General information for all coaches
We suggest that coaches who continue to coach follow the guidance laid out above, and stick to the key points below:
- The coach and their participants remain two metres (six feet) away from each other (and others in the vicinity) at all times.
- You are at higher risk of being directly exposed to respiratory droplets released by someone talking or coughing when you are within two metres of someone and have face-to-face contact with them. You can lower the risk of infection if you stay side-to-side rather than facing people.
- There is no physical contact between the coach and their participants, eg handshakes, ‘high-fives’, etc.
- Good hand hygiene is observed, ie hands are washed before and after the coaching activity; and hand sanitiser gel is used at intervals during the coaching activity.
- The coach should ensure that participants avoid sharing the same equipment. Additionally, kit and equipment should be changed, washed and sanitised regularly.
- Coaches and participants should avoid touching their faces.
- Coaches, who have participants under the age of 18 or who are deemed to be a vulnerable adult, should seek consent from a parent/guardian or other responsible adult, as well as arrange appropriate drop-off and pick-up strategies, and ensure their participants have clearly defined equipment and kit to avoid contamination with others.
- Coaches whose participants have been shielding should read the latest updated guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.
If a coach or their participants show symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), eg a new continuous cough; a high temperature; loss of taste and or smell, they and their household should isolate at home and cancel any scheduled coaching activity.
The NHS provides further information on what to do if you or anyone you have been in contact with is showing symptoms.
Coaches across the country should be in regular contact with their respective governing body of sport or respective Home Country Sports Councils for updates on guidance and restrictions.
Sport England, Sport Northern Ireland, sportscotland, Sport Wales.
Head to our Return to Coaching Roadmap for lots of expert guidance on navigating the phased return to face-to-face coaching safely.