Independent Martial Art Sports Association

Hi all,

Venue providers will need to consider these Sections carefully and, if they consider that they could continue to operate under these regulations, use them in discussions with venues or local authorities. It is important to highlight that these documents are open to interpretation and they do not provide a black and white blanket answer for all providers who all offer different types of classes and groups in different types of venues and in different parts of the country. There does seem to be some conflict in the current written information, there is still a need for clearer guidance.

1. Legislation

Set out below are the relevant sections of the actual proposed legislation The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 . This has been voted through by MPs on the afternoon of 4 November and will now become legislation

This underpins the government guidance on the gov.uk website

The full set of documents can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november

Relevant sections are:

Section 6 which sets out exceptions where people may leave their homes. That includes “support groups” and “supervised activities for children”

Section 8 which sets out exceptions where people may gather together. That includes “support groups” and “supervised activities for children”

Section 13 which sets out limited circumstances in which venues like community centres can open. That includes “support groups” and “supervised activities for children”

The definition of a support group is to be found at section 11

“support group” means a group or one to one support which is organised by a business, a charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institution or a public body to provide mutual aid, therapy or any other form of support to its members or those who attend its meetings, for example those providing support

IMASA appreciates that, in addition, every provider will have their own moral and emotional viewpoint on whether they wish to continue to operate face to face classes if the above provisions would permit them to safely do so. Every provider must ultimately make their own assessment and decision and if they are in any doubt then consult their local authority for advice.

If any further information or guidance is released onto our IMASA “News” website for this to be circulated as soon as possible. In the meantime, please continue to support each other as we navigate these difficult issues together as an industry.

Best wishes, Paul – Stay Safe.