Further to the First Ministers statement on 09 March 2021 and initial guidance from sportscotland, the STA Board and Regions met this evening.  We can confirm that from Friday (11 March), up to 15 people can take part in outdoor non-contact sport and organised group exercise.  

As Touch is defined by sportscotland as a contact sport, no playing or training of Touch can take place at this stage.  However, clubs can come together for outdoor non-contact exercise, maintaining a two metre distance at all times.  No equipment should be shared between participants.  On travel, we have been given the following guidance by sportscotland:

‘People should stay as close to home as possible, in line with current travel restrictions, however some flexibility will be given to under 18s to travel across local authority boundaries to take part in sport. Further clarity on this will be provided when it is available.’

We are actively seeking further clarification from sportscotland on the use of shared equipment (i.e. balls) and travel.  When we have more information, we will update member clubs.

Update - 13/03/2021

Thank you for your patience while we waited for further guidance on travel and shared equipment. We have received the following from sportscotland: 

Travel
Under 18 - Children and young people may  travel into or out of a Level 4 area. Children and young people should however only travel from a Level 4 area to participate in activities they are permitted to undertake in a Level 4 area.  For instance, 12-17-year olds living in a Level 4 area are restricted to participating in groups of no more than 15 people.

Adults - Adults living in a Level 4 local authority area may travel within, but not outwith, that area to take part in organised sport.

Exceptions - There are no exceptions unless where there are animal welfare issues (i.e. horses)

Shared Equipment
Shared use of equipment is allowed in Level 4.

Please keep in mind that you must keep a 2m distance from other players at all times and that clubs who choose to train do so at their own risk and in the knowledge that members, who rely on the STA Insurance policy, are currently uninsured for on field activity