Arrangements for outdoor and indoor seated events will be revisited by the Executive on 30th December.
Until then, existing arrangements are to be reinforced i.e.
For individuals:
1. Everyone attending an indoor or outdoor sporting event should:
· Take a Rapid Lateral Flow test before attending each event or gathering. Lateral flow tests are free and provide a result within 30 minutes at home;
· Download the COVID certificate app if you have received your vaccinations;
· Wear a face covering at all times, including when entering and leaving a venue and for the duration of the event; and
· Limit the number of social contacts you have.
2. Those travelling to a sporting event should not share transport with anyone outside of their own household and should where possible travel in their own car, walk or cycle.
3. Good hygiene including hand sanitising is strongly recommended and individuals should use the sanitation stations widely available at the venue.
4. Individuals attending events should turn up early, are advised to avoid crowded areas, must follow the enhanced precautions put in place by venue operators and follow the instructions given by staff which are in the interest of safety for everyone.
For the event organiser/venue operator:
1. A risk assessment must be carried out as appropriate:
To determine the maximum number of people permitted to attend an outdoor gathering, in a non-domestic setting, the organiser or operator must carry out a risk assessment. Outdoor gatherings of 30 people or fewer do not need a risk assessment.
The number of people permitted to attend an indoor gathering, in a non-domestic setting, is determined by a risk assessment, carried out by the organiser or operator. Indoor gatherings, in non-domestic settings, of 15 people or fewer, do not need a risk assessment.
The organiser must also take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.
A person responsible for organising a gathering must, if requested to do so by a relevant person, provide:
· a copy of the risk assessment
and
· an account of the reasonable measures taken
It is important that indoor spaces are well ventilated at all times, by leaving doors and windows open. Frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, should be cleaned regularly.
Where possible, you should maintain social distancing, as well as good hand and respiratory hygiene practices.
2. COVID certification status for entry to the following, with 100% checking arrangements in place:
· indoor events (where some or all of the audience are not normally seated) with 500 or more attendees;
· outdoor events (where some or all of the audience are not normally seated) with 4,000 or more attendees;
· events where more than 10,000 people will be present, regardless of whether or not they will be seated.
3. It is strongly recommended that, given the high transmission rates of the Omicron Variant, everyone attending a sporting event should take a Lateral Flow Test prior to attending.
4. Venue operators should promote and encourage the wearing of face coverings on the way to, during and when leaving an event. It is strongly recommended that all those present at a sporting event wear a face covering at all times including staff, club officials and spectators.
5. Other mitigations should be considered to reduce the risk of transmission including one way systems, sufficient queuing arrangements to avoid congestion and track and trace arrangements.
6. Those travelling to a sporting event should not share transport with anyone outside of their own household and should where possible travel in their own car, walk or cycle.
7. Ticket purchase should be advance, use of cards and scanners are preferred and handling of cash or paper tickets should, where possible, be removed.
8. Good hygiene, including hand sanitising, is strongly recommended and venue operators should ensure sanitisation stations are widely available and regularly filled.
9. Good communications is essential and venue operators should ensure that attendees understand, in advance attending an event, what to expect and regularly remind attendees at the event of the need to fully comply with COVID mitigations including wear face coverings, practicing good personal hygiene and limiting social interactions.
10. Other mitigations should be considered to reduce the risk of transmission including one way systems throughout venues, sufficient queuing arrangements to avoid congestion and track and trace arrangements.
11. Venue operators must ensure that they follow the current guidance and regulations for their hospitality offerings and social clubs.
12. Sports clubs and venue operators must take all reasonable measures to reduce the risk of COVID transmission.
