Monday, 07 September 2020
Following in the steps of polocrosse and mounted games, the equestrian team sport of horseball has been given the go-ahead to resume by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
All equestrian team sports were halted in March of this year due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic).
The decision for horseball to resume was made after British Equestrian submitted a bespoke action plan and risk assessment, based on the DCMS Return to Recreational Sport framework that was released on 10 July.
Produced in conjunction with The British Horseball Assocation, the risk assessment is designed help officials and event organisers to minimise the risk of transmission, allowing players, officials and volunteers to enjoy their sport while making informed decisions about their own risk. This includes action such as reducing the number of people in the vicinity of the field of play at any one time.
The Return to Equestrian Team Sports action plan details a standard approach to the management of events in England for all equestrian team sports, including training sessions and competitions. This will sit alongside the Return to Recreational Sport action plan, which must be implemented by organisers, and government social distancing and public health guidelines.
David Butler, British Equestrian’s Head of Participation, said: “It’s been great to make progress for these three disciplines of equestrian activity, and I look forward to seeing them recommence formal competition shortly.”
The Return to Equestrian Team Sports Action Plan and the sport-specific action plans and risk assessments are available here.