Dear Members,
We have some brilliant news to bring you regarding the continued return to the ice of all skaters in England. Today’s update is extremely welcome and will mean more and more people can get back skating.
British Ice Skating have been told by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) that Ice Dance & Pairs skaters can now train together. All contact elements are allowed as long those involved are part of a sporting bubble and arrangements are put in place following the Return to Training – Ice Skating Guidelines.
Short track races are also able to take place, including contact between skaters. Strict social distancing must be followed before and after races as well as other safety measures such as regular hand washing. Guidance can be found in the Return to Training – Ice Skating Guidelines. All relevant risk assessments must also be completed.
In further great news, Synchro can now return to the ice with limited contact allowed in line with the framework for UK Synchronized Skating Return to Team Training. Skaters will be able to practice elements but must refer to all safety guidelines published.
A training session will be organised in the near future to help clubs, skaters and rinks prepare.
We would like to thank Amanda Hembrow-Jones, Peter Kilham & the Synchronized Technical Advisory Committee for their tireless work in compiling documents passed on to the government that were vital in the return of Synchro.
In all cases it is still imperative that, both on and off the ice, all government guidelines on social distancing and other safety measures are followed. All ice rinks have been passed the DCMS approved Return to Rinks document that highlights industry guidance on social distancing and making ice venues Covid secure.
You can find a selection of BIS coronavirus documents here.
We hope that you continue your return to the ice in a safe and enjoyable way.