Last week we issued an email to provide an update on COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Following further announcements over recent days, combined with our review of the situation, please see below a further notice and guidance:
STS Events
There is now a 1 month pause as summer competitions are in preparation, with the All Ranges the next competition, following by the summer Prone, 3P and Colmsliehill series as well as the Scottish Open, Long Range, Gallery Rifle Championships and 50m Rifle Championships in June and July. Under current guidance, we have decided to cancel the All Ranges competition taking place in April.
However, to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum, we will be continuing to plan for all other events due to take place from May and making entry available online. Our primary concern is for the welfare of all athletes, volunteer officials and anyone else involved with each event and for that reason, the safety/health implications of proceeding with each event will be reviewed 2 weeks prior to the event taking place in line with the guidance available at that time to decide if it is to proceed or not.
We have decided to take this action to minimise disruption as much as possible for when this passes but also to give entrants sufficient notice should events not be going ahead. The decision on whether to proceed will then be communicated to all entrants directly. Clearly, if the situation changes again prior to the event, we will keep entrants informed but we hope this will enable those needing to travel long distances, time to make arrangements if required. Where any event needs to be cancelled, full refunds will be provided regardless of when they are cancelled.
Clubs/Members
Below is guidance issued by the Scottish Government yesterday but below are 2 key essential points most relevant to members and clubs:
11. There will clearly be implications across all organised sport in Scotland. The impact of the advice above is that large-scale events should not take place across a range of sports. Sports may also wish to consider the viability of holding grassroots and club activity, in light of the increased spread of the virus and the impact that may have on both participants, staff and volunteers. Sports may wish to carefully consider cancelling sessions specifically aimed at older adults given the increased risk posed to those individuals.
12. Sports Governing Bodies, Clubs, supporters and event organisers will want to give careful consideration as to whether they travel to any scheduled overseas competitions. Restrictions on mass gatherings and travel more generally have been implemented in many countries across the globe, resulting in many cancellations of sporting competitions. For those who may still be planning on travelling to sporting events overseas, the FCO’s travel advice should be followed. Where participants in sporting events would be coming from countries on the FCO list, or with their own travel restrictions, we would advise against the event going ahead.
Clubs are autonomous - some have already decided to close and some are remaining open for now. In this current climate there is no easy answer but we would advise any clubs remaining open that, if you deliver sessions to vulnerable groups with known health concerns, these should be suspended to ensure you do not put these individuals or the club at risk.
We are also conscious that for some clubs, especially shotgun grounds, this is also the means of your livelihood and you will continue to have costs even if you close so we are conscious and respectful that for many closing has other serious consequences.
Performance Squads
At the moment, performance squads are proceeding as scheduled. Where squads use international coaches, we will be using our coaching support here in Scotland to support so these camps can continue. However, if athletes or coaches have concerns about attending, please contact the Performance & Pathways Manager.
STS AGM
At present, it is unlikely that a physical meeting will go ahead so we are looking at alternative plans. Our articles provide for a meeting to proceed using only proxy votes for quorum and we will issue paperwork with information on the motions and candidates to be voted on. In a worst case scenario, the business of the AGM may need to be conducted by proxy and we will convene a separate meeting of the membership at a later date if required.
The STS Office
Currently the STS Office is still open but staff are now advised to work from home so response times to messages may be a little delayed. Any meetings that are scheduled to take place with either revert to video conferencing or phone calls or cancelled altogether. The STS office is in a shared building so is subject to close outwith our control. Should the building close, the impact in terms of our service to members should be minimal. Most services can continue with the exception of issuing membership cards, club membership packs and certificates for Scottish records etc. The picking up of post and paying in of cheques may also be delayed. We therefore ask for our members understanding should this happen and to use electronic mail rather than post if this is possible. Any changes will be communicated quickly to you using social media, the website and email.
Finally, we thank our members for their continued support and wish you all the best in staying healthy over these coming days and weeks. As one shooting community we need to be sensitive to each others situations and support each other. STS will try to be as flexible and supportive as we can be in helping clubs and members during these challenging times.
If you have any questions about how this might impact your club or STS services, please feel free to contact us bu email. If we receive any further guidance regarding this situation, we will be in touch again to advise you of any update.