T O K I C K B O X I N G : G U I D A N C E F O R C L U B S

BKC QM 2ND EDITIONVERSION 4 MAY 2021

COVID - RTP - ENGLAND

SAFE RETURN

I N T R O D U C T I O N 2 3 B R I T I S H K I C K B O X I N G C O U N C I L : E N G L A N D

IntroductionThe purpose of this document is to provide sport-specific guidance, based on the government’s contact combat sports framework, for the safe return to kickboxing across England.

You do not have to be a member of the BKC in order to follow these guidelines. If you have any questions, please reach out via returntoplay@the-bkc.co.uk.

The British Kickboxing Council (BKC) will:

1. Ensure all activity is consistent with the Government’s Public Health Guidelines regarding health, travel, social distancing, and hygiene.

2. Consider safety first, particularly minimising the risk of infection/transmission. A thorough risk assessment should be undertaken at club level, and appropriate measures put in place to ensure participants, staff and volunteers are protected.

3. Communicate clearly and regularly with members and participants, setting out what they are doing to manage risk and what advice they are giving to individuals to do likewise.

4. Put in place measures to enable an activity or event that can be flexed or changed quickly should tighter movement/social distancing be reintroduced in the future or if the restrictions are further relaxed.

We strongly recommend that EVERYONE follow Government COVID-19 guidelines.

Thank you for your patience during this incredibly difficult time.

Gary SpencerBKC Chief Health & Safety Officer and National COVID Lead

If you would like to read further advice on COVID-19, we recommend viewing the following pages:

England GovernmentScotland GovernmentNorthern Ireland GovernmentWales Government COVIDNHS COVID adviceWorld Health Organisation (WHO) advice

The government’s “contact combat sport” framework sets out a phased return utilising population control as the key mitigating factor to reduce the risk of transmission. DCMS will determine, in conjunction with public health officials and the Sports Councils, when kickboxing can move between phases. Each phase is dependent on successful completion and evaluation of the previous phase not having led to an increase in cases within the participant groups. Kickboxing clubs should only allow activities within the relevant phase to take place.

The government’s contact combat sport framework enables kickboxing to take place with appropriate mitigations, whilst maintaining appropriate compliance with social distancing and legal gathering limits. Local restrictions imposed across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will determine which restrictions apply and how you can safely participate.

It is recognised that in the course of contact training it will be necessary to compromise the 2m social distancing guideline. The increased risk of close contact will be mitigated by screening and sanitisation protocols, and by keeping close contact to a minimum during training e.g. warm ups and stretching would still be 2m socially distanced.

It is important to note that compliance with legal gathering limits and social distancing must be maintained at all times when not in training or competition. The maximum occupancy for each gym should be limited by providing 100sqft per person. For the purposes of calculation, the net usable gym space available to members to use is the training floor, spectator areas, changing rooms, toilets and wash facilities combined.

Please see the respective Home Country’s government guidelines (opposite) for the most up-to-date schedule regarding each Phase.

Phased Return Of Kickboxing

P h A S E D R E T U R N O F K I C K B O x I N G 4 5 B R I T I S H K I C K B O X I N G C O U N C I L : E N G L A N D

Phase 0: Non-contact socially distanced activity

At Phase 0, kickboxing may resume non-contact training. This means that they should only train individually and there should be no activity with others, including with equipment (such as pad work). Clubs, providers and participants must adhere to legal gathering limits, social distancing guidelines and venue requirements, as set out in government guidelines.

The following Low Risk Activities can be performed during phase 0:• Exercise & Gym Workouts• Linework• Bagwork• Forms

Phase 1: Return to equipment training

At Phase 1, kickboxing can resume training with equipment e.g. pad work. Participants can train with others and do not have to maintain 2m social distance. This is solely for the use of training with handheld and wearable equipment (such as pad work), and during this phase there should be no direct personal contact or contact with clothing.

During training, individuals may only be part of a single training bubble at an individual club/gym. Coaches that hold pads for their students become part of the bubble and will not be able to work with any other bubbles.

Coaches or officials who operate socially distanced from bubbles and are not holding/wearing equipment can operate across bubbles or multiple gyms. However, even when socially distanced, coaches or officials may wish to limit the number of bubbles or facilities they work with to limit exposure.

All coaches should make it clear to facility operators if they work across multiple venues. Whenever possible, socially distanced training should be maintained for all participants (e.g. during warm ups, when performing non-contact training such as bag work or line work). E.g. during warm ups, when performing non-contact training such as bag work or line work.

The following Medium Risk and High Risk Activities can be performed during Phase 1:• Pad Work (PPE) – indoors• Partnered Training Drills• Pad Work (No PPE) – outdoors

Phase 2: Return to contact training

At Phase 2, kickboxing may resume contact training which includes direct physical contact between participants. Participants can train with others and do not have to maintain 2m social distance during the activity.

During training, individuals may only be part of a single training bubble at an individual club/gym. Coaches that do contact with their students become part of the bubble and will not be able to work with any other bubbles.

Coaches or officials who operate socially distanced from bubbles and not doing contact can operate across bubbles or multiple gyms. However, even when socially distanced, coaches or officials may wish to limit the number of bubbles or facilities they work with to limit exposure. All coaches should make it clear to facility operators if they work across multiple venues. Whenever possible, socially distanced training should be maintained for all participants (e.g. during warm ups, when performing non-contact training such as bag work or line work).

The following High Risk and Extreme Risk Activities can be performed during Phase 2:• Pad Work (No PPE) – indoors• Sparring• Clinch Work• Grappling

Phase 3: Return to competition

At Phase 3, kickboxing may resume competition between participants.The provision of competition, including the number of participants permitted to take part, should be determined in accordance with government restrictions, adhering to legal gathering limits, and dependent on venue capacity.

The expectation is that grassroots competition will not start before Step 4 of the government roadmap (currently no earlier than June 21st in England). At this point, limits on social contact are expected to be lifted with indoor events operating at up to 1000 people or 50% of venue capacity.

A S S E S S M E N T O F R I S K 6 7 B R I T I S H K I C K B O X I N G C O U N C I L : E N G L A N D

Risk Activity Levels

Low Risk Activities (LRA)LRAs are non-contact activities where the sport can be practiced in a socially distanced space of 2m. Equipment such as a heavy bag or strength and conditioning tools may be used, but must not be shared, or must be sanitized between each individual use so as to reduce the risks of fomite transmission. These activities are allowed when the sport is at Phase 0:

Exercise & Gym Workouts – Phase 0 Standalone exercises are gym-based exercises where the focus is on technique, movement, strength and physical conditioning. Line Work – Phase 0 The practice of movement, punching and kicking in the air. This exercise is done in equally spaced rows and involves no contact. Bag Work – Phase 0 Practice of movement, punching and kicking techniques on a hanging or standalone bag. Practice of Freestyle Forms & Martial Gymnastics – Phase 0 Set martial arts movements, often put to music (can be done empty handed or with a weapon).

Assessment of RiskWithin the sport of kickboxing, there are high levels of contact for all athletes and coaching staff. These risks can be reduced during training by utilising the specific guidance laid out in the sections on COVID Secure Guidance and Protocols.

Preparing for competition

The return to competitive kickboxing will be managed in phases to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading further than is necessary. The approach will be to start with strict social distancing protocols and low risk, non-contact activities. After a review period to ensure all COVID-19 secure protocols are working smoothly, clubs will introduce activities that are appropriate to the phase the sport is allowed to operate at.

Kickboxing training can be broken into categories of COVID-19 risk levels (for the purposes of this guidance, all activities are assumed to be performed indoors with good levels of ventilation and COVID Secure Guidance and Protocols in effect):

A S S E S S M E N T O F R I S K 8 9 B R I T I S H K I C K B O X I N G C O U N C I L : E N G L A N D

Medium Risk Activities (MRA)MRAs are activities where the sport requires the athlete to come within 2m, typically operating at 1m with contact only on gloves and focus pads. These activities are allowed when the sport is in Phase 1:

Pad Work (PPE) – Phase 1This is coach-led pad work that allows the athlete to practice punching and kicking whilst maintaining a good tactical distance. Important for improving movement and accuracy, this activity will typically be performed at 1m or more. The pad holder will be required to wear PPE in the form of a mask and/or a face shield to help reduce the risk of droplet transmission when face to face.

Partnered Training Drills – Phase 1 This activity typically involves partnered athletes in sparring equipment using each other’s gloves as target areas. The drill is essential for recreating realistic distance, timing and movement patterns whilst allowing the athletes to land strikes without injuring their training partners. Contact is fleeting and typically on a partner’s protective equipment. Participants are typically spaced at 1m or more.

High Risk Activities (HRA)HRAs are activities where the sport requires the athlete to typically operate at 1m or less, with higher levels of face to face contact and fleeting body to body contact. Examples of exercise are as follows:

Free Sparring – Phase 2This is the practice of competitive sparring. Contact will typically be fleeting, with both athletes moving in and out of range as they attempt to land strikes and kicks without being hit in return. This involves face to face contact and higher levels of respiration due to the stressful nature of the activity. Free sparring is the precursor to competitive matches; without sparring, it would not be safe to restart competition.

Pad Work (No PPE) – Phase 1 Athlete-to-athlete practice where pads are being shared as each person takes it in turn to strike and kick pad whilst maintaining a good tactical distance. Important for improving movement and accuracy, this activity will typically be performed at 1m and is needed for teaching larger groups, as participants will be able to hold focus pads for each other. Because both participants of each pair are working out, PPE is not suitable.

Extreme Risk Activities (ERA)ERAs are activities where two athletes may be in close contact for an extended period (i.e. anything over 2 seconds). Examples of exercise are as follows:

Clinch Work – Phase 2 This involves holding onto an opponent in order to control their movement and prevent them from striking whilst maneuvering into an advantageous position. Clinch work is more prevalent in Ring Sports, particularly K1 and Thai Boxing, where it is legal to clinch in order to land a knee strike.

Grappling – Phase 2 Close contact work that requires body to body contact for a prolonged period. This type of activity will be common in self-defense and MMA classes.

A S S E S S M E N T O F R I S K 10 11 B R I T I S H K I C K B O X I N G C O U N C I L : E N G L A N D

Step 3 (from 17th May)

At Step 3, organised group training and exercise classes can take place indoors at a gym, leisure facility or community centre.

An organised activity must be formally organised by a qualified instructor, club, national governing body, company or charity and follow sport-specific guidance where appropriate. You can find group exercise guidance from EMD (UK) here including risk assessments, PAR-Qs, Covid-19 symptom checks, social distancing and hygiene measures.

These organised activities can take place with any number of participants, as long as they are undertaken in line with Covid-secure guidance and adhere to the capacity restrictions for indoor sport facilities - a minimum of 100 square feet (10ft x 10ft) per person - and with social distancing of 2m. This includes the net usable indoor facility space available to members to use, including changing rooms (when in use), toilet and washing facilities.

If the activity is not “organised”, the limit on group sizes is six people or two households, with social distancing.

Changing rooms and shower facilities can be opened, but you should encourage participants to avoid or minimise use where possible (for example, by arriving in kit and showering at home) and to minimise time spent in the changing area.

• The Government’s sport facility guidance for Step 3 will be updated soon.• There is also Government guidance here on the use of community facilities.

From 17 May, indoor gatherings of up to six people or two households can take place, including personal training sessions. Social distancing and hygiene measures should still be maintained.People are not required to wear face coverings while taking part in sport and physical activity, including coaching. Visitors are not required to wear a face covering in sport facilities; however, they should be encouraged to wear face coverings in enclosed public areas when not engaging in sport and physical activity.

Anyone coaching combat sports should follow their NGB’s combat sport framework action plan, which may specify that you need to wear a face covering. This is to mitigate the closer contact elements of the activity. The guidance for Kickboxing is contained within this document.

At Step 3, the government has mentioned they may ease limits on social contact. It will remain important for people to consider the risks for themselves, taking into account whether they and

those they meet have been vaccinated or are at greater risk. As national governing body for group exercise, we would advise that you maintain social distancing in group exercise classes as set out in our guidance when mixing with others outside of your household.

When running sessions outdoors or indoors, you need to download your own QR code poster and ensure all participants over the age of 16 check-in before taking part in the class. Where participants cannot scan QR codes, you must manually record their attendance in accordance with GDPR regulations, keep details of all class attendees for 21 days and provide all data to NHS Test and Trace if requested. There is more information here. If you are working in a gym or other facility, they should be displaying a QR code, which you and your clients should scan before your session.

From 17 May, people can meet outdoors for informal exercise and recreation in groups of up to 30 people. Organised outdoor sport can take place outdoors in line with the Return to Play guidance issued by the relevant National Governing Body.

There is no limit on numbers for organised outdoor activity, but please check with your insurer to make sure you are covered for the activity you are planning, especially for groups of over 30.Group exercise/training can also take place in private gardens if there is enough space to safely maintain social distancing.

Outdoor sports facilities can be used in line with National Governing Body guidance . This includes, but is not limited to, outdoor swimming pools, outdoor gyms, skateparks, tennis and basketball courts, golf courses including adventure golf, and riding schools to enable outdoor sports in compliance with social gathering limits.

You should minimise travel and avoid making unnecessary journeys (for example, by combining trips wherepossible), but you can leave your home to exercise and take part in informal and organised sport and physical activity.

A S S E S S M E N T O F R I S K 12 13 B R I T I S H K I C K B O X I N G C O U N C I L : E N G L A N D

Car sharing is permitted in Step 3, but you must follow the guidance for safer travel, which will be updated ahead of Step 3.

Where possible you should run sessions without using equipment, or the client/s should provide their own. If you need to provide equipment for a client, you must make sure it is thoroughly sanitised before and after each use.

There is no limit on how many clients or groups you can work with in a day, but you should leave a sensible time gap between sessions to avoid any overlap and unnecessary large gatherings.

Contact combat sports can take place where it’s formally organised and following the relevant NGB guidance. What’s permitted depends on whether it’s for children or adults:

Adults: Organised contact combat sports can take place indoors and outdoors for adults in Phase 1 (padwork only) of the combat sport framework, in line with the relevant NGB guidance.

Children: Organised contact combat sports for children (under 18s) can take place outdoors and indoors in Phase 2 of the combat sport framework, in line with the relevant NGB guidance.

NGBs/sports providers for contact sports have developed action plans in line with the government’s Combat Sport Framework, which takes into account the level of risk of their sport and how they can work to mitigate it to minimise coronavirus transmission risk.

See here for more information.

Children under 5 are not counted towards the gatherings limits for exercising outside.

Indoor sport for children must be formally organised meaning it is organised by a qualified instructor, club, national governing body, company or charity and follow sport-specific guidance where appropriate.

Up to 2 carers for a person with a disability who needs continuous care, are not counted towards the gatherings limits for exercising outside.

Social distancing should be maintained where possible, but in some circumstances, people will need physical assistance to be active. It’s important you discuss this with the person to consider their needs and preferences.

Any sports coaches or trainers undertaking one-to-one sessions should ensure they’re complying with relevant national governing body safeguarding policies and procedures and conduct a thorough risk assessment before engaging in any sessions. This should include particular consideration for under-18s and vulnerable adults.

A S S E S S M E N T O F R I S K 14 15 B R I T I S H K I C K B O X I N G C O U N C I L : E N G L A N D

Guidance & Protocols Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

The most recently discovered coronavirus disease, COVID-19, is now a pandemic affecting many countries globally. Governments and health authorities around the world have instigated social distancing requirements, restrictions on public gatherings, quarantine measures and limited travel to and from other countries to slow the spread of the disease and to enable health care systems to cope with the potential increased demands associated with managing the disease.

The kickboxing community has a responsibility to support these efforts. Coaches and clubs in particular must adhere to the principles of safeguarding people’s health at all times, and take into account and adhere to the latest regulations set out by the UK government regarding social distancing and hygiene.

Screening

All Clubs should have a process in place to confirm and record that participants and parents have undertaken a COVID-19 self-assessment. Ideally this should be completed prior to arrival at the venue to prevent participants with symptoms coming into contact with other participants. There are a number of different options in the way in which clubs could collate this information:

Paper based: Each participant is asked to print off, complete and bring with them a hard copy of the self-screen checklist prior to training or competition.

Online form: Clubs set up a form online using a platform such as Survey Monkey or Google Forms to collate responses. Self-declarations could also be incorporated into online booking systems when participants register for classes or competitions.

You are also free to use this form, which will send an email with the form data to the email address provided.

Whichever system is implemented, clubs and competition promoters must take the necessary precautions to ensure this data is stored securely.

The following checklist/questions should be included in any paper-based/online forms:E A C H P A R T I C I P A N T S H O U L D S E L F - S C R E E N P R I O R T O L E A V I N G H O M E F O R T R A I N I N G / M AT C H E S T O E N S U R E T H E Y D O N O T H A V E A N Y O F T H E F O L L O W I N G S Y M P T O M S (C O N F I R M E D B Y A P A R E N T F O R T H O S E U N D E R 18 Y E A R S O L D).

P O T E N T I A L I N D I C AT O R S O F C O V I D -19 I N F E C T I O N : C H E C K N E G AT I V E C H E C K P O S I T I V E

A H I G H T E M P E R AT U R E

A N E W C O N T I N U O U S C O U G H

L O S S O F O R C H A N G E I N N O R M A L S E N S E O F TA S T E O R S M E L L

B E E N I N C L O S E C O N TA C T W I T H / T R A V E L E D F R O M A H I G H R I S K R E G I O N / L I V I N G W I T H A S U S P E C T E D O R C O N F I R M E D C A S E O F C O V I D -19 I N T H E P R E V I O U S 2 W E E K S .

GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON THE RETURN OF KICKBOXINGIn developing the above guidance in order to allow the return of Kickboxing, a summary of the considerations highlighted by the government is detailed below. Also factored in are the broader government guidelines and policies currently in place regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic. These will be updated as required. Further details can be found here:

(COVID-19): Grassroots sports guidance for the public and sport providersGeneral COVID Pandemic advice

Specific points are highlighted as follows:The purpose of this guidance is to provide the necessary information to enable the return of contact combat sport. The framework above recognises the inherent risk in contact t combat sport and is designed to minimise COVID-19 transmission risk and enable participants to make an informed decision about their own risk.

According to current evidence, COVID-19 is primarily transmitted between people through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces – usually those that are frequently touched but also direct contact with an infected person.

Airborne transmission is possible in specific settings where certain procedures or sports treatments are performed in close proximity. In the context of what is known about COVID-19 transmission, about combat sport and about the incidence of asymptomatic but still infectious illness, combat sport is a high-risk activity.

As of the 8th April 2021 DCMS have formally approved the content of the above document as the single Action Plan for the sport of kickboxing within England. It is important to note that any club can follow this approved Return to Play policy WITHOUT being a member of the BKC or any other signatory body of the England Kickboxing action plan.

B K C S P E C I F I C R E Q U I R E M E N T S 16 17 B R I T I S H K I C K B O X I N G C O U N C I L : E N G L A N D

BKC Specific RequirementsClub/Association Agreement

Clubs can sign the below agreement confirming that they will adhere to the Government’s and the British Kickboxing Council’s guidelines and recommendations. BKC Registered clubs will receive a “Return To Kickboxing” badge on their ClubFinder listing once signed.

https://the-bkc.com/club-declaration-form

Modifications to the sport

Kickboxing is a sport with strict rules of hygiene and etiquette and at this time these rules should be strictly applied. The participant’s training kit must be washed between sessions and special attention must be given to personal hygiene.

As a close contact sport, consideration will have to be given to how any form of social distancing can be applied. Activities must be modified using various practices and routines which allow the participant to work without a training partner unless the training partner is a member of the same household.

(Different rules will apply for high performance training where the participants are part of a specially selected group of elite athletes, as determined by the BKC where social contact can be controlled.)

The sport is played on mats covering the practice area and these will be required to be disinfected after each practice session as advised by government guidelines.

Any other equipment used i.e. Gloves, Headguards, Crash Mats etc. will also have to be sanitised.

Spectators are not currently allowed to watch training sessions, with the exception of those providing support to disabled participants or when adults are acting in a Safeguarding role for U18s. When spectators are allowed to attend, there must enough space to allow for social distancing from the participants and other spectators.

Sections of the mat area can be cordoned off to give participants a safe working zone.

Changing room use

Participants should not use changing rooms, but arrive training-prepared, wearing their kit and with their own personal equipment (water bottles etc.). Following the session, they will be encouraged to leave the venue immediately with no social interaction and shower at home. Where it is necessary for participants to use the changing room, access will be restricted to numbers allowing for social distancing.

Access arrangements

Numbers of non-participants (parents/guardians) will be restricted. This may mean children being dropped off and picked up after the session. Where drop-off is not possible, and a suitable waiting area is not available, parents/guardians will be required to wait in their car.

Venue, car parking and avoiding interaction.

Class sizes will be required to be reduced to ensure that unnecessary encounters between people parking cars or accessing the venues is avoided. Staggering of session times should be considered to manage footfall in entrances and common areas. Parents/guardians must ensure when dropping off children that they are observed entering the club/training venue and that the coach has taken over responsibility for them.

Performance: current situation

The English Institute of Sport has appointed David Hart as the Elite COVID-19 Manager, and the University of Wolverhampton will have a COVID-19 Officer.

This group will perform a risk register and assessment for movement to step one of the five-step return to elite sport plan. The movement to step one will require a detailed plan to meet the elite guidance as a minimum standard. UK Sport, the English Institute of Sport and PD Forum are available to us for support and review.

Physical and mental well-being must be at the centre of all decisions taken. The benefits of a timely return versus getting it right have been discussed by the EIS Performance Leadership Team and a decision has been made not to rush the return to elite kickboxing. Currently, there is no international calendar, therefore we can truly prioritise Physical and Mental Wellbeing and the overall public health contribution responsibility we have.

Please feel free to send the following letter to parents at your club

Returning to Kickboxing - Parents/GuardiansThe British Kickboxing Council has prepared a range of resources for clubs to use to ensure the safety of all kickboxing participants on their return to training. Clubs and coaches will be required to follow the strict protocols put in place by the BKC, which are all based on government guidelines. The protocols provide the clubs with detailed health and safety guidelines that ensure the venue, and the mats are cleaned per government guidelines after each session.

The protocols require that your child’s kickboxing club provides you with details of when and how your child can safely return to training. The club will also provide detailed instructions letting you know what special measures and restrictions are in place and what your child can expect on their return to their kickboxing class.

Class sizes will be reduced, and each child will be allocated a space on the mat that will ensure that there will be no contact with others during the session. It is important that your child adheres to the instructions given by the coach and stays within their designated area on the mat. Activities will be restricted to non-contact kickboxing movement for the first few weeks and will gradually be widened to allow contact as social distancing measures are relaxed.

Changing rooms may not be available and your child should put on their training kit before leaving home. Access to toilets may be limited, so please ensure that your child goes to the toilet last thing before leaving home, so they do not need to go during the session. If they do have to use the toilets, ensure they wash their hands properly with soap and water and use the bins provided.

These guidelines, along with any information provided by your child’s club, will help you to ensure that your child can make a safe return to kickboxing.

Important: It is vitally important that you contact your child’s club before you let them return to kickboxing - do not just turn up at the club/training venue!

Before leaving home to take your child to kickboxing, please ensure:• They have had a shower or as a minimum that they are clean and have washed their

hands.• Their training kit has been washed after the last session and is clean to wear.• They always wear something on their feet up to the mat edge.• They have gone to the toilet just before leaving home.• They have changed into their training kit before leaving home.• That you have reinforced that they must not share their personal items.

Note: Where possible, please avoid using public transport and please be reassured a full risk assessment has taken place at the club/training venue to BKC standards.

When you arrive at the Club/Training Venue, please ask your child to:• Wash their hands with recommended hand sanitiser before going into the building.• Put their mask/face covering on before going into the building (if required).• Keep two metres away from everyone else.• Avoid going into the changing rooms.• Wash their hands properly with soap and water and use the bins provided when they

go to the toilet.• Remember that it is one in and one out for going to the toilet.• Sign the attendance register and hand in the signed declaration form (if not done

online).• Pay attention to all signs related to social distancing and Health & Safety.

When your child goes into the club/training venue, this will be the procedure they should follow:• All instructions given by the coach and other club officials must be followed.• Have their water and personal belongings with them.• Your child will stand in the middle of their Designate Training Area (DTA) unless

instructed otherwise by the coach.• Ask the coach if they want to leave the mat to go the toilet or other reason.• Put something on their feet when they leave the mat.• Tell the coach and sit down in DTA if they feel unwell.• If your child needs first aid, the coach/club member will come and fetch you to look

after your child.

When the session has finished, you and your child are asked to:• Leave the building without delay.• Not go into the changing rooms.• Not gather, meet up with friends or socialise either inside or outside the building.• Not mix with anyone on the way home, if not in a car.

Thank you for your patience during this incredibly difficult time.

Gary SpencerBKC Chief Health & Safety Officer and National COVID Lead

returntoplay@the-bkc.co.ukwww.the-bkc.com

T R A I N I N G A R E A 20 21 B R I T I S H K I C K B O X I N G C O U N C I L : E N G L A N D

Training Area

Mat Capacities

The coach has the responsibility to ensure that the approved spacing guidelines are not compromised in any way. The mat ratios that the BKC are working to are a minimum mat space per participant of 2x2m.

The number of members on the mat at one time will be dependent on the size of your mat area.

It is recommended that the maximum number of participants (not including coach) in a Kickboxing session is 15.

The mat area will not always fit the mathematics of dividing it up exactly into operational squares of 2m x 2m (see calculation sheet on the BKC COVID-19 Risk Assessment).

Session Management

Assuming there is 1.5m or more of clear walking space all-round the mat:All participants should stay within their designated square of the mat and, unless otherwise directed by the coach, use the centre part of the square.

All operational squares must have the opportunity for the individual to leave the mat without compromising anyone else’s social distancing, this may need additional spacing where mat edges are up against obstructions. Where additional space does not exist, the entering and leaving process will require a bespoke procedure to be defined by the coach for their particular mat shape, size and bespoke circumstances.

The coach must ensure that participants’ social distancing is maintained. This is a matter of:• Maintaining absolute discipline during the session.• A fully effective start, end and interruption process when participants are outside of

their operational area.• Injury / medical attention process.

Venues without at least 1.5m of clear walking space around the mat:• All on mat disciplines remain the same as sessions having peripheral walk areas.• Additional procedures will be required to facilitate the start, end and interruption

processes, as mats against walls will not facilitate walking around other participants’ operational areas at safe distance.

First Aid Protocols

The following protocols will ensure that there are clear guidelines for dealing with injuries on the return to kickboxing where abiding by government social distancing and hygiene rules will be essential in reducing the risk of COVID-19 being transmitted in BKC associations and club venues.

First Aid

Individuals:It is recommended that participants bring their own first aid equipment with them to kickboxing.• Personal First Aid Kit (PFAK):• Water, plasters, tape, scissors, sling, towel, hand sanitiser, kitchen role, antiseptic

wipes, disposable rubber gloves, face mask.

First Aid qualifications:The club must ensure that anyone administering first aid has up to date minimum qualifications recognised by the BKC.

COVID-19 and CPR Rules

The club’s responsible first aider must familiarise themselves with and abide by COVID-19 First Aid and CPR-specific rules. Follow this Health and Safety Executive (HSE) link for more information. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE):The club must ensure that they have face masks and disposable gloves available for anyone who is going to administer First Aid.

Reporting an injury:All injuries must be recorded as per BKC guidelines using the standard report form (see the Kitemark Starter Pack for a copy).

See overleaf for general First Aid administration guidelines.

F I R S T A I D P R O T O C O L S 22 23 B R I T I S H K I C K B O X I N G C O U N C I L : E N G L A N D

If a participant needs administration of First Aid:• They will sit down if possible, in their Designated Training Area (DTA).• Attract the attention of the Coach and/or Designated First Aider (DFA).• If they cannot attract the attention of the Coach/DFA, they will ask a participant next

to them to do so or a parent/guardian nearby to the training area.• Ideally, they will administer First Aid themselves using their own PFAK and carry on

with the session if safe to do so, ensuring they have put any equipment used in their personal bag that will be in their DTA.

• If they cannot treat themselves, the coach will arrange for their parent/guardian/DFA to come into the training area to treat them and carry on with the session if safe to do so.

• The person administering First Aid must wear a face mask and disposable rubber gloves.

• If a student is unlikely to be able to carry on with the session, they should leave the mat and club/training venue as soon as possible if safe to do so, go home and/or to hospital as advised by the Coach/DFA.

• They should not hang around, socialise or interact with people inside or outside the club/training venue.

• If they come to a club/venue with other family members who are participating in the session, they should go into their parents/guardian’s car and wait for the session to finish or ensure they comply with Government social distancing guidelines if they need to remain in the venue/club.

• The participants’ parents/guardians are responsible for them once they have left the club/training venue.

• If a participant cannot move off the mat, the coach will ensure the adjoining Designated Training Areas (DTA) are cleared.

• The Coach will assign responsible people to stand on the mat three metres away from the participant facing outwards to ensure they do not get injured further.

• The participant should be encouraged to move off the mat if capable as soon as possible.

• If a participant moves out of their DTA it should be cleaned as per the guidelines before anyone else uses the DTA.

• If the participant cannot move from their DTA, for example due to a dislocation/fracture, the Coach will ensure the adjoining participant designated areas will be cleared and, if safe to do so, the session may continue.

• If an ambulance has been called, the Coach/DFA will assign a responsible adult to meet the ambulance outside the club/training facility and show the NHS Staff etc. to the injured participant.

• If the injury is serious, for example a participant has hurt their neck/spine or they are having a seizure, the coach will stop the session, call an ambulance and clear the club/building apart from essential people who need to stay.

Cleaning GuidelinesThe risk of infection depends on many factors, including:

• the type of surfaces contaminated• the amount of virus shed from the individual• the time the individual spent in the setting• the time since the individual was last in the setting

The infection risk from Coronavirus (COVID-19) following contamination of the environment decreases over time. It is not yet clear at what point there is no risk. However, studies of other viruses in the same family suggest that, in most circumstances, the risk is likely to be reduced significantly after 72 hours.

What you need to know

• Cleaning an area with normal household disinfectant after someone with suspected COVID-19 has left will reduce the risk of passing the infection on to other people.

• Wear disposable or washing-up gloves and aprons for cleaning. These should be double bagged, stored securely for 72 hours, then thrown away in the regular rubbish after cleaning is finished.

• Using a disposable cloth, first clean hard surfaces with warm soapy water. Then disinfect these surfaces with the cleaning products you normally use. Pay particular attention to frequently touched areas and surfaces, such as bathrooms, grab-rails in corridors and stairwells and door handles.

• If an area has been contaminated, such as with visible bodily fluids, from a person with COVID-19, use protection for the eyes, mouth and nose, as well as wearing gloves and an apron.

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, and after removing gloves, aprons and other protection used while cleaning.

Principles of cleaning after the case has left the setting or area

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Although this information is generally for situations where COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed, from a general kickboxing club perspective PPE may include items used to clean-up, to reduce the chances of cross infection, treat bodily fluid spills, or prevent injury or illness (e.g. gloves, masks, aprons etc).

The minimum PPE to be worn for cleaning an area where a person with possible or confirmed COVID-19 is disposable gloves and an apron. Hands should be washed with soap and water for 20 seconds after all PPE has been removed.

C L E A N I N G G U I D E L I N E S 24 25 B R I T I S H K I C K B O X I N G C O U N C I L : E N G L A N D

If a risk assessment of the setting indicates that a higher level of virus may be present (for example, where unwell individuals have slept such as a hotel room or boarding school dormitory) or there is visible contamination with body fluids, then the need for additional PPE to protect the cleaner’s eyes, mouth and nose might be necessary. The local Public Health England (PHE) Health Protection Team (HPT) can advise on this.

Non-healthcare workers should be trained in the correct use of a surgical mask, to protect them against other people’s potentially infectious respiratory droplets when within 2 metres, and the mask use and supply of masks would need to be equivalent to that in healthcare environments.

Cleaning and DisinfectionPublic areas where a symptomatic individual has passed through and spent minimal time, such as corridors, but which are not visibly contaminated with body fluids, can be cleaned thoroughly as normal.

All surfaces that the symptomatic person has come into contact with must be cleaned and disinfected, including:

• objects which are visibly contaminated with body fluids• all potentially contaminated high-contact areas such as bathrooms, door handles,

telephones, grab-rails in corridors and stairwells

Use disposable cloths or paper roll and disposable mop heads, to clean all hard surfaces and floors.

Cleaning the Training Area

What you need to know

• Wear disposable or washing-up gloves and aprons for cleaning. These should be double bagged, stored securely for 72 hours, then thrown away in the regular rubbish after cleaning is finished.

• Using a disposable cloth, first clean hard surfaces with warm soapy water. Then disinfect these surfaces with the cleaning products you normally use. Pay particular attention to frequently touched areas and surfaces, such as bathrooms, grab-rails in corridors and stairwells and door handles.

• If an area has been contaminated, such as with visible bodily fluids, from a person with COVID-19, use protection for the eyes, mouth and nose, as well as wearing gloves and an apron.

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, and after removing gloves, aprons and other protection used while cleaning.

We would strongly recommend that, on a weekly basis, all water outlets (taps / showers etc) are run for a minimum of a minute for the duration of the lockdown. This will prevent Legionella.

Any clothing and washable equipment should be removed and washed to prevent mould. Once washed, if they need to be returned to the club, then please bag up individually whenever possible.

It is highly unlikely that COVID-19 is on any surfaces of a training area that has been closed for a week or more. This is because the virus should be dead after 72 hours.

Deep clean prior to 0pening of Clubs / Training venues

Self-CarePlease use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Disposable Gloves (marigolds will suffice) and it is best practice to have a spare set of clothes just in case.

Post clean, you must remove clothing, place into a bin liner and tie. Wash hands and face thoroughly and change into fresh clothes. Dirty clothes should be washed immediately when home.

C L E A N I N G T h E T R A I N I N G A R E A 26 27 B R I T I S H K I C K B O X I N G C O U N C I L : E N G L A N D

Club/Venue Care

1. Hoover all carpets and the mat areas (brushing often disperses dust into the air which will then settle post clean).

2. Using a damp mop, clean the mats to collect the remainder of the dust. Please ensure as much dust as possible is removed as you will be introducing moisture to the area.

3. Open any windows and doors. This will allow quicker drying time for the disinfectant.4. Using a solution of household thin bleach and water (3 full caps to a litre of water

should be enough to kill any bacteria, germs), wipe down all hand contact points. Remember door handles, handrails, tables, doors, vending machines, showers, toilets, sinks, seating, window ledges, etc.

5. Once cleaning is complete, pour away the remainder of solution as this will be ineffective approximately 6-12 hours later. Always use fresh solutions each day.

6. As the club/training venue has likely been empty for many weeks, you may start to see mould spores growing on walls and surfaces. It is imperative that these are cleaned, as a build-up will be harmful to students - affecting lungs in particular.

7. Please do not use bleach on your mats, as regular use of chlorine will corrode surfaces.

8. Dilute a solution of disinfectant and water. We would recommend Dettol or a good off-the-shelf product. Please see the bottle for dilution recommendations.

9. Using a pump spray, starting at the furthest point from entry, evenly coat the mats with the solution. Best practice is to keep the nozzle 18 inches from the surface and ensure the nozzle is turned to mist. This will aid even distribution.

10. Exit your club/training venue and allow to dry. Your mats will now be ready for a session.

Post Session Clean

1. Ensure all hand contact points are wiped with the chlorine solution.2. Using a clean damp mop and disinfectant, mop the mats.

You are relying on club members to be honest about whom they have come into contact with, but in the eventuality that a member is infected then at least the training area will remain clear.

We would recommend that clubs allow drop off and pick up (develop a suitable procedure).

We would not allow spectators unless it is necessary, and government social distancing rules can be adhered to.

Toilets & Changing Room ProtocolsFor the purposes of this document, these instructions are specifically for full-time clubs and other factors may influence activities depending on whether the venue is in a building shared and controlled by other users such as a leisure centre.

Toilets and Changing RoomsClubs have a responsibility to ensure that toilets are cleaned either before or at the end of each session. There must be personal cleaning and sanitising equipment available. Shared facilities such as in a leisure centre will be the responsibility of the leisure centre management, but coaches should obtain confirmation that cleaning has taken place. Changing rooms are not to be used at any time - apart from emergencies.

AccessAccess to toilets and changing rooms should be restricted as much as possible to mini-mise any transmission of infection, but may be required for medical reasons, menstruation, emergencies and unforeseen circumstances. For clubs, people must access the rooms sin-gularly, whilst the numbers are to be restricted and controlled by the coach or designated person, to maintain the two metre social distancing rules. Shared facilities will have their own access rules in line with government guidelines. Make sure these are understood by all staff and communicated to all participants.

SignageClubs must have appropriate social distancing and hygiene signage clearly displayed inside and outside the rooms.

Cleaning• Cleaning an area with normal household disinfectant after someone with suspected

coronavirus (COVID-19) has left will reduce the risk of passing the infection on to other people.

• Wear disposable or washing-up gloves and aprons for cleaning. These should be double bagged, stored securely for 72 hours, then thrown away in the regular rubbish after cleaning is finished.

• Using a disposable cloth, first clean hard surfaces with warm soapy water. Then disinfect these surfaces with the cleaning products you normally use. Pay particular attention to frequently touched areas and surfaces, such as bathrooms, grab-rails in corridors and stairwells and door handles.

• If an area has been contaminated, such as with visible bodily fluids from a person with Coronavirus (COVID-19), use protection for the eyes, mouth and nose, wear gloves and an apron.

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, and after removing gloves, aprons and other protection used while cleaning.

P A R T I C I P A N T I N D E M N I T Y F O R M 28 29 B R I T I S H K I C K B O X I N G C O U N C I L : E N G L A N D

Participant Indemnity FormThis form must be utilised to ensure that you are free from COVID-19 symptoms and pose a limited risk to others. It is important that once you have completed and signed this form that you send to or hand over to the person at your club or venue responsible for processing.

To avoid virus transmission, an electronic version of the form is recommended and where possible sent back to the club via email or other electronic means. The BKC has provided one which all clubs can use, here.

D AT E*N A M E*C O N TA C T E M A I L*C O N TA C T P H O N EA R E Y O U C U R R E N T LY D I A G N O S E D W I T H O R B E L I E V E Y O U M AY H AV E C O V I D -19?*(C H E C K A P P R O P R I AT E B O X )

Y E S N O

Do you currently display any of the following symptoms?Y E S N O

H I G H T E M P E R AT U R E (F E V E R)*A N E W O R C O N T I N U O U S C O U G H *L O S S O R C H A N G E T O Y O U R S E N S E O F TA S T E O R S M E L L*N E W U N E X P L A I N E D S H O R T N E S S O F B R E AT H *H AV E Y O U B E E N I N C O N TA C T W I T H A C O V I D -19 C O N F I R M E D O R S U S P E C T E D C A S E I N T H E P R E V I O U S 14 D AY S*Y E S N O M AY B E

S I G N AT U R E* (PA R E N T/G U A R D I A N I F U N D E R 18 Y E A R S O L D S)

If you have answered YES to any of these questions you should stay at home and inform your coach and/or club COVID-19 contact person and medical practitioner.

You should follow current UK Government Public Health guidelines. Only return to judo once you have sought medical advice and considered not to be at risk of infecting others with COVID-19.

Club Declaration FormTo ensure a safe return to kickboxing, all British Kickboxing Council (BKC) affiliated clubs and registered venues must sign this declaration form to say that they will abide by the UK Government and BKC guidelines related to COVID-19 social distancing and hygiene requirements at all times.

It is important that once your designated club representative has completed and signed this form that you send it back to the BKC.

To avoid virus transmission, an electronic version should be submitted using email to returntoplay@the-bkc.co.uk and can be completed online, here.

D AT E*C L U B N A M E*C L U B R E P R E S E N TAT I V E N A M E*

C L U B R E P R E S E N TAT I V E R O L E*C O N TA C T E M A I L*C O N TA C T P H O N EC L U B O R R E G I S T E R E D V E N U E A D D R E S S*

C L U B A F F I L I AT I O N N U M B E R

On behalf of our club/registered venue, I declare that at all times we will adhere to the UK Government and BKC guidelines related to COVID-19 social distancing and hygiene requirements.

S I G N AT U R E*

C O V I D - 1 9 - “ 8 P O I N T C h E C K ” 30 31 B R I T I S H K I C K B O X I N G C O U N C I L : E N G L A N D

COVI

D-1

9 - “

8 Po

int C

heck

”

AU

DIT

DIS

CU

SSIO

N I

TEM

OU

TCO

ME

1/ C

HEC

K W

RIT

TEN

CO

VID

-19

RIS

K A

SSE

SSM

ENT

(CO

NFI

RM

ST

ILL

VA

LID

, A

RE

CO

NT

RO

LS

CO

MM

UN

ICA

TED

E.G

. R

ISK

ASS

ESS

MEN

T A

ND

SIG

NA

GE

DIS

PLA

YED

)

2/ C

HEC

K P

HY

SIC

AL

ME

ASU

RE

S IN

TH

E T

RA

ININ

G A

RE

A A

ND

AM

ENIT

IES

(SC

REE

NS,

SE

PA

RA

TIO

N E

TC)

3/ C

HEC

K H

YG

IEN

E P

RA

CT

ICE

S A

RE

BEI

NG

FO

LLO

WED

(H

AN

D G

EL,

HO

T W

AT

ER,

SOA

P A

ND

C

LEA

NIN

G M

AT

ERIA

LS A

VA

ILA

BLE

)

4/ C

HEC

K S

UIT

AB

LE C

LEA

NIN

G R

EGIM

ES

AR

E IN

PLA

CE

(OFF

ICE

S, E

AT

ING

AR

EA

S, C

AB

INS,

TO

UC

H-P

OIN

TS

SUC

H D

OO

R H

AN

DLE

S, S

HA

RED

KE

YB

OA

RD

S, S

CR

EEN

S)

5/ C

HEC

K O

N S

OC

IAL

DIS

TAN

CIN

G (

CO

NFI

RM

PR

AC

TIC

ES

AR

E B

EIN

G A

DH

ERED

TO

AN

D

WH

ERE

AP

PLI

CA

BLE

FLO

OR

MA

RK

ING

S IN

PLA

CE)

6/ C

HEC

K W

OR

KIN

G/T

RA

ININ

G P

RA

CT

ICE

S (C

ON

FIR

M J

OB

RO

TAT

ION

- W

OR

K B

UB

BLE

S -

IN P

LAC

E W

HER

E R

EQU

IRED

AN

D A

DH

ERED

TO

, I.

E. B

RE

AK

S)

7/ C

HEC

K P

EOP

LE’S

AW

AR

ENE

SS O

F SY

MP

TOM

S (C

HEC

K I

NST

RU

CTO

RS,

VIS

ITO

RS

AN

D

CO

NT

RA

CTO

RS

AW

AR

E O

F SY

MP

TOM

S A

ND

AC

TIO

N T

O T

AK

E)

8/ C

HEC

K O

TH

ERS

WE

ENG

AG

E W

ITH

AR

E FO

LLO

WIN

G C

OR

REC

T P

RO

TOC

OLS

IN

OU

R C

LUB

/SIT

E: C

ON

TR

AC

TOR

S A

ND

VIS

ITO

RS

(IN

TR

AIN

ING

AN

D I

N M

EET

ING

LO

CA

TIO

NS)

COVI

D-1

9 - “

8 Po

int C

heck

”

FOLL

OW

UP

AC

TIO

N R

EQU

IRED

? (I

NC

LUD

E W

HO

AC

TIO

NED

TO

AN

D A

GR

EED

CO

MP

LET

ION

DA

TE)

AC

TIO

NW

HO

WH

EN

www.the-bkc.comfb.com/britishkickboxingcouncil

@thebkc