There have been a number of announcements and publications in the last week regards the current restrictions being applied across the UK and Ireland. Due to the details differing across the jurisdictions and the changes in restrictions across the week, there is a bit of confusion amongst clubs. To clarify matters: The Northern Ireland Executive announcement on Thursday 20th August (to be implemented from Monday 24th August) stated that the number of people that can participate in an outdoor gathering, including in a private garden, will change from the current 30 people to 15. Certain events can have more than 15 people attending as long as a risk assessment is carried out and necessary measures are put in place. This will include weddings, church services and sporting events where a close adherence to social distancing and hygiene regimes continues to apply. Archery NI has sought guidance to clarify a few issues around this announcement and affirm our interpretation. Subject to compliance with the published protocols allowing a return to sport, and taking into consideration regional differences, we would advise that: TRAINING SESSIONS: We are interpreting the reference to ‘sporting events’ to include training sessions and as such: groups exercising outdoors should be limited to 30 people. There should be no mixing between groups. Group sizes include coaches and trainers. COMPETITIVE SHOOTS: Competitive sport is allowed. There is no numeric limit to those involved in a shoot but we would advise that essential participants involved in the shoot are limited to archers, coaches/managers, officials/judges, medical staff, sports science and parents (limited to one) escorting a minor to a match. The current NI restrictions allow for spectators at a shoot with the provision that social distancing is adhered to at all times including entry and exit to the spectator area. Measures to ensure adherence to this will differ from venue to venue and each club is expected to have undertaken a full risk assessment of their facility. Currently CHANGING FACILITIES SHOULD NOT BE USED. The limit for indoor sports gatherings, where supported with the relevant risk assessments and social distancing protocols remains at 30. Archery NI will continue to monitor the situation and provide guidance as soon as practicable following any changes; however the published guidance may be superseded by Government Guidelines as we seek to amend these.