wide enough to accommodate social distancing. In these instances, coaches should manage the flow of participants at these pinch points.
Where possible, equipment should not be shared. If equipment is shared, clubs/coaches should ensure thorough and regular cleaning of the equipment before/during/after the session. Clubs/coaches should ensure that the shooting station table is cleaned before and after each session.
Socially distanced range set up 2m 2m 2m 2m
2m
ENTRANCE RANGE
EXIT
RANGE
Other considerations Due to the nature of shooting, it is recognised some participants will have a favoured position / set up within their shooting area which may mean there are instances where they are within 2m from the participant at the next shooting point. Where possible, coaches/clubs should introduce mitigations to try to reduce this happening.
Additional mitigations may include:
• Increasing the distance between shooting points • Using alternate points for different ‘waves’ of participants • Allocating points based on participants’ dominant shooting hand (e.g. left-handed shooters at the right of the range and right-handed shooters at the left of the range, so instances of shooters being face to face is mitigated/limited) 17 Publication date: 24/09/2020 (Version 5) Pentathlon GB Return to Play Guidance: Stage 3
Biathle / Triathle
- Activity allowed in small groups - Multiple groups allowed – providing coach/volunteer ratio adhered to - Social distancing should be adhered to at all times - No equipment sharing
Whilst the advice detailed in this document relating to Swimming and Laser Run apply to both Biathle and Triathle sessions accordingly, Pentathlon GB recognise there are unique challenges / considerations needed to be taken in to account when returning to Biathle / Triathle sessions.
Entrance/Exit from the water Careful planning should be done to ensure that participants can enter and exit the water in a socially distanced manner. Pentathlon GB suggest coaches/clubs devise a set protocol for this which is suitable to the environment / venue being used for the session - this may involve asking participants to slow up considerably at the point of exit/entry or perhaps identifying a designated in/out area for participants.
Group Sizes and Supervision Activity for Biathle/Triathle should be done in groups of no more than 6 – this includes the coach (1 coach: 5 participants).
For safety reasons, the maximum number of participants permitted at any one Biathle / Triathle session is 15, split into 3 groups of 5 – provided that coach ratios described below are met and there is adequate space to allow for social distancing. Groups should be considered separate and should not mix.
Pentathlon GB will allow an individual qualified and insured PGB coach to oversee 2 groups of 5 (providing that an additional volunteer / assistant coach is there to support the supervision of the second group). Should the club wish to open the session up to an additional group of 5, then a second qualified and insured PGB coach must be in attendance. (The ratio of participants remains 1:5 for Biathle/Triathle)
It is recognised that additional volunteers / marshalls / lifeguards will be needed to ensure safety of the session – this is permitted but only where this takes the total number of people in the session to a maximum of 30 individuals in total. These individuals must be socially distant from others at the session at all times, and not form part of the two groups of 6.
A lifeguard should be present for any swim session (indoor / outdoor) and this individual should not be the identified coach or volunteer/assistant supervising the swimmers. If the lifeguard is provided by the venue / facility they do not need to count in the maximum numbers permitted at the session.
Where clubs/coaches are using public spaces (e.g. open water), they should be mindful of others using the space and plan their session accordingly to ensure participants can socially distance appropriately and safely. 18 Publication date: 24/09/2020 (Version 5) Pentathlon GB Return to Play Guidance: Stage 3
Fencing
- Outdoor and Indoor activity permitted (subject to adaptations) - Activity permitted in small groups (1 coach: 5 participants or 6 participants) - Multiple groups permitted in one session (depending on space available)
British Fencing have a dedicated COVID-19 page on their website detailing the current status of the sport in each home nation and with links to supporting resources.
www.britishfencing.com/covid-19-advice-guidance/
In England indoor fencing activity has been approved to resume, subject to adaptations.
Fencing specific adaptations include (but are not limited to):
• Protocols around equipment usage – no sharing of personal equipment, minimising other equipment sharing and disinfecting protocols. (Specific cleaning info here). • Equipment adaptations – eg use of fencing mask liners in situations where face coverings under fencing masks are not appropriate. • Rule changes – no handshaking or any other type of body contact, certain types of moves no longer permitted to ensure that 2m social distancing is maintained where at all possible: Fleching/running attacks, corps a corps, deliberate close quarter actions and any actions that breach the 1m distancing are not permitted. • Group sizes restricted to 6. Multiple groups can train in the same venue, (subject at all times to government and venue guidance on maximum numbers and protocols being in place to avoid/limit interaction between groups.) • Restrictions around the length of activity to reduce the total time two people can spend together ‘on piste’ . For example, adapted sparring between two individuals in a group can take place but is limited to 1 x 15 hits or 3 x 5 hits, up to a maximum of 10mins of fencing time and 15mins of elapsed time. (This means, for example, a poule unique of 6 fencers can take place where everyone fences each other once only to 15 hits and each bout takes no longer than 10mins of fencing time and 15mins elapsed time including the breaks).
More details on these and the other measures and adaptations can be found here.
Welsh Fencing: www.welshfencing.org Scottish Fencing: www.scottish-fencing.com
Supporting resources British Fencing have provided extensive resources to support the return to fencing activity, including but not limited to cleaning protocols for equipment and specific guidance for clubs and coaches.
For full list of supporting resources and British Fencing’s Return to Fencing Plan visit: www.britishfencing.com/return-to-fencing-club-resources/
19 Publication date: 24/09/2020 (Version 5) Pentathlon GB Return to Play Guidance: Stage 3
Horse Riding / Show Jumping
- Outdoor and Indoor arenas can be used - Coach led sessions are permitted in small groups (1 coach: 5 participants) – home nation advice varies
British Equestrian have confirmed riding lessons can now resume, providing coaches take the necessary precautions to safeguarding themselves and their clients whilst on site.
In addition to British Equestrian’s advice, Pentathlon GB strongly urge any clubs/coaches/individuals looking to return to riding to avoid doing so if the activity is likely to put possible additional pressure on the NHS.
British Equestrian have outlined the following measures coaches should consider before inviting participants back for lessons:
- Coaches must ensure that the necessary public health measures, risk assessments and safeguarding provisions are put in place, including checking insurance cover with their providers - Sessions must take place in a controlled environment, such as an arena or secured riding area. In Wales, the use of indoor arenas is not currently permitted. - Coaches should only ride a client’s horse where any shared clothing, tack or equipment has been appropriately disinfected and social distancing of two metres can be maintained at all times. When participating in training or coaching, where possible, coaches should avoid touching surfaces, sharing equipment and touching their mouth and face
British Equestrian have outlined further guidance to coaches looking to travel to teach clients:
• Ask clients in advance of the lesson if their yard has any special measures or restrictions in place • Conduct a coronavirus-specific risk assessment in advance of your visit • Maintain social distancing of 2m at all times and follow public health guidance • Keep a supply of alcohol-based hand sanitiser and wipes in your car • Bring your own food and drink • Maintain a contact sheet to record all clients and visits • Where possible, avoid taking cash payments – opt for bank transfer or an online payment system • Check your insurance cover, safeguarding and first aid requirements • Do not work if you or anybody in your household feels unwell or displays symptoms of coronavirus
Coaches are advised to contact their Member Body discipline for more detailed advice, and to consult with their providers on insurance requirements.
Full guidance from British Equestrian, including links to useful resources can be found on their website: www.britishequestrian.org.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-faqs
20 Publication date: 24/09/2020 (Version 5) Pentathlon GB Return to Play Guidance: Stage 3
Competitions As part of Pentathlon GB’s Road Map for the gradual and safe return of our sport, the anticipated return to competitions and events is being considered independent of the return to training detailed in this document.
Bringing participants together on mass, and from multiple locations poses a significant rise in the level of risk, and further thought will need to go in to the adaptations to our sport to enable competitions to resume in a safe, and socially distanced manner.
At point of publication, all competitions are suspended until 30th September 2020.
A full review of competitions/events is currently underway and subsequently a separate guidance document for our “Return to Competition” will be released accordingly when all risks have been reviewed and understood.
In the meantime, we are conscious that as training begins, the desire to compete will become stronger amongst our membership. Whilst formal competitions and events must not take place at this time, we do recognise that there may be a place for informal competitions to take place, as part of formal training sessions.
To clarify, if a coach chooses to run a time trial as part of their training session between the participants in their small groups, this shall be allowed – these groups should not mix. By no means should coaches advertise these informal activities as standalone competitions and non-club members should not be invited to compete/ attend the session. The activities must be delivered within the parameters laid out in this document.
Coaches/clubs must recognise that many of their participants will have been training at severely reduced frequency and intensity and should tailor their deliver accordingly to aid their participants to resume their levels of fitness and competence before introducing any type of competition or higher intensity sessions.
Time-trials For the purpose of this guidance, time trials held as part of formal training sessions should adhere to all measures detailed within this document.
Individuals will be competing against the clock (not directly against other participants within the session). To ensure social distancing can be adhered for the duration of any time trial, Pentathlon GB recommend individuals are set off individually, at suitable intervals to allow for individuals to remain socially distant. (The length of interval is likely to vary dependent on the age/experience of the participant - coaches should consider this when planning to set up a time trial). Careful thought about participants waiting to be released / warming up should be considered in planning.
It is recognised that some venues/facilities may be able to accommodate small groups being set off together whilst maintaining social distancing (e.g. using alternate lanes on a track and / or wide running routes/courses).
It is the coach’s responsibility to remind participants about the requirement to adhere to social distancing during any time trial (and reinforce the importance of maintaining social distancing, over battling to overtake etc). 21 Publication date: 24/09/2020 (Version 5) Pentathlon GB Return to Play Guidance: Stage 3
RESOURCES
To support our member clubs / coaches on their return to training sessions, we have put together some supporting documents to aid planning and to keep everyone safe.
Risk Assessments
We have updated our Risk Assessments to allow for clubs to include COVID-19 specific risks and mitigations needed to be put in place for their sessions.
Below you will find links to the updated risk assessments for each component sport (inc a new COVID-19 section). In addition to the sport-specific risk assessments, we also advise clubs/coaches to complete our COVID-19 risk assessment which covers general aspects of sessions that will apply to any session being delivered.
PGB COVID-19 Risk Assessment Template
PGB COVID-19 Swimming Risk Assessment Template
PGB COVID-19 Laser Run Risk Assessment Template
PGB COVID-19 Fencing Risk Assessment Template
PGB COVID-19 Horse Riding Risk Assessment Template
PGB COVID-19 Biathle-Triathle (Outdoor Swim) Risk Assessment Template
PGB COVID-19 Biathle-Triathle (Pool Swim) Risk Assessment Template
Other resources
PRE-SESSION CODE OF CONDUCT AND WAIVER Template
PRE-SESSION SYMPTOM CHECKER
END OF DOCUMENT
22 Publication date: 24/09/2020 (Version 5)