Return to Rugby Gyms Re-opening(19 July 2021)

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Gym Re-opening GuidanceThe following gym re-opening guidance is in line with Scottish Government and sportscotland guidelines.

The guidance is set out to support clubs to make a decision on how and when to re-open, as well as outlining some practical considerations for individual/team sessions. As per Scottish Government guidelines, training in outdoor spaces is preferred to indoors as the risk of transmission is significantly higher within indoor environments. Where appropriate and safe to do so, clubs can take gym equipment outdoors.

If your gym is open to the public for membership, please see the sportscotland website for guidance here. Clubs should follow the Scottish Government’s local protection levels guidance which will advise if their facility/venue can open. Owners/operators (e.g. clubs) require time to consider implications of opening facilities and venues and put plans in place to ensure the safety of participants, staff and volunteers. This guidance should be used in conjunction with the Scottish Rugby Levels Framework to determine when gyms are permitted to open.

Clubs are also reminded that they should have a Covid-19 Safety Coordinator in place before returning to any activity or reopening of facilities.

Please note that at any time Scottish Rugby’s Return to Rugby guidance could change when updates are received from the Scottish Government.

TABLE OF CONTENTS1. Gym Facility Management 2

1.1 Prior to opening 2

1.2 Before a Session 2

1.3 During a Session 2

1.4 After a Session 3

2. Coaching within a gym environment 3

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1. Gym Facility Management:1.1 Prior to opening• Complete a Risk Assessment which must be signed by the Club Committee and Covid-19 Safety Coordinator.

• Maximum capacity should be based on the government requirement for physical distancing, nature of activities (i.e. if the activity is static vs. dynamic) and equipment layout and the configuration of facilities. Particular attention should be given to ventilation and sufficient circulation space specifically around equipment and between groups and classes and instructors.

• Ventilation is an important part of mitigating against the transmission of COVID-19. Ventilation into the building should be optimised to ensure a supply of fresh air is provided to all areas of the facility and increased wherever possible. Particular attention should be given to areas where high intensity exercise activity takes place.

• Regularly clean all floors, surfaces and equipment with disinfectant.

• Ensure a booking system is in place for users to manage numbers with clear time slots between sessions to clean and disinfect equipment.

• Check in/check out is mandatory for users to support contact tracing for any local outbreak of the virus.

• Gym equipment to be an appropriate distance apart so as to comply with physical distancing guidelines and with a suitable margin for adequate circulation or one-way routes. This can be achieved by moving equipment, using screens to separate equipment, or taking equipment out of use. Tape, which must be clearly visible, should be put around pieces of gym equipment to denote physical distance boundaries.

• Floor marking to reflect one-way systems or individual areas to work in.

• Clear signage should be posted to direct and inform users on new operations as outlined in the operational plans for the full site (pavilion, pitches, changing and hospitality) to ensure minimal dwell times, risk of crowding and unnecessary passing.

• Ensure all participants are aware of the venue’s first aid procedures. Detailed guidance on first aid during COVID-19 is available here from HSE.

1.2 Before a Session• Hand sanitiser must be provided on entry & exit.

• Open all available windows and doors to allow the flow of fresh air, min. 15mins before the session starts.

• Users check in and sanitise hands.

• Staff & patrons must adhere to Scottish Government guidance on indoor sport and leisure.

• Sanitising spray and paper towels available throughout for users to wipe down equipment.

• Avoid queuing to access the gym area.

1.3 During a Session• High level of cleanliness maintained with regular checks throughout to ensure the standards are maintained.

• Maximum number of users adhered to (min. 7sqm per person).

• Users should remain physically distant from other individuals, unless from the same household.

• No individual should train as the sole user in the gym for safety reasons.

• Users should only work within their own capabilities unassisted and refer to any and all guidance from Scottish Rugby on modified training and advice on physical preparation for rugby.

• Users should avoid working face to face.

• There should be no food consumed within the gym and users should bring their own hydration items (no shared hydration stations – including water fountains)

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• Users must clean any equipment before and after use including any touch points (floor, benches, weight racks, walls etc).

• If the session is coach led, the coach takes responsibility for monitoring cleaning and usage of equipment.

• There must be a named person on site that will take on responsibility for monitoring cleaning and usage of equipment.

• To minimise aerosols from shouting and raised voices, there should be no background music played.

• Individual and group training is permitted.

1.4 After a Session• Users sanitise hands and must check out.

• No congregating after session, all individuals must vacate the premises.

• Clean all floors, surfaces and equipment with disinfectant after every session.

• Replenish hand sanitiser stations when required.

• Replenish disinfectant spray and paper towels when required.

• A minimum of 30 minutes should be allocated between each session to accommodate cleaning and for the air to refresh.

2. Coaching within a gym environment• Coaching activities should be age and stage appropriate, with guidance from a qualified practitioner (suggested level is

UKSCA accreditation or equivalent).

• Physical distancing and hygiene measures must be fully implemented and maintained.

• When participating in training or coaching, where possible, avoid touching surfaces and sharing equipment and touching your mouth and face.

• Coaches should risk assess and plan appropriately for the session in advance, be aware of responsibilities and be clear on expectations with participants. They should also build in a review period to reflect on effectiveness and safety of the session.

• No PVG = No youth coaching

• Online Strength & Conditioning courses and coaching materials can be found here:

• World Rugby Conditioning for Rugby - www.worldrugby.org

• Scottish Rugby online training hub (Hive Learning) - www.hivelearning.com

• Scottish Rugby Activate warm-up routine - www.hivelearning.com

• Further guidance on appropriate steps for providing coaching is available here.

If you are cleaning after a known or suspected case of COVID-19 please refer to the specific guidance.

Individual users must take reasonable personal responsibility when visiting facilities and when taking part in any sport and physical activity.

Please note: This guidance note is provided for general information only. Care has been taken over the accuracy of the content of this note but Scottish Rugby cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or reflects all relevant legal requirements. Each club should make individual decisions about when their facilities are ready to open and can be operated safety. Until a club believes it is safe to re-open, it should remain closed.