Close-contact and Competitive training permitted by the UK government
"It is anticipated that engaging in this type of training would start with smaller 'clusters' of 2-3 athletes and eventually progress to larger groups of 4-12 athletes, and ultimately full-team training" - Phase Two guideline
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The UK government has permitted close contact and competitive training for sporting activities to go ahead in the ‘phase two’ guidelines for athletes and elite sportsmen with full-team training to begin soon.
Premier League players returned to small-group training from Tuesday after it was agreed to introduce Step One of the Return to Training Protocol, which was part of the first phase towards restarting the League when it is safe to do so and enables squads to train only while maintaining social distancing.
Governments approval means clubs will be engaged in a voting process on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 to decide on contact training before meeting again on Thursday to discuss broader details of Project Restart - including contingency talks on how curtailment of the season would look.
The step two protocols means, ”training can be described as the resumption of close contact (interaction within the two-meter social distancing boundary) training where pairs, small groups and/or teams will be able to interact in much closer contact (e.g. close quarters coaching, combat sports sparring, teams sports tackling, technical equipment sharing, etc)."
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"The progression of training into Stage Two is vital to prepare fully for the return of competitive sporting fixtures in many sports. Close-contact training is required to replicate match formations and conditions, so that the sport-specific demands can be placed on the body, mind, and senses.
"Close-contact training develops the sport-specific fitness which is an essential element for player safety and a reduced risk of injury during competition.
"It is anticipated that engaging in this type of training would start with smaller 'clusters' of 2-3 athletes and eventually progress to larger groups of 4-12 athletes, and ultimately full-team training, without social distancing possible at all times. Under Stage Two conditions, as per Stage One, social distancing will continue to be the expectation at all other times aside from technical training."
The English Premier League and other top-level sport in England will restart next month behind closed doors. Spectators will only be allowed to venues until a vaccine is found.
