CEO Update – 18th May 2020
I hope that you are all keeping safe and well.
You will have no doubt heard Boris Johnson’s announcement last Sunday which relaxed the restrictions on exercise and travel for exercise in England.
The BEF have released updated guidance about the implications of the changes in relation to riding and coaching activity
We recommend that venues who are considering opening for schooling read the guidance issued by the government which is available here.
This information relates to England only – Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland governments have not released any restrictions and the lockdown in force there remains in place.
It should be remembered that we all have a responsibility to minimize risk – both of a further outbreak of infection, and to ourselves in terms of injury and therefore pressure on the NHS. The government has been very clear that they will tighten up movement and activities again if they feel it is necessary.
Recommencement of competition
As yet, the lifting of restrictions does not permit the restart of competition. As mentioned in previous updates, there has been a lot of work behind the scenes to work on a model for a ‘socially distanced’ sport, and we are working with our organisers to ensure that plans are viable and achievable.
A high level summary of what we believe this will look like can be found here, however, we all need to continue to be flexible and adapt our plans as further information and guidance is released by the government. The safety and welfare of our members and associates remains key, as does taking the necessary steps to protect the health of the nation.
We will continue to work with the BEF and our fellow member bodies to provide further updates as more information is available.
I look forward to being able to provide more news soon.
Jude