Skateboard GB & Skateboard England have released the following statement regarding the Prime Minister’s announcement of 10 May
The UK Government has announced that some outdoor sporting and recreation activity will be able to resume in England on Wednesday, 13 May 2020.
All outdoor sport and recreation must only be done alone or within a household group, and that includes skateboarding.
It is important to stress that this remains an extremely difficult situation throughout the UK and we are acutely aware that many lives have been lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. The effects of the virus will continue to be felt for a long time to come.
As a sport we must work together to resume responsibly for re-starting as and when the Government determines it is safe to do so. We must ensure that the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in skateboarding and those we come into contact with, is maintained at all times.
Skateparks and skateboarders have observed the lockdown very well and must keep it up and continue to act responsibly.
Based on the Government’s announcement on 10 May 2020, it will only be outdoor skateparks in England that may consider re-opening. Most are local authority owned and they will make the decision about re-opening or not. There is no change to the current position in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and so skateparks in these countries will remain closed for now.
Even though some outdoor skateparks may be open, you must follow the Government advice about social distancing and safety.
Please see attached a list of guidelines that should be followed by skateboarders in order that you remain safe whilst skateboarding.
There are no plans at this stage for indoor skateparks to open. We are seeking further clarification from the Government regarding the re-opening of indoor skateparks in order that they can prepare and plan for a restart.
The pandemic has already had a substantial impact on skateboarding, in particular skateparks and the focus will soon turn to trying to recover from the crisis. As governing bodies, we will continue to do all we can to provide support and guidance in that effort.
GUIDELINES FOR SKATEBOARDERS // #SKATESAFESTAYSAFE
1. Only skate on your own, with members of your household or with one other person from outside your household, whilst keeping two metres apart at all times.
2. Keep at least 2 metres apart from other people at all times whilst skateboarding.
3. Do NOT skateboard if you have any Covid-19 flu like symptoms or if you have been in contact with anyone who has.
4. Keep it mellow – Don’t try difficult or dangerous tricks. #SaveOurNHS
5. No congregating with other people in any circumstances.
6. Clean your skate equipment before & after skating and try not touch anything else.
7. No physical contact – No hugs, high-fives, fist-bumps, etc.
8. Do not share any mobile devices, equipment, food or drink with others.
9. Wash your hands regularly using hand sanitizer (if soap and water is not available).
10. Only use an outdoor skatepark if you are actively skateboarding and leave immediately after finishing.
11. There should be a maximum of 3 people at a small skatepark and a maximum of 10 people at a large skatepark - Any more than that and you will not be able to be properly socially distant. Come back another time.
12. If using an outdoor skatepark, make sure only one person is completing a run at a time.
Lead by example – We are in this together