We are sure that you are just as excited as us at Welsh Government announcing that indoor sports can start a phased return from the 3rd May 2021.

At Squash Wales, we are currently working hard behind the scenes to deliver a roadmap of activity and events that will guide our clubs and members through Return to Play and beyond.

To assist in the transition a series of monthly virtual Club Forums will be implemented, commencing on Tuesday 20th April at 6.30pm. This is a great opportunity for club representatives to get more detail on what is to come as well as a chance to ask the staff questions. Sign up by emailing us on [email protected]

We aim to bring you the Squash Wales roadmap, FAQ’s and more by the end of week commencing 12th April.

Regards,
Squash Wales

On Friday 12th March 2021 the Welsh Government announced the easing of restrictions around sport and exercise. At present, indoor sport venues must remain closed.

From Saturday 13th March,

• The overarching stay-at-home restriction will be replaced with a new, interim stay local rule in Wales. This will mean people can leave their homes and travel within their local area – usually within five miles – but this will be flexible, particularly for people who live in rural areas and for those whose nearest shops and public services are further away.

• No more than four people from two different households will be able to meet in their local area outdoors, including in gardens. Children under 11 and carers do not count towards this limit. There must be no indoors mixing and social distancing should be followed.

• Outdoor sports facilities can reopen, including tennis courts, golf courses and bowling greens. A maximum of four people from two households can take part in activities using local sports facilities.

The full statement can be found here.

Amendments have been made to the Welsh Governments Alert Level 4 guidance about sport in Wales. 4 people from 2 different households are now able to meet outdoors for socially distance exercise locally.

Mae diwygiadau wedi’u gwneud i ganllawiau Lefel Rhybudd 4 Llywodraeth Cymru am chwaraeon yng Nghymru. Mae 4 o bobl o 2 aelwyd wahanol yn gallu cyfarfod yn yr awyr agored bellach ar gyfer ymarfer yn lleol gan gadw pellter cymdeithasol.

Further to the Welsh Governments announcement today Friday 29th January 2021 Squash Wales reiterate that no Squash activities are allowed to take place as Wales is still under Level 4 lockdown. This will remain in place until the next review on 19th February 2021. For further information or details please see the Welsh Government website here.

Diweddariad Covd-19

Ymhellach i gyhoeddiad diweddaraf Llywodraethau Cymru ar 29fed o Ionawr 2021 mae Sboncen Cymru yn ailadrodd na chaniateir i gynnal unrhyw weithgareddau Sboncen gan fod Cymru yn dal i fod o dan glo Lefel 4. Bydd hyn yn aros yn ei le tan yr adolygiad nesaf ar 19eg Chwefror
2021. Am ragor o wybodaeth neu fanylion gweler gwefan Llywodraeth Cymru https://gov.wales/coronavirus

Further to the Welsh Governments most recent announcement on the 8th January 2021 Squash Wales reiterate that no Squash activities are allowed to take place as Wales is still under Level 4 lockdown. This will remain in place until the next review on 29th January 2021. For further information or details please see the Welsh Government website https://gov.wales/coronavirus

Diweddariad Covd-19

Ymhellach i gyhoeddiad diweddaraf Llywodraethau Cymru ar 8fed o Ionawr 2021 mae Sboncen Cymru yn ailadrodd na chaniateir i gynnal unrhyw weithgareddau Sboncen gan fod Cymru yn dal i fod o dan glo Lefel 4. Bydd hyn yn aros yn ei le tan yr adolygiad nesaf ar 29fed o Ionawr 2021. Am ragor o wybodaeth neu fanylion gweler gwefan Llywodraeth Cymru https://gov.wales/coronavirus

Considering the announcement made today (16/12/20) by the Welsh Government on Christmas Covid restrictions Squash Wales would like to remind you of what is allowed and what is not allowed in terms of playing Squash.

At present until 18.00 on 24th December 2020
• Solo practice
• 1-2-1 Coaching adhering to the social distance rules
• Matches are now only permitted from players in the same household or players from their extended household.
• Players not from the same household or extended household can only play social distance squash/routines or solo practice.

24th December 2020 @ 18.00
• All Leisure Facilities including squash clubs, gyms and private sporting venues to close until further notice

The Welsh Government’s Coronavirus Control Plan was published on Monday of this week, and the document outlines the measures in place at each tier of lockdown in Wales. The document also outlines the thresholds at which the Government will consider moving into, or out of a lockdown tier.

The Coronavirus Control Plan is available here and provides some insight into lockdown measures we are likely to see well into 2021
: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-control-plan-alert-levels-wales

CANLLAWIAU DYCHWELYD I CHWARAE DIWEDDARAF SBONCEN CYMRU 16/12/2020

Gan ystyried y cyhoeddiad gan lywodraeth Cymru heddiw (16.12.20) ar gyfyngiadau Covid-19 dros gyfnod y Nadolig hoffwn atgoffa chi o’r hyn a chaniateir o ran chwarae sboncen.
Ar hyn o bryd tan 18:00 ar 24 o Ragfyr caniateir y canlynol yn unig:
• Ymarfer unigol
• Ymarfer 1-2-1 wrth ddilyn rheolau pellter cymdeithasol
• Dim ond chwaraewyr yn yr un cartref neu gartref estynedig sy’n cael chwarae gemau
• Bydd chwaraewyr sydd ddim o’r un cartref neu gartref estynedig ond yn cael chwarae ymarferion unigol neu arferion wrth gadw i’r rheolau pellter cymdeithasol.

24 o Ragfyr ar ôl 18:00 caniateir y canlynol yn unig:
• Yn unol â’r cyhoeddiad gan Lywodraeth Cymru bydd rhaid i bob cyfleusterau Hamdden gan gynnwys clybiau sboncen, campfeydd a lleoliadau chwaraeon preifat gau a byddant yn parhau ar gau nes bydd rhybudd pellach.

Cyhoeddwyd Llywodraeth Cymru ar ddydd Llun yr wythnos hon ddogfen sy’n amlinellu’r mesurau sydd mewn lle ym mhob haen o gyfyngiadau yng Nghymru. Mae’r ddogfen hefyd yn amlinellu’r trothwyon lle bydd y Llywodraeth yn ystyried os oes angen symud i mewn neu allan o gyfnod clo.
Dilynwch y linc isod i ddarganfod y ddogfen sy’n amlinellu’r mesurau ym mhob haen ond hefyd yn rhoi rhywfaint o ddealltwriaeth i fesurau rydym yn debygol o’u gweld ymhell i mewn i 2021.
Cynllun rheoli’r coronafeirws: lefelau rhybudd yng Nghymru | LLYW.CYMRU

With Wales exiting the 17-day Firebreak on Monday 9th November all leisure facilities can re-open in accordance with the Welsh Government Guidelines. Squash Clubs/courts are also allowed to re-open.

Please read the latest return to play guideance here

With many parts of Wales currently experiencing local lockdowns. Clubs need to be aware of players within their clubs from these areas and the guidelines from the Welsh Government in relation to both play and essential travel.

Note

• Matches are now only permitted from players in the same household
• Players cannot play full matches against anyone from their extended household

All clubs are urged to read the updated guidelines specifically to these local lockdowns https://gov.wales/local-lockdown

Please find the Squash Wales latest newsletter  here

Do not hesitate in contacting us at [email protected] if you require any further support

Keep safe

Following the Welsh Government’s latest announcement on Friday 4th Sept

https://gov.wales/sport-recreation-and-leisure-guidance-phased-return-html

Please find the Squash Wales latest newsletter  here

Do not hesitate in contacting us at [email protected] if you require any further support

Keep safe

Following the Welsh Government’s latest announcement on Friday 21^st August.

Do not hesitate in contacting us at [email protected] if you require any further support

Keep safe

Following our recent communication regarding the Welsh Government announcement on 31.07.20 that indoor leisure facilities may open from the 10^th August, Squash Wales have prepared “Return to Play” guidance and protocols that are aligned with current Welsh Government, Sport Wales and WSA guidelines.

See below for both the Return to Play document, including the Risk Assessment for clubs and players, together with a series of posters designed to support the guidelines outlined in the documentation.

The guidance reflects the current regulations that will enable members to return to a safe and organised environment.  As some guidelines are open to interpretation, we are seeking clarity from Welsh Government on several points and will update our documentation to immediately reflect any changes released.

Some facilities will be opening on a date post 10^th August and you should check with your local venue on reopening dates and protocols.

In the interim, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

• SQW Return To Play Guidance
• SQW Protocol a chyfarwyddyd ar gyfer Dychwelyd i Chwarae
• SQW Return To Play Posters
• SQW Return To Play FAQ

Following the latest announcement from the Welsh Government on Friday 31^st July that Indoor Leisure facilities may open from Monday 10^th August.

Squash Wales has organised the following free webinar available to all clubs :-

Free Covid-19 Duty of Care & Compliance webinar – Wednesday 5^th August 6pm

In collaboration with WSA and IOLIS Legal , Squash Wales has organised a free Covid-19 Duty of Care & Compliance webinar to cover the various legal and practical considerations for our Squash Clubs returning to play, particularly those in relation to the collection of data for Wales’ Track, Trace and Protect Service (TTPS). The course will outline the scope of the TTTPS, whilst setting out the responsibilities of our Squash Clubs and how this relates to all involved in the activities (including staff, volunteers, participants, guardians, and spectators).

As well as focusing on data collection and the TTPS, the training webinar covers areas such as the roles of Covid Officers and Responsible Persons, what the current legal requirements are from the Government, what steps to take to ensure Squash Clubs are fully compliant and how to avoid any possible issues of liability.  The training also includes practical examples specific to Squash. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the webinar to address any other queries or concerns that haven’t been covered.

To register for this webinar please email :- [email protected] identifying which club you are representing.

The link for the webinar will then be sent out to all who have registered.

Note: Places may be limited

In preparation for the next review and the potential opening for indoor facilities in Wales, Squash Wales have prepared guidance that will assist with a phased return to play. The guidance will help squash clubs and venues to implement necessary safety measures and protocols required in order to begin a phased return to play.

Full guidance will be released soon.
In the meantime, we are reviewing the extensive Government guidance in relation to indoor facilities to understand the implications this has for squash and what measures clubs and venues must implement.

The full guidance will include: 

• Creating a club/venue COVID-19 secure plan
• Guidance for conducting a COVID-19 risk assessment
• Poster kit
• Ways to play
• Where to find additional support and resources

COVID-19 Update – Latest Government Advice

Squash Wales welcomes the Welsh Government update of 14^th July on the move of easing restrictions out of lockdown, however, Squash Wales wish to reiterate what this means for squash clubs, facilities and players across the country.

Whilst we appreciate that this continues to be a frustrating time for squash clubs, facilities and players across Wales, the updated guidance confirmed that indoor gyms and sports facilities (which includes any squash club/facility) will remain closed. An update will be provided at the next review, however, any dates for their re-opening (with physical distancing & enhanced hygiene measures) remains unconfirmed.

This means that all squash clubs and facilities must remain closed until further notice – this includes anyone wishing to engage in solo practice or members of the same household playing on a squash court. This restriction includes multi-sport clubs where some outdoor sports have returned. The squash courts must stay closed.

Please see the following external links that provide some excellent advice and guidance around maintaining your physical and mental well-being:

• Age Cymru has information about staying safe during the COVID-19 outbreak as well as on how to prevent loneliness during periods of self-isolation.
• The British Heart Foundation has some great links and resources for those looking for advice on how to stay healthy during periods of self-isolation.
• The Mental Health Foundation has advice for people concerned about how the COVID-19 outbreak and self-isolation may impact on their mental health.
• Mind has advice for people who might be worried about coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it could affect your life.

Club Solutions website

Continues to offer practical advice for clubs and is a great tool to support and guide clubs through the pandemic.

As we begin to navigate the way back to court please continue to adhere to Welsh Government Guidelines, stay positive, we are in this together and we will get back on court.

Be Active Fund

Launched Tuesday 07^th July 2020 – the Be Active Wales Fund to support grassroots, sport and physical activity in Wales. £4 million lifeline fund launched to save a rebuild community sport. The grant funding has been made possible thanks to Welsh Government and re purposed money from the national lottery, which continues to be one of Welsh sports biggest supporters. Further information can be found at: https://www.sport.wales/beactivewalesfund/

Squash Wales have published its return to play roadmap.

The Squash Wales Return to play Roadmap will give members an overview of the phased return to play over the coming months. We will publish additional detailed guidance as appropriate in the coming weeks.

• Squash Wales return to play roadmap
• Squash Wales return to squash initial risk assessment

24.07.2020 – Virtual Sessions

17.07.2020: Pembrokeshire AGM – will be held on Monday 20th July 2020

17.07.2020 – Senior elite athlestes training – ongoing at SWNC.

17.07.2020 – Virtual referee workshop – workshop will be held on Tuesday 21st July 2020, email [email protected] for further details.

07.07.2020 – Elite players resume training – Squash Wales elite players returned to training today under strict COVID guidelines.

07.07.2020 – Up and coming AGM – The following AGM will be taking place:

• West Glamorgan AGM – Tuesday 07th July 2020
• Eryri AGM – Thursday 09th July 2020
• Mid Glamorgan AGM – Sunday 12th July 2020
• South Glamorgan AGM – Monday 13th July 2020

30.06.2020 – Virtual Squash Sessions – Following feedback from the South Wales AGM, Squash Wales will be holding a virtual squash session for all league players in Wales on Wednesday 08th July 2020. Also after the huge success of our Academy virtual session with Derek Ryan, we are running another two sessions this week.

30.06.2020 – Senior elite athletes resume training – Squash Wales senior elite athletes are to resume training on Tuesday 07th July 2020 at Sport Wales National Centre under strict COVID guidlines.

26.06.2020: Return to play – Squash Wales have launched their return to play document and is available to view by clicking here.

16.06.2020: South Wales League AGM – The South Wales League AGM will take place on Tuesday 23rd June 2020 at 7pm

16.06.2020: Virtual Squash – Squash Wales are running two virtual squash sessions for all our Academy members.

09/06/2020: Squash Wales Player Pathway Webinar – The Squash Wales Player Pathway webinar took place on Monday 8^th June, 39 participants registered. The webinar was recorded and is available to view upon request. Please email: [email protected] for details.

05/06/20: Masters Home Internationals – The Masters Home Internationals for 2020 have now been cancelled – but will return in 2021

29/05/20: Performance Pathway.   The new Squash Wales Player Pathway is now complete and has been emailed out in both Welsh and English language to all our Academy Members. The date of the webinar has also been finalised and is set for Monday 8^th June 2020. Details on how to join will be emailed out shortly.

29/05/20: Emergency Relief Fund.   The Welsh Government have now increased this fund to £550,000 to help clubs across Wales get through these difficult times.

29/05/20: Emergency Relief Fund.   Five squash clubs in Wales endorsed by the Governing Body have been awarded money from the Emergency Relief Fund to help them through this difficult period. Please see link below if you wish to apply for this help.

29/05/20: Coaches Corner.  Squash Wales continue to update this section of the website weekly with new information to help guide and support all our members through this lockdown period.

18.05.20 Welsh League update: Statement from Squash Wales regarding Welsh leagues. https://squashwales.com/league-squash-in-wales/

18.05.20: Performance Pathway: The new Squash Wales Player Pathway is nearing completion. This will be circulated in early June, with a follow up webinar to explain in more detail and receive input from our members.

15.05.20: Sport Wales & Welsh Government Discussions: Several SQW Board and Operational staff came together this week to work with other NGB’s and stakeholders with a view of agreeing high level recovery principles based on the environment in which our sport/activity is played. This will be an important step in informing Welsh Government of how sport can responsibly mange a phased return.

20.03.20: Squash Clubs: Welsh and UK Government tells all leisure centres and gyms to close until further notice.

16.03.20: Premier Squash League (PSL): All remaining PSL matches including the semi-finals, relegation and promotional play-offs and final are suspended.

14.03.20: Welsh Leagues: All Squash Wales leagues have been suspended due to COVID-19.