Return to squash timeline
England Squash have been working hard behind the scenes with Sport England to give some clarity as to what will be allowed and when, when we are allowed to get back on court.
We’re sure you are looking forward to squash facilities being able to reopen from the 12th of April, albeit this date is still to be confirmed. Here’s the timeline for the return to squash and racketball.
The activities listed below are either currently permitted or will shortly be permitted –
From 29 March (Step 1, Phase 2)
Indoor sports facilities including squash courts can open for disabled participants, alongside schools/curricular provision. This mean that all squash clubs/venues must remain closed at this time except for exempt activities which are:
1) For organised curriculum-based squash activity as part of *normal provision, and organised squash as part of **wraparound childcare
This activity must follow the Department for Education’s (DfE) Schools Coronavirus Operational Guidance.
*Normal provision means this was already in place prior to March 2020.
**Wraparound care is only permitted where it’s being used for the purposes of supporting their parents to work, seek work, undertake education or training, attend a medical appointment or address a medical need, or to attend a support group; and for other limited purposes. Vulnerable children will be able to access this provision under any circumstance. More information is available on the government’s website.
2) For the purposes of providing organised squash* to players with a disability (from 29th March)
Disabled participants are not subject to social contact limitations whilst playing sport, but must observe social distancing wherever possible when in contact with others.
*Organised squash activity must be led or supervised by a coach, qualified instructor, or club official.
3) Elite sport
The only very limited exception which allows squash clubs and venues to open is for elite training/practice, which must be pre-approved by England Squash.
Find out more about opening your club/venue for elite players
Risk assessment
When restrictions are lifted, clubs and venues should make sure they have completed a comprehensive COVID-19 risk assessment in order to re-open:
Download COVID-19 risk assessment template (Word)
Roll on the 12th of April. It can’t come quickly enough…..