While we evaluate the latest government announcements and prepare to give more specific information to the cheerleading community on what it means for them, we have collated some links which may be helpful to you.
SportCheer England Guidance Update (9th May 2021)
www.sportcheerengland.org/guidance-update-090521
SportCheer England Guidance Update (2nd April 2021)
www.sportcheerengland.org/guidance-update-020421
SportCheer England new Return to Play document (reflective of the new Tier System) and new Risk Assessment template (10th December 2020)
www.sportcheerengland.org/return-to-play
ukactive Coronavirus (COVID-19): Advice and Guidance for the Physical Activity Sector
https://www.ukactive.com/covid-19/
Free SportCheer England Webinar: In conversation with Kimberley Ramsay on opening your gym after Coronavirus
THURSDAY 11th JUNE 8.30pm – 9.30pm
We do not know how long the phased reopening of sport is likely to take, or what measures we will need to put in place on our return. While we await the government’s directive, SportCheer England hopes to ease some of the anxiety associated with many unknowns, by speaking to colleagues further ahead in the process.
Kimberley Ramsay is the president of the New Zealand Cheerleading Association, Head Coach of Team NZ, a gym owner and competition event provider.
In this webinar, Kimberley will talk about the various measures her company took in reopening their 8 cheer gyms, following the lifting of the lockdown in New Zealand. We will discuss what worked, what didn’t work, how she navigated socially distanced training inside, effective communication strategies with her staff, parents and athletes and much more.
The webinar will include a live Q&A.
SportCheer England guidance regarding the latest government announcement on a return to sport – 3rd June 2020
On the 1st of June the UK government announced new guidelines and measures regarding the lifting of lockdown across England, and a phased return to sport.
While clear restrictions remain in place for indoor venues (such as cheer gyms), there has been an easing of restrictions regarding training and sport outdoors.
We recognise that many cheerleading coaches will want to take advantage of the new announcement, and are considering what coaching could look like in open spaces such as parks with small groups of athletes (people from up to 6 families can now gather, socially distanced in parks to exercise)
To support coaches in their decision making, SportCheer England have produced two FREE template Risk Assessment documents:
Update 10th December 2020: the previous versions of Risk Assessment templates have been removed to avoid confusion. The new Risk Assessment template (reflective of the updated Return to Play document) is available from:
We hope that these documents will help coaches and gym owners to think carefully through their responsibilities and prepare effectively for a safe return to training.
Please remember that your usual Child Protection safeguarding measures should remain in place, and you will need to count any coach/coaches teaching an outdoor session within the total number present. For private 1:1 sessions we always recommend two coaches present, both for Child Protection and in case of emergency (injury, etc).
We would urge you to go through your Risk Assessment with your insurance provider and are confident that you are covered, before proceeding with any activities.
It is also important to note that most parks require a licence/permit for coaches and personal trainers to deliver classes on their grounds, and you will need to investigate this with your local authority.
We highly recommend reading the following documents to support your considerations:
- Government website: Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation: www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation
- Sport England guidance on socially distanced sport (including useful infographics): https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/coronavirus/coronavirus-what-happens-next#your_questions_answered
Government strategy document released 11th May 2020
Currently Cheerleading clubs, teams, programmes and facilities must remain closed following the Prime Ministers address to the nation on 10th May. Only some outdoor sports and activities are currently permitted.
Government Strategy Document: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/884171/FINAL_6.6637_CO_HMG_C19_Recovery_FINAL_110520_v2_WEB__1_.pdf
And Coronavirus Outbreak FAQs: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do
Sport England
Information on what has been announced, what people can do, and what facilities can open at this time: https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/coronavirus/coronavirus-what-happens-next#your_questions_answered
Club Matters
Resources and toolkits for sports clubs to support them continuing to function over the lockdown, including business continuity planning, financial checklists, safeguarding virtually, blogs from national partners and examples of how clubs are staying connected to their members: https://learn.sportenglandclubmatters.com/course/view.php?id=71
Business Advice Hub, created by BDO LLP in partnership with Sport England and UK Sport
Covers the implications of government advice on your business, tax, Operational Finance, Fraud and Information Technology: https://www.bdo.co.uk/en-gb/sport-covid-19
Sport England Community Emergency Funding
Please note this funding will be paused to new applications after the 14th May: https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/our-funds/community-emergency-fund
Free checking service for any resources you are producing during the lockdown
The University of Bristol has created a free ‘checking’ service for anyone producing public-facing resources and materials to help people be active during this time. A group of UK physical activity, exercise, medical academics and practitioners will aim to gather feedback and respond within 48 hours: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/sps/research/projects/physical-activity/new-resource/
Short online courses in Infection Prevention and Control
In preparation for the various social distancing measures and additional hygiene procedures that will be required on return to the gym, you may find it helpful to undertake a short course on infection prevention and control.
These links do not represent endorsements of any product but demonstrate a range of what is on offer:
- World Health Organisation (Free) – https://openwho.org/courses/COVID-19-IPC-EN?fbclid=IwAR18AxjNcG5hj-X_MWDsrnAm2q3Fl1AI6Lo88jIdCPPne0q-93E-i86WoJc
- Highfield Hot Online Training (£5-6) – https://www.highfieldelearning.com/products/infection-control?fbclid=IwAR1ZAaLLWe7ynqswOMgcZ-ZGES1VQLFuYuAWrULl9G41Aaz0wAKPgbuxbVk
- Virtual College (Free) – https://www.virtual-college.co.uk/courses//prevent-covid-19-free-training
Child Protection Links
- Sample safeguarding policy statement – https://thecpsu.org.uk/resource-library/policies/sample-safeguarding-child-protection-policy-statement/
- The recommended ‘first step’ online training via NSPCC – https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/training/child-protection-safeguarding-sport
- Interactive workshop on child protection with UK Coaching – https://www.ukcoaching.org/courses/workshops/safeguarding-protecting-children
- CareCheck (one of many DBS providers, but one specifically mentioned due to costs for volunteers) – https://www.carecheck.co.uk/
- 5 steps to update your Child Protection Policies and procedures over the lockdown: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/news/2020/april/updating-safeguarding-policies-procedures-coronavirus
Financial Support during COVID-19
A recording of the SportCheer England & Scrutton Bland financial advice webinar is available on the Financial Support during COVID-19 page, along with a Q&A document.
London Sport Covid 19 Advice
https://londonsport.org/covid-19/
London Sport YouTube Channel
Offering recordings of webinars focused on Covid-19 support and Sport’s response: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbZUhTrpyNTntgNDjtUbXr
Sport and Recreation Alliance Webinars
Running throughout May, relating to Covid-19 support: https://www.sportandrecreation.org.uk/events/catchacoffee
SportCheer England Coronavirus Statements
Updates are available on the Coronavirus Statement page.