Isobel Bruce Combes is the Covid-19 officer for Four of Clubs and may be contacted on iacombes@btinternet.com
In view of the current Covid-19 situation in the UK, Four of Clubs is offering a combination of online and 'live' training in accordance with Government and BFA restrictions.  All this is monitored daily and will be adapted in accordance with any changes, including, if necessary, reverting to online training.  Should any of the coaches who are in live contact with members show any symptoms of the illness, all training will revert back to online training until an appropriate quarantine period has elapsed. 
​Procedures
Mental Health
Links for Further Information
During this time of crisis, it is important that we ensure that sessions are run safely and in accordance with any current NGB and Government guidelines.  We therefore ask that all participants adhere carefully to the points below as they are currently essential for the running of any session.  Prior to our sessions you will be given a specific risk assessment for the activity which we will ask you to read, sign and return.  The files are updated regularly, please check HERE often to make sure you are aware of any changes.

Please keep in mind also that arrangements may have to change very suddenly in accordance with a new directives as they come out and that the provision of sessions cannot, therefore, always be guaranteed.  The coaches will be taking their own temperature on the morning of any a session and if they find they have a fever or any other symptoms of Covid-19, or knowledge that they have come into contact with anyone who does,  the session will be immediately cancelled, so please ensure that you can be contacted easily and check for any messages before setting out. 
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Prior to coming to any session, please:
  • Be sure that you and everyone in your household is free of any of the symptoms of Covid-19.  If you are in any doubts about whether you have symptoms, please do not attend the session.  The same applies to anyone accompanying you to a session.  When you arrive, your temperature will be taken using a contactless thermometer. A record will be kept of this.
  • Ensure that you have all the equipment you need for the session, including water bottles.  It will not be possible to lend you any equipment on the day or to provide any refreshments of any kind
  • For 1on1 lessons, or pair training or sparring with anyone from outside your household, you will need to provide yourself with a face mask or covering which covers nose and mouth in accordance with government requirements to allow for the reduced social distancing.
  • Hand sanitizer will be provided, but if you have sensitive skin you may need to bring your own.
  • A chair will be provided for parent chaperones and this will be sanitized between uses.  However, it is also suggested you bring a clean towel of your own to put over the chair.  There is no covered area for spectators, so you may need an umbrella.  Only one parent per group may attend. This may mean if multiple households attend, some parents may need to wait in the car.
On arrival please:
  • Come dressed in readiness for your session.  No changing facilities will be provided
  • Use hand sanitizer upon arrival.  This will be provided but you may bring your own
  • If you will be working with a coach or with a partner from outside your household, you will be required to wear an appropriate face covering or mask liner in addition to your fencing mask.
  • Do not arrive any earlier than your designated time.  This is to allow any previous participants to leave safely.  If you are early, please stay in your car until your time slot starts.
  • Come in through the designated gate if it is open.  Otherwise, remain in your car and phone me to let me know you are here and the gate will be opened for you.  Please do not stand in front of the closed gate or use the doorbell.  Please avoid touching any surfaces that are likely to be touched by others.
  • Place your bags in the designated areas only.
  • Maintain the required social distance between yourself and the coaches and anyone else who does not belong to your household.  Remember that if you are not wearing a mask, the required social distancing is still 2M.
  • If you are not yet comfortable with the reduced social distancing required for lessons, a fencing dummy will be provided.
  • Lessons and sparring will be at low to moderate intensity to allow for any possible breathing difficulties brought on by masks or liners.  Please take frequent breaks and let the coach know if you feel breathless or light headed.
After the session please:
  • Use the hand sanitizer again before you leave
  • Wash your hands as soon as you get home.
It is becoming very clear that the Coronavirus crisis is having a significant impact on the education and mental well being of our young people and will probably continue to do so for some time to come.  Our Welfare Officers have assembled these resources to help parents deal with these challenging times and we hope they will be of use.  On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, welfare officers and coaches of the club are available online via Zoom for any family who wishes to talk about these issues, ask for help or just have someone to chat to.  The invitation to these is posted on the clubs WhatsApp group and can also be requested by emailing fourofclubs@btinternet.com

Further help on dealing with the mental stress of Covid-19 can be found on our Welfare Page
British Fencing Policies on Return to Sport https://www.britishfencing.com/training-guidance-new-social-distancing-england/
Government Guidelines for Coaching ​https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/guidance-for-personal-trainers-and-coaches-on-the-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation
Leon Paul Disposable Mask Liners ​https://www.leonpaul.com/fencing-masks/fencing-mask-spare-parts/mask-parts.html
Absolute Fencing Sport Masks https://www.absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/product_info.php/products_id/1687