29th March: Restart for sport and physical activity outdoors

Step 1 (phase 2) comes into force on 29 March.

These frequently asked questions have been developed by Sport England alongside the government in order to help those getting ready to restart sport and physical activity outdoors on 29 March. They are intended to support you in your work in preparing to restart and to understand what the government guidance means for you.

Summary

• You should minimise travel, however, travel for sport and exercise is permitted
• Outdoor gatherings of either six people (the 'rule of six') or two households can take place
• Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, sports pitches, outdoor skateparks and outdoor swimming pools can reopen
• Organised outdoor sport and physical activity for adults and children can return, which will be exempt from the legal gathering limits. The threshold on participant numbers will be decided by each national governing body (NGB) or organising organisation and will follow Covid-secure guidance
• Organised outdoor sport and activity includes:
  • Organised outdoor group activities (e.g. outdoor exercise classes, group cycle rides, walking groups etc.)
  • Outdoor team sports (including adapted versions for 'higher risk' team sports)
  • Other organised outdoor sports, such as, but not limited to, tennis, golf, horse riding, water sports will be able to resume
  • Organised sport participation events (road races, running and cycling events, triathlons etc.).
• Spectators are not allowed at any grassroot sport and physical activity sessions or events. This does not apply to carers for disabled people, or adults needed to supervise under-18s in a safeguarding role. Where it's necessary for them to be present, supervising adults should not mix with others from outside their household or support bubble
• Informal sport and physical activity is not covered by any exemptions, and will have to follow the legal gathering limits for outdoors: the 'rule of six' or two households
• Disabled people can take part in organised outdoor and indoor sport without being subject to social contact limits.

Click on the link to view Sport England's full FAQ section.

Click here to view the Government's latest guidance.

Our Sport Organisation Support (SOS) section also provides further guidance and support.