ACU give their view on fans returning to grassroots motorcycle sport
By Andrew Hill on 25th Nov 20
We reported on Monday the promising new guidance that would allow grassroots sport and spectators to return in England from December 2. But we cautioned at the time that we would need the ACU to take a look at the latest measures announced by the UK Government.
This has now been done and the ACU have published their guidance.
The good news is the ACU have given the green light for outdoor motorcycle sport to return with limited spectator numbers (local restrictions permitting) once the lockdown ends. But it comes with a note of caution and it's important to review the restrictions that are still in place. Below is the ACU's assessment and comment from the Chairman:
Organised grassroots sport is allowed to resume from 2nd December across all levels, providing social distancing remains in place, although there will be some restrictions on highest-risk activity in tier three areas. Spectators at non-elite sports will be able to attend events in line with Covid-secure guidance for each tier.
Additionally, the Prime Minister has announced that elite sport clubs and events hosted outdoors in tier one locations will be able to welcome up to a maximum of 4,000 fans or 50 per cent of stadium capacity whichever is the lower.
In tier two (high alert) locations the cap is set at 2,000 supporters or 50 per cent of stadium capacity.
Indoor sporting events and fixtures in tiers one and two locations will be able to host a maximum of 1,000 fans or 50 per cent of stadium capacity - whichever is lower.
In tier three locations, fans will not be permitted to attend elite sporting fixtures in line with hospitality venues and other large event venues being closed.
For those living in Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands you will be required to follow the guidance/advice/rules issued by your devolved governments and as such ACU/SACU permits issued for events to take place in those areas will apply as per the local rules.
ACU Chairman, Roy Humphrey commented: "Bringing grassroot sport back is a big plus, not only for the sport itself but for the wellbeing and mental health of our members. We need to be mindful though that although the Prime Minister has announced an easing of the lockdown measures, this does not mean that the Coronavirus has disappeared or dissipated. The risk is still out there, the virus still exists and although we want the sport to restart again, I urge Organisers to be mindful that their venues need to be Covid secure.
"In some cases, we have seen other Organisations turn a blind eye to advice / guidance issued by the UK Government or that issued by devolved administrations, but as the recognised Governing Body for the sport, I ask that we do what is expected of us and follow the advice / guidance issued by our respective governments and the advice/guidance issued by the ACU."
Explainer: Watch the video below to see the new three-tier system for England...
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