covid Guidance

Basketball England has refreshed guidance to support the basketball community following the Government’s latest changes to COVID-19 rules.   

Since 27 January, individuals have not be required to wear a face coverings by law, but the Government suggests people should continue to wear one in crowded and indoor spaces. 

From 24 February there is no longer a legal requirement to self-isolate, although Government guidelines says anyone positive should avoid contact with people.

BE guidance will continue to encourage the wearing of masks inside venues and that good hygiene practices should be maintained. 

There is also no longer a legal requirement to show an NHS COVID Pass at venues and events by law, although some venues by still demand this. 

BE appreciates the effort and patience required from all in the basketball family to adapt to changing Government rules and urges our affiliated clubs and partner organisations to continue to adopt a flexible and responsible approach, working with venue operators, that enables as many people as possible to play the sport safely.   

The BE guidance remains built on three simple principles:   

  • If you feel unwell, stay at home and get tested  
  • What can individuals do? Wear a mask, follow hygiene guidance, social distance  
  • What can clubs do? Test, screen, sound venue hygiene/management 

If you feel unwell, stay at home and get tested 

We encourage everyone to adopt a self-screening process. If you have a temperature, cough, headaches or generally feel unwell, DO NOT attend practice or games.  

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test, even if your symptoms are mild. 

From 24 February there is no longer a legal requirement to self-isolate, although Government guidelines says anyone positive should avoid contact with people.

Government self-isolation rules

From 24 February:

  • People who test positive for Covid will no longer be legally required to self-isolate
  • But they will still be advised to stay at home for at least five full days
  • Routine contact tracing will end, so fully-vaccinated close contacts and those under 18 will no longer be legally required to test daily for seven days

What can individuals do? Wear a mask, follow hygiene guidance, social distance 

Basketball England  encourages individuals to wear a mask when inside a venue, except players, coaches and officials who are active on court. Table officials and statisticians should wear a mask.

We recommend players and coaches wear a mask when inactive on the bench.  

Hand hygiene is one of the keys to stop the spread, therefore it is important to wash your hands:  

  • After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose  
  • Before you eat or handle food  
  • After coming into contact with surfaces touched by many others, such as handles, handrails and light switches  
  • After coming into contact with shared areas such as kitchens and bathrooms  
  • Before and after training/games 
  • When you return home  

Where possible, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  

Social distance (1m) where possible when not playing.

What can clubs do? Testing, screening, sound venue hygiene/management 

Clubs are advised to conduct temperature checking and team screening.    

Clubs are recommended to lateral flow test players twice a week as a way of identifying asymptomatic carriers. LFTs can be ordered through this link. 

There are no limits on the number of people allowed on court or spectators, but venues may have their own guidelines that must be adhered to. Basketball England cannot influence venues, however, we encourage all members to be sympathetic to different venue requirements.    

When operating central venue leagues or events with large crowds, we strongly urge the use of one-way systems and limiting the number of people gathering in common areas.  Spectators should be seated and socially distanced (1m) where possible.

Clubs are encouraged to support venues by keeping them clean, removing all waste (bottles etc), thoroughly cleaning benches and other high-sweat contact areas.  

Basketballs and other high-contact equipment should also be cleaned between sessions.   

Covid-19 vaccine passports

There is no longer a legal requirement to show a NHS COVID Pass at venues and events.

Venues may have their own guidelines which must be adhered to. If you are unsure if these rules apply to your venue, please contact [email protected]