What does lockdown mean for sport and exercise?

Elite sport continues but further restrictions in place...
The country is back in lockdown  (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images for Premier League)The country is back in lockdown  (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images for Premier League)
The country is back in lockdown (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images for Premier League)

Elite sport will continue during lockdown, the Government has confirmed.

However, there will now be greater restrictions for sport in some areas of the country.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Government classes an elite athlete as 'an individual who derives a living from competing in a sport, a senior representative nominated by a relevant sporting body, a member of the senior training squad for a relevant sporting body, or on an elite development pathway'.

In football, elite sport includes the Premier League, EFL, National League and National League North and South in the men's game.

The women's game includes the top two tiers.

All other sport is currently on hold and outdoor sports venues such as tennis courts, golf courses and swimming pools must close.

A Government statement says that while in lockdown members of the public may still exercise alone, with one other person or with your household or support bubble.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.

Social distancing must also be adhered to.

The statement added: "It is against the law to meet socially with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble.

"You can only leave your home to exercise, and not for the purpose of recreation or leisure (e.g. a picnic or a social meeting). This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.

"You can exercise in a public outdoor place: by yourself, with the people you live with, with your support bubble (if you are legally permitted to form one), in a childcare bubble where providing childcare, or, when on your own, with 1 person from another household."

Public outdoor places include: parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests, public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them), the grounds of a heritage site, Playgrounds.