Return To Play: New change to indoor guidance for U18s

A new update has been issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Sport England regarding the guidance on the return of indoor sport.

Further to the communication that we issued last week, Basketball England has received another update in relation to returning to indoor basketball for youth players from 12 April.

DCMS have confirmed that, in line with guidance issued by the Department for Education, the maximum number of people allowed per court remains 30, however:

• They must be in bubbles of 15 people (2 bubbles per court max)
• The two bubbles must not come into contact with one another

For further details see page 21 of our Return to Play Guidance by clicking the button below.

While this new guidance doesn't significantly change the ability for our clubs to train, it does have an impact on the return of indoor competition.

It is still our intention to move to Level 1 of our Return to Play roadmap, reintroducing indoor competition for all amateur players, from 17 May 2021.

We have therefore made changes to our Roadmap and Guidance accordingly and can confirm that the below is now applicable for all affiliated basketball clubs and partner organisations:

What is permitted from 12 April? 

ELITE   

• Continuation of training and competition for NBL/WNBL Division 1 teams under RtP level 2 conditions   
• Continuation of training for EABL/WEABL teams under RtP level 2 conditions. Reintroduction of competitive opportunities under elite exemption

YOUTH (U18)   

• RtP Level 2 – Outdoor and Indoor organised basketball permitted max 30 per court (bubbles of 15 if indoor), no spectators, no carpooling.  
• Competitive basketball in outdoor settings only

NON-ELITE SENIOR   

• RtP Level 2 - Outdoor organised only, basketball permitted max 30 per court, no spectators.
• Competitive basketball in outdoor settings only

BASKETBALL WITHIN EDUCATION   

• Basketball training permitted as part of educational delivery under RtP level 2 conditions

INFORMAL BASKETBALL - FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS 

• People will be allowed to meet outside, either with one other household or within the "rule of six"

If you have any questions about the new guidance issued by DCMS & Sport England, or require any further clarification, please don't hesitate to contact us using the button below.