In response to the University moving to Dfe Tier 3 and the reduction of face-to-face teaching, UoM Sport wanted to clarify our position and outline what this means for our programmes and activities. In line with Government, University and National Governing Body (NGB) guidance, we remain committed to providing a range of safe, compliant, in person and virtual sport and activities for our University and local community.

Whilst further heightening the importance of following our safe practices and reviewing some elements of what we had hoped to deliver, we believe it is now more important than ever that we provide physical activity offerings that will positively support the health and wellbeing of our staff, students and public during these challenging times.

As an important University service, the majority of our programmes will therefore continue as planned with a few minor changes to ensure we maintain a safe provision across the different groups we support. We can assure all participants that all activities and facilities have been risk assessed and appropriate measure put in place, in line with the safe protocols approved for the sector, to ensure Sport is Covid compliant.

University competition and training that is directly with wider community participants will be paused at this time. This will mean the following:

• Any teams or individuals who represent the University of Manchester in external community competition will now have to postpone this or not enter those activities.
• Any non-student/staff teams or individuals will not currently be able to take part in internal UoM competitions for the time being (e.g. Campus Leagues) or train with our sport clubs.
• UoM sport clubs training at external venues can continue to train there providing the sessions are for UoM students/staff only, all relevant risk assessments have been approved and the activity has been signed off by the external facility.
• The general public can still take part in individual classes and use the gym as an individual or the sport facilities as a community only session.

Additionally due to further information received regarding the new Tier system, all indoor team sport Sporticipate sessions will be paused. Outdoor and exercise sessions will continue as planned. 

This approach will continue and remain in place whilst the University is at tier 3 status, which will be reviewed on the 11th November.

We are also aware of the reports around possible further tightening of restrictions that may impact Manchester in the near future and therefore we will remain flexible to further adapt activities should Government, University or NGB guidance change for our region or programmes at any point.

Playing your part

To ensure that we are able to continue to provide all of our programmes, we need your help to act responsibly and follow the guidance at all times! You MUST adhere to all guidelines, not just for your session, but before and after as well. These include not arriving in groups, not mix with others in separate training bubbles and do not mix with others when leaving sessions. You MUST book onto all sessions, and at all times follow social distancing and hygiene guidelines, these can be found here.

Essential reporting process for those testing positive for Covid-19 OR self-isolating

As we all have a responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe it is vital that you follow the appropriate process for reporting Covid-19 cases or if you are self-isolating immediately, regardless of if you have attended a Sport activity.

All staff and students should complete the online form here, which reports the information to the University. Should you have attended a University session in the previous 3 days, you are now required to include this information on the form in the space provided. UoM Sport will then be made aware of this allowing us to make any necessary decisions and inform anyone who may have to also self-isolate through our local track and trace system. For more information regarding isolation and other Covid-19 related matters, please visit the student FAQs site here and for helpful guidance and support for those students self-isolating, you can visit the University site here.

For public users of the sport programmes or facilities, you should engage in the NHS Track & Trace process, making them aware of your activities at the University Sport sites. This will be done by scanning in the QR codes during your visit to the facilities and engaging in any follow up contact with NHS Track & Trace team.

Support to AU Sport Clubs

We understand that the current environment is challenging and we want to support our sports clubs to continue to return to training where possible.

If your club is affected by current restrictions (e.g. a number of members self-isolating) then please make contact with us before making the decision to cancel any training sessions. We are here to support clubs and will work with you to do everything we can to ensure that, where possible, your sport can still operate for those able to attend. Options will include:

• Adaptation of activity to deliver a safe session within the current level of resources.
• Agree to a reduced level of activity or space requirements with UoM Sport.
• Cancel the activity without a direct cost to the club

Any club wishing to cancel an activity without agreement of UoM Sport will still be charged for their booking as per standard Terms & Conditions. Any agreed cancellations will be communicated from UoM Sport to the relevant facility directly.

Thank you

We want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all our user groups who have responded so positively to all changes and requirements needed to ensure that they are running safe, Covid compliant activities. Your efforts are greatly appreciated so please continue to maintain the high standards you have set.

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