Coronavirus guidance for sport and leisure facilities

sportscotland, the national agency for sport in Scotland, has released guidance for sports facilities to help them reopen and continue to operate safely during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The guidance is primarily intended for owners and operators of sports facilities, but it can be adapted to support other sports, clubs and community organisations. It is applicable to indoor and outdoor sport and can be either used in whole or in part depending on individual circumstances.

The guidance is in the form of a PDF document (327 KB) and features a checklist of actions and points to consider. It includes information on:

• things to consider as you prepare to reopen, including responsibilities of management
• how to prepare your facility for sport or activity
• how to protect participants during sport or activity
• regular reviews and assessments of your plans and operations

Topics covered include:

• facility essentials
• physical distancing
• hygiene, health and safety
• training and communications

There are also individual operational guides (in separate PDF documents) for:

• gyms
• ice rinks
• sport halls
• sport courts and pitches
• swimming pools
• changing rooms

You can also access downloadable resources including risk assessment templates, cleaning checklists and more.

This is a free service. 

Owners and operators of sports facilities in Scotland, as well as other sports, clubs and community organisations.

From Monday 17 May 2021, restrictions will ease across most of Scotland. The following rules will apply:

Level 3

What's allowed:

• organised outdoor non-contact sports, personal training and coaching
• exercise in gyms and indoor sports facilities (while following the rules on meeting other households)
• all organised sports and activities for under 18s

What's not allowed:

• outdoor contact sports, except for professional sport
• group exercise classes
• indoor sports (contact or non-contact)

Levels 1 and 2

What's allowed:

• all organised outdoor sports, personal training and coaching
• organised indoor exercise (such as exercise classes and non-contact sports)
• all organised sports and activities for under 18s

What's not allowed:

• indoor contact sports, except for professional sport

Note that all sport and exercise activities must observe appropriate safety measures.

Check your local protection level to see full details of what is permitted in your area.

Visit the sportscotland website for more information and to download the guidance documents.