British Wheelchair Basketball has today published guidance ahead of the sport moving into STAGE 1 of its Return to Play plan from 1 October 2020, allowing BWB sanctioned activity to return indoors in small groups.
The STAGE 1 guidance (which can be viewed here) allows BWB sanctioned activity to resume indoors in small groups (full court – up to six people; half-court – up to three people). This complies with the latest Government guidelines (England), issued on Tuesday (22 September), restricting the number of people allowed for indoor team sports to six.
Any BWB sanctioned activity must adhere to local restrictions imposed by UK and Home Country Governments, and their guidance on social distancing and maximum capacities. (Please note: Always refer to the latest guidance issued by your Home Government, please note this may vary dependant on where you live).
As with the Mobilisation Stage – which commenced earlier this month – the key messages throughout STAGE 1 uphold the government guidance and focus on mitigating risk regarding spread of infection, while allowing clubs and participants to return to activity should they wish to.
Two metre social distancing must be observed, and face masks must be worn, and there is no sharing of balls or equipment outside of households. Zoning must also be implemented on court in Stage 1.
Today’s announcement follows the successful implementation of the Mobilisation Stage at the start of September; which saw some clubs resume activity outdoors in small groups, enabling clubs and participants to put in place the detailed preparations and processes required to facilitate their return.
Once again, our incredible volunteer network has continued to go above and beyond to support the delivery of our sport throughout this time; with clubs working tirelessly behind-the-scenes to put in place their Return to Play preparations. We extend our sincerest thanks to them for their generosity, time and commitment.
We would also like to thank all our members for their patience and continued support towards our inclusive approach to Return to Play which sits at the very heart of our sport.
As stated, when the Return to Play plan was first published in August, the move through the staged Return to Play (Matrix) will be dependent upon two factors. Firstly, the government advice of England and the Home Countries support the transition to the next phase together, and secondly British Wheelchair Basketball, as the Sport NGB, feels confident that our participants and clubs are ready to do so, and are meeting the guidance outlined within the current stage of return.
The COVID-19 pandemic is, of course, an ever-changing situation, and any changes to the BWB Return to Play guidance will be communicated directly to our members and affiliated clubs, and shared on BWB’s website and social media.
Stage 1 Key Documents
Stage 1 Guidance Document: We have issued a comprehensive Guidance document written for our clubs and participants. This is a recommended guidance document intended as a starting-point for the clubs and provided by BWB to assist them with their appropriate response to COVID-19. It is important that everyone reads and understands the full document – if anything is unclear or prompts a question please contact our membership team at membership@britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk
Updated Staged Return Matrix: We have highlighted some elements of the staged return guidance within an updated Matrix (which can be viewed here), so that participants and clubs can understand the requirements of each stage of Return to Play. Each stage should be informed by the corresponding Guidance Document, which will provide more detailed guidance on each stage. This is a recommended staged return document intended as a starting-point for the clubs and provided by BWB to assist them with their appropriate response to COVID-19
Please remember that British Wheelchair Basketball and our staff team are here to support all of our members, volunteers and clubs in their Return to Play. Should you need help please email our membership team on membership@britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk or call the office on 01509 279900.
BWB are hosting a Return to Play webinar for Club Contacts to learn more about the sport’s preparations ahead of the move to indoor activity (Tuesday 29th September, 7pm; Wednesday 30th September, 2pm).
Club Contacts can sign-up via Playwaze or https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/get-involved/play/activity-finder/
More information can also be found on the Return to Play section on the BWB website: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/return-to-play/
