Towcestrians Return to Sports Protocol – Letter from the Chairman

Following the recent announcements by the government, the General Committee of the Sports Club have agreed the return to sports protocol for all our sports.

Our objective will always be to ensure that we provide our members with a safe and controlled environment in which to play their sport.

Weekly reviews will take place by the General Committee from the 7th January onwards, to consider government, sporting body, local council, and Public Health England guidelines as updated.

NO unauthorised usage of the sports facilities at Greens Norton Road is allowed without the prior agreement of the section chair of the respective sport and the Clubhouse remains closed.

Senior/Adult Sports
Each sport will follow the government guidelines, meaning that in most instances all sports are currently suspended. Tennis will continue, at adult level, in line with LTA guidelines. The tennis section will provide guidelines on how this is to be implemented and distribute to its members.

Mini & Junior Sports
Each of our sports will return in a staged manner and reflect the approach currently being adopted by the government with regards to individual school year groups. This approach is club wide and applies to all sports.
No mini or junior activity will take place at the club until after the 9th January 2021 and will then be in line with the following timings:
• From the 9th January primary school aged children return to sport
• From the 16th January secondary school children in year groups 11 & 13 return to sport
• From the 23rd January secondary school children in all other year groups return to sport

Please Note
The procedures under which each age group and sport re-commence will be issued by the respective section. If school return dates for a year group change the above timings may also be amended.
Sport represents a vitally important part of people’s lives. We have therefore also created a “Wellbeing” document to support coaches and parents. Please find this attached and we hope you will pick up on some of the positive and proactive initiatives suggested in it.
This position will be continually reviewed and we will keep you fully updated on any developments and changes. Please ensure that you follow all the social distancing guidelines issued by your sections. It is for your safety and that of your fellow members.
Frank Osborne
Chairman
In light of the government announcements the General Committee have taken a decision to a phased approach to re-starting sports. As a Committee we are aware that this decision may have a negative impact on all of our wellbeing which of course is a concern and with that in mind a small group of us have pulled together some ideas to assist.
– Try to keep active
– Try to reach out to someone if you are struggling
– Listen to music/podcasts and keep connected
– Treat yourself
– Stay connected to friends/teammates
– Eat healthy
Suggestions for coaches and team managers to keep team spirit and morale up.
– Zoom calls for quizzes, silly games or training.
– Agree all to watch a live sport game and discuss afterwards online.
– Set challenges for players. Let us see how good our Towcestrians skills are! The Great Towcestrians bake off anyone?

Useful links:
Local Mental Health support for adults can be accessed 24hrs per day seven days a week on 08004480828
– https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/CAMHSLIVE-Have an online live chat system for young people in Northamptonshire with resources for young people and adults.
– Shout (85258) – Text this number for a free 24/7 helpline. Offering advice and support for anyone struggling with their mental health.
– Young Minds (0808 802 5544) – Advice and support for parents with children struggling with their mental health.
 Childline (0800 1111) – For children and young people to access support and advice about their mental health
– Mind – For information and signposting about mental health and wellbeing.
– NHS Every Mind Matters – The NHS official website for information, support and signposting. Also features a handy quiz for creating your own healthy mind plan!