Although lockdown restrictions are starting to be eased, the UK Government have yet to re-open indoor sports facilities. The latest information we have is that facilities might be able to start re-opening from mid-July. We have been investigating how we might be able to run some outdoor sessions in the meantime as, for a while now, it has been possible for people to meet up outdoors, in groups of up to 6 people, from any number of households.

The BWF (Badminton World Federation) recently released a new plastic shuttle designed to have more wind resistance so that badminton can be more easily played outside. Air Badminton is a slightly modified version of badminton, using this new shuttle, that can be played on almost any outdoor surface (grass, sand, tarmac etc). We have sourced some of these new shuttles, along with some outdoor nets, and are hoping to run a few Air Badminton sessions whilst we wait for sports halls to re-open.

With the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing, we need to be careful to continue adhering to social distaning guidelines to keep everyone safe. Although being outdoors may reduce the risks, it does not eliminate them completely. The rest of this page describes how we will run these sessions and what precautions we will be taking to "stay alert, help control the virus, and, in doing so, save lives".

Have any questions or concerns? Please do not hesitate to contact us.

This page was last updated on: Wednesday 1st July 2020.

• Our ability to run these outdoor sessions will be predominantly affected by having favourable weather conditions. To increase the chance that we can run a session, we will be running them as 'popup' sessions. This means they won't run on a set day, at a set time each week. Instead coaches will identify suitable time slots based on weather forecasts, coach availability and venue availability.
• Once a suitable time slot has been identified for a session, all players will be emailed asking if they would like to attend. The email will continue a deadline by which expressions of interest must be received by.
• There will be a strict limit on the number of players allowed to attend each session. After the deadline has passed, a subsequent email will be sent out to all those who expressed interest to confirm if the session is going ahead or not (e.g. weather forecast changes) and if they are allowed to attend or not.
• The lead coach will decide who is allowed to attend each session. They will prioritise players who have yet to attend a session first, followed by those who can be grouped with others of a similar ability.

• Are you feeling unwell? If you have symptoms of *any* illness then please do not attend!
• Have you had confirmation that you are allowed to attend the session? Make sure you have an e-mail confirming that you are allowed to attend. Our drop-in policy continues to apply - players can only attend a session if they have been invited. If you have not been invited, then you will be sent home. Sorry.
• Familiarise yourself with the rules and guidelines on this page
• Think about how you will travel to and from the session safely - If you use public transport then you need to ensure you wear a face covering. If you would normally carpool then you may have to consider another option.
• Make sure you bring everything you will need:
  • you will need your own racket - we will not be loaning out any of our rackets and you cannot share someone else's
  • make sure your water bottle is full - we won't have access to any indoor facilities so you will not be able to use the water fountain
  • protection from the sun (e.g. sun cream, hat, sun glasses)
  • any medication you need (e.g. asthma inhaler)
  • hand sanitiser - we will provide some, but you may feel more comfortable bringing your own
• Use your toilet at home before leaving - we won't have access to any indoor facilities!
• Arrive in your sports kit, ready to play - we won't have access to any changing rooms!

• The sessions will take place on the sports field at Balcarras Sports Centre.
• Please try to avoid arriving too early so that coaches have enough time to set up before players arrive.
• If you arrive early, and you are able to, then please wait in your car.
• Please also try to avoid arriving late. If a player misses the briefing at the start of the session then we may have to refuse their entry.
• To access the sports field, walk along the path inbetween the sports hall and the pavillion. Follow the path to the left, around the outside of the building. Then walk down the path which runs alongside the astro until you reach the trees at the centre of the field (follow the green arrow on the diagram below). Make sure you observe social distancing guidelines - leaving at least a 2 metre gap between you and anyone else.
• As per our drop-off policy, it is imperative that parents/guardians walk their children up to the sports field to ensure that at least 1 of our coaches is present before leaving them. Children must not be left unaccompanied!
• Hand sanitiser should be used by all players when they arrive. Coaches will direct players to an area for them to place their belongings and let them know which court they have been allocated to.

• We expect all players to continue to abide by our code of conduct, be aware of these additional rules and to follow them. The session leader will have absolute discretion to send anyone home who they believe jeopardises the safety of a session.
• There will be a strict limit on the number of players allowed to attend each session.
• Players will be split into groups.
• Each group will have sole occupancy of a court.
• Each group will be allocated a tube of shuttles to use for that session. We will avoid reusing shuttles for as long as we can. The Air Shutles are made entirely out of plastic so will be easy to clean inbetween sessions.
• Each group will be supervised by a coach.
• Players will only be permitted to play against others in the same group i.e. there will be no mixing of the groups.
• Coaches will use their judgement to decide which group each player will be in, based on their ability. If we are unable to identify a suitable group for a player then we will let them know before the session so that they can decide if they still want to attend.
• No coaching will take place at these sessions. Coaches will simply facilitate players playing games against one another.
• Players should maintain at least a 2 meter distance from each other at all times
• Only 1 player will be allowed on each side of a court i.e. singles only
• Players can decide to just rally in a friendly manner, play full court singles, play full court vs. half court, practice certain shots etc. However, the forecourt (area in front of the service line) is out of bounds and must not be used!
• If you are able to use your racket to pass the shuttle back to your opponent then try to do this, rather than picking up the shuttle, to reduce the number of times you are touching shuttles.
• Players should use hand sanitiser after every game.
• For the time being we will have to avoid the customary handshake after each game. Instead players should use non-contact alternatives such as waving, nodding, thumbs up etc.
• Whilst not on court players must continue to social distance whilst spectating. Although we will be on a large sports field, no other sports must be played. We have only carried out a risk assessment for Air Badminton.
• Space will be allocated in the shade of the trees for players to shelter from the sun whilst resting.
• If weather conditions deteriorate then we will take shelter in the covered seating area outside the Pavillion, or outside the canteen.

• Players should use hand sanitiser as they leave the sessions.
• Once collected by their parent/guardian, players should make their way back down the path towards the pavillion. They should walk round to the left and follow the path around the pavillion building until they reach the car park (follow the red arrow on the below diagram). Please make sure that you continue to observe social distancing guidelines - leaving at least a 2 metre gap.
• Please go straight home after the end of the session. Do not congregate anywhere on the school's grounds.
• If a player or coach develops COVID-19 symptoms following attendance at a session, they should promptly seek a test and follow the NHS Track and Trace procedure (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/). They should get in touch with the club to let us know that they have symptoms. Note that current Track and Trace guidelines state that only close contacts of someone who tests positive need to self-isolate. Close contacts are defined as:
  • having face-to-face contact with someone (less than 1 metre away)
  • spending more than 15 minutes within 2 metres of someone
  • travelling in a car or other small vehicle with someone (even on a short journey) or close to them on a plane
  If everyone adheres to the guidelines we have set out on this page then noone should be classified as a 'close contact'. Although this may be the case, the club will contact everyone who attended the same session to advise them that an individual within the group has reported symptoms. This is so that they can take extra care in practising social distancing and good hygiene, like washing their hands regularly, and so that they can watch out for their own symptoms.

• We will be limiting the number of coaches helping with each session to make social distancing easier. If you have been assigned to a coaching session then it is more important than ever that you let the lead coach know immediately if you are no longer able to help. If we are short a coach, and unable to find a replacement, then the group of players that they were supposed to supervise will have to be sent home!
• When you arrive you should use hand sanitiser and then help set up the courts:
  • net and posts
  • marking courts out with cones
  • marking out areas for players to place their belongings
  • assign a tube of shuttles for each group to use
• After setting up, you should use hand sanitiser again. At the very least, ensure you use hand sanitiser inbetween each session and after touching any equipment or surfaces.
• Players will be split into groups and a coach will be assigned to each group. Like players, coaches should also practice social distancing. No coaches or players from other groups should mix at any point during the session.
• The one exception to this is if a player requires first aid assistance.
• Where possible, players should be guided in self-administering first aid.
• If this is not possible then first aiders should use appropriate PPE. The club's first aid kit has been stocked with additional:
  • disposable gloves
  • resuscitation face shields
  • alcohol based hand sanitiser
  • face masks
• If a player starts displaying COVID-19 symptoms during a session then they should be immediately isolated from the group and sent home.
• As before, sessions will only go ahead if at least 1 first aider is present, willing and able to provide first aid assistance.
• If you are a trained first aider then please make sure that you let the lead coach know what (if any) assistance you are happy to provide. Do not feel pressured into committing to doing anything you are not comfortable with. However, it is important that the lead coach knows who is available before a session starts.
• Although all our new social distancing rules will be shared with players before they attend a session, and we will remind them at the beginning of each session, there will be slip ups. Our job is to educate and remind players to practice social distancing, not to reprimand them. Having said that, persistent breaches should be reported to the lead coach, who will deal with them appropriately.
• As usual, coaches should de-brief after each session to flag up any issues and to suggest any changes to future sessions.