Following the recent Scottish Government announcement on changes to their COVID guidelines and the receipt of background information through sportscotland the Camanacachd Association have updated the Return to Shinty Guidance. The detailed document has been circulated to all Club Presidents, Secretaries and COVID Coordinators and is available on our website https://shinty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Return-to-Shinty-Guidance-Effective-from-070621.pdf
The Camanachd Association would like to acknowledge everyone who took part in the minute silence prior to games on Saturday as a mark of respect for those who have sadly lost their lives throughout the pandemic. Times are still uncertain due to the rise in positive cases across the country but being able to restart Shinty has been a positive step for many people.
We have highlighted below the main questions we are asked and the responses we are able to provide within the Scottish Government guidelines.
- Shared Transport: Unfortunately due to the latest increase in positive cases the Governments review of physical distancing has decided on no change at this time. Therefore the advice continues as “You should not share a vehicle with anyone from another household, unless you absolutely have to”. Advice on how to travel safely (transport.gov.scot)
- Toilets: Public Toilets can be opened by following these guidelines Coronavirus (COVID-19): opening public and customer toilets – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
- Players and Match Officials Changing Rooms: These can be opened by following these guidelines Getting your facilities fit for sport (sportscotland.org.uk)
- Hand shaking: Should not be undertaken. We appreciate how natural it is, especially at the beginning and end of games for players, but in light of the recent outbreaks of positive cases around the country risk management is vital.
- SPECTATOR GUIDANCE: Spectators are not permitted unless
- where supervising a child or vulnerable person or
- where a competition or event is organised and takes place at enclosed premises whose entrances and exits are controlled for the purpose of crowd and capacity management in line with Scottish Government events sector guidance and any other relevant guidance.
- ENCLOSED VENUES – Competitions with spectators must be organised and take place at enclosed premises whose entrances and exits are controlled for the purpose of crowd and capacity management. Organisers are required to follow Scottish Government Event Sector Guidance (COVID-19): events sector guidance and (COVID-19): calculating physical distancing capacity in public settings
Clubs with enclosed venues who would like to discuss the above should contact their Regional Development Team member. Detailed planning, check lists and risk assessments will have to be completed.
- PUBLIC PARKS – We recognise that it may not be possible to guarantee that people will not watch a shinty match when this takes place in a public park, however, organisers are required to take reasonable measures to discourage spectating (including communicating this position to participants prior to the event). All clubs based at public parks are encouraged to have notices visible that discourage spectating and a management plan and risk assessment to mitigate risk. Additionally, it is recommended that clubs based at public parks have reminders in place for anyone visiting a public park to follow government guidance and physically distance.
We are aware of Clubs who have used temporary barriers and roped off areas to clearly discourage spectators in Public parks.
- Sports events, including spectator events, can take place subject to appropriate Scottish Government guidance being followed. Further information is available on the sportscotland website here: Return to Competition & Events: sport events.
If you have any further questions please contact your Regional Development Team member.
Picture provided by Neil G Paterson Photography
