Following the publication of Sport England’s FAQs yesterday, we are delighted that all current restrictions on our sport are set to expire on Monday 19th July!

This will allow members aged 18+ to return to their dojos and participate in contact judo sessions with no restrictions on numbers.

While this is excellent news for our sport, the danger of Covid is still prevalent in our communities. With rising numbers across the country, we would like to express caution when returning to the sport – we are sure that everyone can’t wait to feel the tatami under their feet once again!

Here is a brief overview of the Government’s recent announcement:

• Full contact judo allowed for adults and under 18’s.
• No legal restrictions indoors or outdoors for participants or spectator numbers
• No capacity caps for club sessions or events
• No travel restrictions
• Facemasks no longer legal requirements, however, consider face masks in confined space
• QR Codes no longer legally require, however, clubs/event organisers are still encouraged to display and use these as it supports test & trace and self-isolation which remains. From 16 August 21, people who are double vaccinated  will not be required to self-isolate
• Individuals who decide to attend international competition need to follow government guidelines for travel abroad

To aid a safe return for all members, we devised a short list of recommendations for clubs and members alike:

British Judo clubs and event organisers are recommended to ensure participant, volunteer and spectator safety as follows:

• A risk assessment must be conducted to inform health and safety requirements and ensure a safe venue capacity
• Ensure signage is clear if clubs would like to create a safe distance between people and direct traffic flow
• Continue with health & safety cleaning regimes and ensure hand washing/ hand sanitising facilities are available
• Consider face masks, if space is confined in crowded venues
• Minimise unnecessary contact (e.g. handshaking etc.) and sharing of water bottles
• Recognise that people/carers with underlying health conditions or disabilities may be anxious about returning to judo activity and their needs should be catered for sensitively
• Ensure anyone entering competition or National Dan Gradings have participated in judo training for a minimum of 6 weeks (or 10 hours) and fit enough to compete
• Respect any guidelines that clubs would like to adhere to upon returning to the Dojo.
• Clubs must complete the BJA ‘Club Declaration Form’ before commencing session delivery for Junior and Seniors.

Please note: These are British Judo recommendations and not a legal requirement

If you are planning a return to judo on Monday 19^th July, we would like to remind you to ensure that your membership is valid and renewed where necessary to ensure you are insured during any training session.

We would like to thank you for your patience over what has been a very difficult past 18 months for all members, clubs and the Association.

Click here to read the official Government advice

Click each graphic below to download a PDF version