People aged 17 and under are able to play contact sports with no social distancing on the pitch from today, it has been announced.
Jason Leitch, Scotland’s national clinical director, said youngsters aged 17 and under can now participate in organised contact sports such as football and rugby.
Speaking at today’s coronavirus briefing he said: “There is now no longer a limit on the number of households that young people under the age of 18 can meet each day and children aged 11 or under can play without physical distancing.
“From today, organised contact sports can return for ages 17 and under, this includes full contact with no physical distancing required – only on the field of play.”
This means that now clubs, schools and community groups will be able to organise sports for these ages of young people.
Sports Scotland will be able to provide guidance for most sports and the Scottish Football Association and Scottish Rugby Union already have guidance online today for parents, clubs, carers and young people themselves.
Games will now need a Covid Officer, Mr Leitch said, who would be responsible for safety at games and fixtures.
Attendees will also need to be recorded on a register and there will be strict hygiene measures when games start up again.
The National Clinical Director emphasised the new physical distancing exemption was for on-field contact only.
“Once you cross the white line back to the other side you are no longer exempt from the physical contact restrictions,” he explained.
The news will be welcomed by schools and clubs who have had to suspend games during the crisis as well as fans.
