Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools are closed under Tier 4 rules in the North East.
But what about two of the most popular outdoor sports on the region; football and golf?
While Tier 4 does close indoor facilities, it does allow for outdoor sport as long as those participating are from the same household or are a maximum of two people from different households.
That rules out most games of football, other than kickabouts between people living in the same house. But it does allow for golf courses to remain open, as long as the venues are Covid-secure.
Non-elite football is not allowed in Tier 4 areas, including training and fixtures. That means indoor and outdoor grassroots football is not allowed in the North East at the moment - including games played at venues like Powerleague and Goals, which are currently closed. Under 18s and disabled football is allowed to continue.
Golf is allowed with strict limits on how many players are involved and who plays with who.
Can I play football in Tier 4?
Unless you are a child, elite player or play organised disabled football, then no, you will not be able to play football in Tier 4, other than a kickabout with those who you live with, or one person you do not live with.
That includes playing in the park, leagues and at venues like Powerleague and Goals, outdoors and indoors.
For adults, only 'elite' football is allowed, that's anything above step three of the National league system for men and anything above tier 3 of the Women's system. The National League North and National League South are the lowest-ranked men's leagues which can continue in Tier 4, while the FA Women's Championship and FA Women's Superleague are the only women's leagues allowed to operate in Tier 4.
Spectators are barred in Tier 4 areas too.
The FA says: "It is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers, and facility providers in Tiers 1 to 3 (and permitted football in Tier 4) continue to strictly follow both the UK Government's latest guidance on COVID-19 and respective bespoke guidance documents from The FA. Any incidents of non-compliance will be reported to the local County Football Association."
Can I play golf in Tier 4?
Yes, golf courses can remain open in Tier 4 areas - although clubhouses must stay shut.
There are limits on who can play with who.
England Golf says : " Golf courses in Tier 4 areas can remain open for play in the following formats:
- Individual play
- Two-balls from same or different households/bubbles
- Three or fourballs involving people from the same household/bubble
"The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf – of which England Golf is a member – has issued the following statement addressing issues of play, retail, coaching and travel:
“In Tier 4 areas, golf courses can remain open for individuals playing with members of their own household or support bubble, or with one person from another household.
“As usual, social distancing is to be observed and all necessary steps are to be taken to ensure a COVID-19 secure environment.
“Under Tier 4 restrictions, non-essential retail – including Pro Shops and golf retailers – must close. Click and Collect will, however, be permitted.
“Outdoor coaching will be allowed on an individual basis or for multiple members of the same household or support bubble. Indoor coaching will be not be permitted.
“There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes, and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing.
“Custom fitting can take place outside on a one-to-one basis but is not permitted indoors.
“Some golf ranges can be classified as indoor settings, but it would be for each facility to read and interpret the guidelines against their own venue – it is suggested that if confirmation is required they contact their local authority who will be best placed to advise.
“Unless it’s essential for work or other reasons, Tier 4 areas must not be left by occupants or entered by anybody from a Tier 1, 2 or 3 area. Full details of Tier 4 guidance can be found on the government’s website.”
