London in Tier 3: What are the rules for grassroots sport in the capital?

London’s Tier 2 status has ended with the city moving into Tier 3 this week amid  a surge in coronavirus cases. 

But what does the shift in tiers mean for grassroots sport in the capital? 

Does the change affect the under-18s?

The shift in tiers does not affect children and sport, whether those activities are outdoors or indoors, with the Government guidelines outlining an exception for “supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s (including those who were under 18 on August 31, 2020)”. 

What’s possible for adults outdoors?

Sport is allowed outdoors with those outside your household. That means the likes of golf and tennis can continue in the new tier, so too team sports like football.

It is stipulated that those sports involving high-risk elements – for example, prolonged face proximity – may have to be modified. For example, in rugby that would entail limited contact.

The guidance is to minimise any physical contact during training sessions with specific guidelines laid out by each of the national governing bodies. 

What is termed “informal or self-organised sport”, such as an exercise class, can only take place within households or bubbles, with the exception of groups of six in outdoor spaces. 

Is indoor sport allowed for adults?

In Tier 3, it is spelled out that people should not take part in any indoor sport or physical acitivity with people from outside their household or bubble. That includes indoor team and individual sports, training sessions and exercise classes. 

Does that means gyms are shut?

No, gyms and sports facilities remain open, it’s just group activities outside a household or bubble are banned. It means Londoners can still have personal training sessions and/or work out in the gym. 

Can I go to watch sports events?

The shift into Tier 3 means spectators are banned at sporting events.