JULY 2020 - An important message to all Club members and their families

Hoping that this message finds you all well. The COVID 19 pandemic has certainly caused unprecedented times for everyone. I am sure that all our club members are missing badminton as much as we are and looking forward to when we will be able to return. With indoor sport being allowed back from the 25th July in a very limited capacity it is at least a light at the end of the tunnel.

I wanted to update you all before the summer holidays with as much information as I can to try and reassure you that when we are allowed to get back playing we will be doing everything we can to comply with the guidelines set by Badminton England and the Government. We are making plans but as you are probably aware the situation is constantly changing and we have lots of areas that are completely out of our control. We are not sure when school sports halls will be available for lettings and how the situation will work with regards to groups of juniors from different schools, different families and year groups. We are constantly in talks with both Emerson and Bower Park Schools as well as with Badminton England.

Badminton England have a return to play guideline section and the link for this is:

https://www.badmintonengland.co.uk/play/information-regarding-the-coronavirus/

We have the safety of our members, coaches and volunteers as our top priority and will do everything we can to ensure that this isn't compromised. I have mentioned areas that we can't control but things we can put into place will include the following:

1. No sharing of equipment. Players must use their own racket. If a club member does not have a racket the club will lend them one to use until normal play resumes

2. Coaches will put up and take down nets so there will be no need for any players to touch the nets or posts.

3. Antibacterial hand gel will be available at all sessions and must be used on arrival, departure and at the end of any game/ coaching activity

4. Shuttles will be cleaned after each session and not shared between sessions

5. There will be NO shaking hands at the end of matches

6. We need to ensure that all contact details are completely up to date as we will have to provide attendance information for the track and trace scheme.

7. We will abide by maximum numbers as set by Badminton England

8. We will have the official Badminton England signage to remind people about the guidelines

9. Each session is lead by a coach and they will ensure that people are adhering to the rules

10. Consideration to where bags and drink bottles are left is very important

At the moment we are unable to give any indication of an actual start date for club and coaching sessions but as soon as we hear anything we will obviously let you know and at this point we will send out the relevant forms and information that you will need. Please bear with us and hopefully when we are given the green light we will have everything in place to be able to operate safe and enjoyable sessions. If you have any questions or know that your child or you won't be returning then please can you contact Amanda at amandaaustin@btinternet.com to enable us to try and plan sessions.

Many thanks and really hoping we can be back playing soon. In the meantime keep safe and I hope to be back in contact soon.

Amanda Austin (Head Coach)

07885 063542