The comeback is on. However, it’s a tiny start.
2 x 2 is a start.
More good news: 2v2 outdoor volleyball gameplay returns
Volleyball England has told us that just before the week-end they received notification
from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport that it supported its plans
for the return of 2v2 volleyball outdoors.
Making it a trio of positive announcements within 24 hours, it means that 2v2 beach and
grass gameplay can recommence immediately provided the following mitigating
measures are implemented for the ‘one-metre-plus’ approach:
Social distancing (two metres) to be maintained at all times when the ball is not in
play and when participants are off court. This means no handshakes or
congratulatory touches.
Practise to be structured in such a way that close contact is reduced where possible.
Good hygiene is followed to ensure that hands are sanitised and balls disinfected during
breaks and that hands, volleyballs and other pieces of equipment are thoroughly
cleaned before and after gameplay.
The relaxation in advice applies for 2v2 volleyball outdoors. People from different
households may meet in groups of up to six people, but 3v3 gameplay cannot take
place. This advice is subject to change and it was based on studies that showed
that most players spend a tiny amount of time within one metre of a fellow
players on a beach court during a 2v2 game. Additionally, for those minutes
that athletes spend within one metre of another player, they are typically
facing away or are actively trying to move away from each other to protect more
of the court. It was felt that the risk is incredibly small and that it
is safe for normal 2v2 practise to recommence.
Please note that Volleyball England is not yet in a position to endorse the return of 2v2
tournaments.
Sue Storey, Chief Executive of Volleyball England said, “I’m delighted that we’ve finally
been able to achieve this milestone.
“The restrictions on all sports, including volleyball, have played an important role
in keeping everyone safe. Nevertheless, it has been difficult seeing our sport
limited to a low level of activity and I can’t wait to now see the community
dust off their kit and get back to playing.
“I want to say a huge thank you to the volunteers in our Return to Volleyball working
group for helping us to reach this point. In particular I want to say a huge
thanks to Phil Smith, our Beach Volleyball Lead, for bringing the emerging
research to our attention and for his tireless work.
“The comeback is well and truly on.”
If you have any questions, please email info@volleyballengland.org.
Contributor,
Douglas Barr-Hamilton
Source:
Volleyball England
Picture
credit: Steve Smith: (www.sandsphotos.co.uk)