The PE Board is issuing updated advice on the COVID-19 epidemic following the UK Government’s announcements last week.
As members are no doubt aware, a new system of COVID-19 restrictions has been introduced to replace the existing local lockdown measures in individual areas.
Under the new scheme, local areas will be placed in one of three tiers; Tier 1 (Medium), Tier 2 (High) and Tier 3 (Very High).
Tier 1 areas are subject to the existing national restriction measures such as the ‘rule of six’. Those areas within Tier 2 have additional restrictions, such as a ban on households mixing indoors. In Tier 3 areas, indoor gyms, fitness and dance studios and indoor sports facilities are required to close by law with an exemption which allows these venues to be used by elite sports people, under 18s and people with a disability.
Within each of these three tiers, pétanque if it is a formally organised outdoor sporting activity, can continue and remains exempt from restrictions on the number of people allowed to gather, subject to this taking place under PE’s approved guidance which sets out rules for social distancing and the need to carry out Risk Assessments of playing venues.
This means that PE’s latest Play Safe Guidelines are unchanged and should continue to be followed by our members, clubs, leagues and regions.
It is important to look at the different arrangements for each tier which can be viewed via the clicking on the links below:
The Government has also published a postcode checker to find out which tier your local area is in if you are unsure.
As always, PE members, clubs, leagues and regions are welcome to contact us via the online form on this website if they require further information or advice.
We have successfully organised our recent National Titles over three days, and many of our clubs and leagues have been organising play and competitions following our Guidelines. If precautions are taken and venues properly risk assessed, we can all enjoy our sport safely despite the continuing epidemic.
12 comments
Roger Bryan
2nd November 2020 at 2:08 pm
Please could we have updated guidance in view of national lockdown commencing Thursday 5th November. Many thanks
Martin Hughes
3rd November 2020 at 12:44 pm
Hi Roger, we are awaiting further information on the precise nature of the restrictions and will update our Guidance in advance of Thursday.
Robert Palmer
3rd November 2020 at 11:50 am
What happens when the ‘Lockdown’ starts on Thursday? Currently here at Stockton-on-the-Forest, N Yorkshire we have a Risk Assessment in place which allows us to run safe Club nights. Will this still be the case from Thursday onwards? Do we need to add anything else?
Robert Palmer
chairman of Stockton Fox Petanque Club
Martin Hughes
3rd November 2020 at 12:43 pm
Hi Robert, we are awaiting further information on the precise nature of the restrictions and will update our Guidance in advance of Thursday.
John Edward Hockley
3rd November 2020 at 4:09 pm
We have been playing with six form different households.
From Thursday 5 November as I understand it, petanque is outside exercise and can be played with one other person.
We intend to carry on with single games.
Unless we have specific rule to the contrary.
John
Martin Hughes
3rd November 2020 at 4:11 pm
Hi John, we hope to issue our updated Guidance tomorrow.
Nigel Clay
4th November 2020 at 11:58 am
“Formally organised outdoor sporting activities’ were permissible within the previous 3 tier arrangements. But social distancing sports such as golf and tennis have already neem identified as being suspended under the new lockdown guidance from central government. So very surprised if PE can make a case otherwise.
Martin Hughes
4th November 2020 at 12:47 pm
Thanks Nigel for that comment. We will be updating our Guidance today.
Ian Knight
27th November 2020 at 12:16 pm
Hello. When do you plan to update your advise following the announcement of the Tiers when lockdown finishes on the 2nd of December.
Thanks
Martin Hughes
27th November 2020 at 12:43 pm
Hi Ian,
We’re working on that at the moment and will issue in good time before next Wednesday.
Roger Smith
22nd December 2020 at 9:26 am
In tier 4 I believe we are now restricted to singles? And a three, that’s one single versus a pair, third person from thr family bubble? Assume that rule of six does not apply?
Martin Hughes
3rd January 2021 at 12:47 pm
Roger, the UK Government rules state that: “In tier four areas, people are not allowed to mix with other households indoors or in most outdoor venues, although an individual can meet one other person in an open public space.”