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18/08/2020 00:00, In Blog / Club Notice Board /

The past few weeks and months has seen a much wider return to athletics which has been a real boost for the sport. It is great to see many athletics facilities in Wales opening to help facilitate, not only athletes returning to training and competition, but providing wider opportunities for people to be active and improve their health and wellbeing - something that we know is vital at this time.

Below is a list of the dedicated athletics facilities in Wales and their current status (correct as 18/08/20):

Clubs have been working hard with facility operators to establish responsible return to use practices and to undertake the necessary risk assessments in order to return safely and effectively.

All athletes are advised to contact their club to enquire as to the current status and up to date access protocols prior to planning any training related travel.  A full list of club contacts can be found on the Welsh Athletics Clubs Page

FACILITY RELATED FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHEN WILL THERE BE A RETURN TO FULL CLUB TRAINING?

Frustrating as it is, it is clear that each facility in Wales will open at different rates and this will be mainly dictated by the facility provider/operator. We would hope that clubs will continue to work with facility providers to plan both a safe return to activity (where appropriate) and extending access/opportunities as and when restrictions are lifted. If you have any questions, please contact your club directly – all clubs have been asked to appoint a COVID-19 Officer who can be used as the main point of contact in thee matters.

WHEN I AM AT A FACILITY, WHAT EQUIPMENT CAN I USE?

It is important to note that, in many cases, there is currently significant restrictions on the use of equipment. We would advise that, where possible, you use your own equipment or design training activities which involve the minimal use of equipment.

CAN WE MEET UP AND TRAIN IN GROUPS OUTSIDE OF FACILITIES?

Yes, this is now possible as long as you are meeting outside and adhering to social distancing guidelines. Gatherings can be of no more than 30 people and British Athletics coaching ratios (1:12) should be maintained during coached activities. In addition, Track & Trace protocols should be adopted – for more information please refer to Appendix 1 of the Return to Coaching guidance issued.

WHEN CAN WE RETURN TO WIDER FACILITY USE AND TRAINING?

We have already seen significant progress however we fully appreciate that this is a very frustrating time and naturally we are all looking forward to a wider return to activity when possible. The rate of this return will be dictated by a number of factors relating to the status of facility operators (staff, protocols, risk assessments, wider facility related issues) as well as the timelines Welsh Government set about the easing of restrictions.