Outdoor training sessions – numbers increased to up to 30

England Boxing has have been advised by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), that Clubs / Coaches can now run organised outdoor coaching / training sessions for up to 30 persons, including the coaches.

This is provided the classes / training is delivered within the guidance for organising outdoor sport and physical activity.

The specific limit of 30 limits follows separate guidance and regulation on gatherings and is advice applies to organised outdoor training sessions only.

In this context, events are classed as structured physical training activity. The full guidance can be found here.

Where local restrictions are in place, those guidelines should be adhered to in the first instance.

For the avoidance of doubt, this guidance must be used in conjunction with the previously issued Return to Boxing Guidance which can be found here, along with England Boxing’s normal regulations and safeguarding policies.

In addition, Clubs / coaches will have to adhere to the following:

• Operating strictly within government guidance and ensuring that a written event delivery plan for each session is produced and follows the Government / England Boxing regulations and guidelines.
• Previously supplied risk assessment forms can be used for this and can be found here.
• It is essential that proper hygiene measures are followed including washing hands, use of sanitiser etc before and after each session and change of equipment. Equipment is not to be shared without thorough cleaning between use.
• Social distancing of at least 2m must be followed at all times including training and on arrival, issuing instructions, departure etc.
• Pad work, sparring or competitive boxing is not permitted.
• Communicating clearly and consistently with all boxers, coaches, volunteers, parents etc the requirements / processes – preferably before arrival.
• Adherence to the rules for mass gatherings, which limit the number to 30.
• Being adaptable to change, for example if a local lockdowns were to become necessary.
• Following Test and Trace requirements including recording of participants and officials to facilitate contacting by NHS Test and Trace if needed.
• Please make sure you keep a secure register of all attendees for 21 days in case of infection. Previous guidance on Test and Trace which can be found here.
• Coaches Clubs should use common sense when choosing an outdoor class venue / space and conduct a full risk assessment to identify barriers and hazards include those that affect accessibility.
• All activity must follow England Boxing Regulations and safeguarding polices.
• Consideration should be given to what access there will be for toilets.
• Consideration should be given to the requirements for travelling to and from the training activity.

As stated, each Club should produce a written delivery plan and any related guidance, demonstrating the risk assessment and mitigations / adaptions required and how it plans to operate, including who is responsible for overseeing compliance.

Delivery plans should take into account the three variables of transmission, as below. Club coaches can use the risk assessment form previously supplied to help with this planning. The three variables are:

• Droplet transmission and aerosol generation: The risk associated with each action in an activity based on duration and proximity of participants.

Mitigation: Stay at least 2m apart, preferably more including on arrival and departure, and no close group meetings, huddles etc.

• Fomite transmission: The risk associated with the handling and transfer of equipment in the activity.

Mitigation: Adherence to hygiene measures and extensive cleaning of training equipment.

• Population: The number of participants likely to take part in the proposed activity, plus known risk factors of participants with underlying health conditions or high-risk groups who wish to participate.

Mitigation: Maximum number 30, and to follow the Government guidelines detailed within the EB guidelines on health / medical considerations of the participants and record the participant details for test and trace as detailed in the Test and Trace guidance.

Training should be designed to admit only as many people as the outdoor area can hold allowing for social distancing of 2m in all directions and up to a maximum of 30 people including coaches. Crowding and congregation must be strictly avoided.