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Covid Guidance Update

10/12/2021

Following the Government announcement on Wednesday 8th December, England will move to Plan B in response to the risks of the Omicron variant. Full guidance is available on the Table Tennis England Website.

As a result, the following changes relevant to table tennis are:

  • Face coverings should be worn when not participating, coaching or officiating in an activity/event;
  • Face coverings are not required when exercising, as it is not recommended to wear a face covering while exercising or strenuous activity;
  • You should limit close contact with other people
  • You may choose to take a lateral flow test before being in close contact and also encourage those people you are meeting with to do so, which will help to manage periods of risk. This includes close contact in a higher risk environment, or when spending prolonged periods of time with a vulnerable individual;
  • We recommend regular cleaning of equipment that individuals are in regular contact with, such as the sides/edges of tables and balls;
  • Let fresh air in if you meet indoors where practical;
  • Cleaning surfaces that people touch regularly;
  • We strongly recommend that hand sanitising and regular handwashing remains in place and that hand sanitisers remain out at the entrance and exit of the venue;
  • We strongly recommend that players refrain from breathing or spitting on their bat or the ball. This is likely to increase the risk of particle droplets spreading, alongside negatively impacting players feeling comfortable returning to play;
  • Players are still recommended to avoid hand shaking at the end of a game;

These are personal choices which can help reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19. It is important to consider that others may wish to continue to take a more cautious approach. We should all be considerate of this and provide the opportunity and space for others to reduce close contacts if they wish.

Further Easing of Restrictions

19/07/2021

From 19th July:

Table Tennis England have provided the following advice as follows:

Removal of all legal limits on social contact and social distancing, meaning that:

  • The 1m+ rule will no longer be in place for sports settings;
  • There are no maximum numbers inside indoor sports spaces or how many people can meet together;
  • Face coverings are no longer required by law but advised in crowded public spaces;
  • Doubles play will be permitted;
  • Competitions can resume at all levels (e.g. inc. 3* and 4*), as well as reintroduction of spectators at the organisers’ discretion.

What remains in place:

  • Keeping track of attendees at sessions is still important to do as self-isolation requirements remain in place;
  • If you have any Covid-19 symptoms, you should self-isolate for at least 10 days from when they start, and arrange to get tested. If you don’t have symptoms, but test positive, you must also self-isolate for at least 10 days;
  • The NHS Q-code Track & Trace and hand-sanitisation will remain recommended as good practice;
  • Government advise tells us to take personal and corporate responsibility for our actions.

Therefore, In addition, your club provides the following guidance:

  • The club will continue to provide hand-sanitisers for members to use when entering and leaving the building;
  • All surfaces should continue to be cleaned after use appropriate cleaning materials are provided by the club;
  • The club encourages all members to wear face masks when not playing or umpiring;
  • Because of the size of the room social distancing is strongly recommended. We will however increase the number of people to 8 adults in the room at any one times;
  • The club continues to support members taking regular Lateral Flow tests;
  • There are no catering facilities available so please bring your own.

Opened For Increased Activity

15/06/2021

From Tuesday 15th June 2021
Following the governments recent announcements we remain open but please adhere to the existing Covid Procedures implemented on 17th May
Further guidance will be released on 19th July

Opening For Increased Activity

17/05/2021

From Monday 17th May 

  • Adults and young people may return for practice and competitive play.
  • Maximum of 5 people in the Room at any one time  due to size of facility.
  • Doubles is not permitted.
  • Maintain social distancing.
  • Continue with Hygiene recommendations.
  • Three people may travel in the car.

Player recommendations before returning to competitive play.

We advise:

  • that when returning to play, start with a shortened playing time and build up gradually until you become more used to longer periods of exercise.
  • you have considered your physical health and the level of activity you have been doing before choosing to return to competitive play.
  • that you have taken part in several table tennis training sessions before returning to competitive play.
  • that you warm up and cool down prior and after competing

You must not attend a competition:

  • if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (a new, continuous cough, high temperature, loss or change to your smell or taste.)

Some organisations, as they open up, are encouraging individuals to take lateral flow tests periodically. They are free from the government website and easy to use It is however your personal choice if you wish to do so. We would encourage you to take precautions if you are able, it helps you and others.

Opening For Limited Activity

09/04/2021

From Monday 12th April 

  • Table tennis indoors to re-start for children under the age of 18 and Disabled People in bubbles of up to 15. It has been confirmed that the exemption for under-18s includes young people who were under 18 on 31st August 2020.
  • Play for adults indoors not yet permitted, unless with someone from your own household or support bubble.
  • The use of the Robot will be permitted by an adult for sole use only. No other persons should be allowed in the facility 
  • One-to-one coaching can be carried out for U18s indoors or outdoors, for adults one-to-one coaching is permitted indoors if for paid work/employment purposes for the coach, or outdoors for any other circumstances.
  • Local leagues, local competitions and 1* events for U18s and Disabled People are able to re-start, if abiding by the guidelines set out in the Ready to Return Official Guidance document for adult activity and advising players of the recommendations of returning to competitive play.

Tier 4 Closure

31/12/2020

Following the rise in Covid cases  in the West Midlands,  the government has announced the move into Tier 4 for our region.

This means that we have to close the Club House facilities completely Until Further Notice. 

Enjoy New Year’s Eve in what ever way you safely can. 

Stay safe, keep fit and well 

Limited Return to Play 

02/12/2020

Individuals on their own  may now use the Robot –  Book the ROOM  via the website  should show up in Red – please limit your booking to two hours – Please do not book for more than two weeks in advance  – No one else should be in the room  Individuals may also use the table to practice serves on their own Leave time to clean down the areas before the next person enters the room . 

Parents playing with under18’s in the same household may make bookings for up to two hours  – The robot cannot be used during this time  by any other players  – Please book the ROOM  via the website – should show in Red. 

Coaching can resume on Sundays with a limit of 4 under18’s  plus one coach in the Room “

Covid Lock Down

02/11/2020

I regret to inform you that following the latest Government announcements regarding the Covid Lock Down and advice from Table Tennis England, all club facilities will be closed from 12-00 midnight on Wednesday until further notice.
Stay safe and well.

Bookings

12/10/2020

All Bookings have now been suspend with effect from 17th October until further notice  with the exception of the following conditions:

 
  • One player may use the Robot on their own by booking the room entirely. No other person should be in the room;
  • Coaches may continue with U18’s  coaching; 
  • One to one coaching  for over 18’s is permitted  but only one coach and one player in the room at any one time;  
  • A father and child under 18 may play together being in the same family bubble  but may not be joined by another player or anyone else; 
  • All leagues have been postponed until further notice. 

Thank you for your patience and  understanding during  these very challenging times

Stage Two

30/07/2020

From 25th July the Club moved to Stage 2 in accordance with Table Tennis England Guidelines RETURN to PLAY –  PRACTICE ONLY on 27th JULY Table Tennis England moved to Stage 3 Preparing for local Leagues to commence which we are now at.