Great news! Full return to Squash

Dear Members

Following on from our last bulletin and with much anticipation it was only confirmed yesterday through England Squash that a FULL return to squash is possible from Monday 17 May. If you want to read more go to: https://www.englandsquash.com/back-to-squash/guidance#step-3 and https://www.englandsquash.com/back-to-squash/guidance-for-players.

In summary:

Players can get on court with multiple households and play full court squash e.g. best of five with tie-breaks, and singles and doubles (squash bubbles and modified versions not required). The maximum number of players on court allowed are 4 adults or children.
Coach-led sessions can take place in any number (within the maximum venue capacity limit) but the maximum number of players on court allowed is 4 adults or 6 children. Coaches are allowed on court and are not included in the total number of players on court.
Coaches can provide Out-of-School Setting activities to all children (6 max per court), with no restrictions on the total number in attendance.
Spectators are allowed to return, but must observe maximum of six people or two households as well as social distancing rules and wear face coverings.
Indoor bar/restaurant/cafe areas are allowed to open, and must follow the current UK Government guidance.

Please also be aware as players:

You must continue to observe current UK Government advice on COVID-19 for your own health and safety, and everyone at the Club. Key things to remember are:

Pre-book all courts for use.
Maintain social distancing off court.
Wear a face covering off court if the lobby area becomes congested.
Wipe down common touch surfaces after playing.
Wash/sanitise your hands before and after you play.
You must also continue to sign in/out of Club or use NHS Track and Trace app using the QR code.

Please note: the Government allow these changes subject to the maximum capacity limits of the facility, based on 100sqft/9.3sqM per person.

So there are some implications for our Club here which we need to think through with regard to use of the changing rooms and showers and the bar re-opening. We believe the changing rooms and showers can be used if restricted to two people at a time and plan to restart the hot water supply. For now, we will keep the 1hr court times with 30min offset to help social distancing. The bar will remained closed for now. (We also need to restock the bar as stocks have either been used up/sold off or are way out of date).

So overall great news and we are very happy to re-open and welcome back all of our members. So start booking those courts. ( Indeed some of you already have in anticipation!)

The Committee

15/05/2021