HomeCovid-19 Update
Added on 21 July 2020
Dear RCAC Member
We have now entered Phase 3 of the Scottish Government route map for exiting lockdown. RCAC Trustees and Coach Representatives have been meeting weekly throughout lockdown, using the time to update policies, procedures, and processes within the club and our position with respect to COVID 19 and return to RCAC activities. As we move into Phase 3, we felt it would be useful to provide an update for RCAC members.
It is clear that training will not quickly return as we knew it pre-COVID. Once training resumes, it will also be necessary to introduce a number of processes and procedures in advance, during and after sessions to ensure the health, well-being and safety is maintained for all athletes, coaches, volunteers and parent helpers.
As from 13th July, organised outdoor sport can be undertaken by U18 athletes with no physical distancing required in the ‘field of play’. A summary of the latest guidance from Scottish Athletics for athletics, the ‘field of play bubble’ includes track and infield activities, encompassing warm up as well as cool down activities. As soon as athletes leave the ‘field of play bubble’, 2m social distancing is required for U12-U17 athletes. There is no requirement for U11s to social distance.
There are also restrictions on the number of athletes recommended for each age group: U11 restricted to 8 and U12-U17 restricted to 10 athletes. Coaches, parent helpers and adults must adhere to 2m social distancing. 18+ athletes are also required to adhere to 2m social distancing, they can train with 5 households with up to 15 people; the coach counts as 1 of the households.
Risk assessment is a priority for all events, including endurance. Recommended number of athletes and social distancing also applies to endurance training. For 18+, they can run side by side maintain 2m social distance or running singe file maintaining a 5m distance.
In line with Scottish Athletics (SA) and Sport Scotland requirements, the club has appointed a COVID Coordinator. Our Coordinator and Club Chair have been attending Scottish Athletics COIVD-19 Update and Q&A Webinars to ensure RCAC is keep informed of recommendations. We have also been keeping in close contact with Highlife Highland to ensure we are kept in the loop with when we can access our training pitch behind Dingwall Academy. At the moment, there are no immediate plans to open the pitch which means we are unable to consider offering training sessions at this time. While we are all keen to get back to training, we can use this time to ensure all is in place to allow a prompt return to training once the pitch is open.
Prior to Training Resuming
Athletes will be required to have a current RCAC membership to ensure that all contact details are up to date.
We felt it would be useful to arrange a virtual information session via ZOOM for parents, carers and athletes. Will share date/s once this is confirmed and we hope to firm up some information on what we can offer in the forthcoming months.
To help us prepare for offering training sessions, we need to know how many athletes are keen to return and looking for parent helpers/volunteers. To capture this information, please complete the following online survey. A full response from the Ross County membership is requested please:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XWLR89Q
If you have any immediate concerns, questions or need for clarity please contact the secretary, Alice Mongiello, info@rosscountyac.com, or the chairman, Terry Quigley, chair@rosscountyac.com.
SA Phase 3 Guidance for Athletes can be found here
SA Phase 3 Guidance for Coaches can be found here