Scotland International Doctor speaks about the return to shinty

Following Thursday’s announcement that the CA Board have ratified plans for a return to shinty, Dr John Wallace has spoken to the Camanachd Association.
‘We know that everyone is really keen to get back playing shinty in 2021 as soon as its safe to do so. Although necessary, the current restrictions do have a considerable impact on clubs and their ability to prepare for next season. We encourage clubs to continue supporting players in individual exercise and maintaining fitness in line with current national guidance. Use of challenges via various fitness apps can be really useful tools for supporting fitness within a club. We also encourage players and clubs to continue to keep in close touch via digital means and support each other through these challenging times. We also need to continue to look out for those who may be struggling with issues related to their mental health.
With the rollout of the national vaccination programme and falling case numbers we are hopeful this will in time allow us to return to shinty activity. However we recognise that with restrictions on group activity having been in place for some time now that a preparation period will be needed to allow players to train together as a team and work on stick and game play skills before players are ready to return to full competitive activity. We have tried to balance this need for clubs to prepare with the enthusiasm to get back to competitive play as soon as possible and felt that a period of 4-6 weeks best strikes that balance. It should be noted that anyone who has suffered significant coronavirus related illness will require longer to return to full training and fitness and should follow the advice of their medical professionals in this regard.”
-Dr John Wallace, GP Partner, Lochaber District medical lead (community), Interim Chair NHS Highland CAC leadership group