Post-Lockdown: Updated Covid Guidelines for Playing Rugby, Football, and Cricket Outdoors

In February, Boris Johnson unveiled his plan for easing lockdown restrictions. The reopening of schools began on March 8, followed by a series of four ‘steps’ that would be implemented between March and July. The goal was to offer every adult at least one vaccination by July.

While elite sport was allowed to continue during the lockdown, there has been a growing demand for recreational sport to be prioritized. The physical and mental health benefits that people derive from participating in sports are immense.

Many sports and clubs are currently facing financial uncertainty and are eagerly waiting to resume operations. With Spring approaching and the vaccination program being rolled out, the grassroots sports sector is finally starting to open up again.

Which sports are allowed from March 29?

From Monday, March 29, all outdoor organized sports and physical activities for adults and children have resumed. This includes the reopening of pitches, courts, tracks, as well as outdoor facilities like swimming pools, golf courses, tennis courts, archery and riding centers, and outdoor gyms.

Organized group activities such as outdoor exercise classes, walking groups, and competitive cycling and running are also permitted.

These activities must adhere to Covid-secure protocols established by governing bodies and organizers.

Physical education in schools and extracurricular sports activities were already allowed starting from March 8, and disabled sports have been exempt throughout the lockdown.

What are the special rules for team sports like football, cricket, and rugby?

Football can be played according to its normal rules, but precautions must be taken. The Football Association (FA) emphasizes avoiding handshakes, team huddles, goal celebrations, and shared water bottles. Players are also advised against spitting and shouting when face-to-face with others. Only participants should handle the ball.

The community rugby season has been canceled, but youth teams can have friendly matches and rugby clubs can hold contact training sessions excluding scrums and mauls. Training sessions should not involve more than 20 minutes of contact.

Cricket training and friendly matches are allowed, with league programs expected to start on time in mid-April. Participants are encouraged to avoid sweat or saliva on the ball, regularly clean their hands and the ball every six overs, and use their own equipment whenever possible.

For all sports, participants should arrive ready to play, and while toilets can be accessed, indoor changing rooms must remain closed. Social distancing should be maintained during breaks in play.

What about socially distanced sports like tennis, golf, and fishing?

Fishing has been allowed throughout the lockdown with strict protocols in place. Recreational tennis will follow the rule of six (or two households) starting from March 29, allowing both singles and doubles matches. Golf will also follow the rule of six, meaning four-ball games are now permitted. However, Wales currently only allows two-ball games. Golf courses will continue to enforce rules such as no bunker rakes and cleaning the pin. Clubhouses will remain closed for the next few weeks, with outdoor drinks only being allowed later on.