Return to training
From Monday 29 March, COVID-19 restrictions will be eased again, in line with the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown. Outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either six people, or two households, will be permitted to take place outside. Outdoors sports facilities will also be allowed to open and organised outdoor sports will be permitted to resume. The ‘stay at home’ rule will end, although people are encouraged to minimise journeys and stay local. This means that Jarrow and Hebburn AC training sessions will resume, with no restrictions on numbers, as we are an affiliated club and therefore an organised sport (coaching ratios of 1:12 still apply). Social runs which do not form part of a club training session can take place, but only up to a limit of 6 people. Members can also travel to and from training, club activities and races.
Jarrow and Hebburn AC are also delighted to confirm that Monkton Stadium will reopen for outdoor sports and track use only from 29 March. Indoor sessions and gym will resume later, starting week beginning 12 April. Members should have received an email and/or communcations from their coach to confirm this. The charge per track session is £2, which reflects increased track charges, now that we are hiring the track, rather than people paying individually at reception. Several coaching groups have payment systems in place already. Some coaches will be selling batches of tokens (valued £2 each), which can then be exchanged for sessions, whilst others will take cash (please bring exact change). There is also the option to pay in blocks via BACS. For the purposes of Covid safety, the Club need to minimise the amount of cash handling that goes on, so your help with this will be appreciated. Solo track use on non-club nights can also be booked by phoning Monkton Stadium on 0191 489 1283. Please do not turn up at reception or try to book solo sessions through the Club.
Registers will once again be completed for every club session, to support NHS test and trace. Some groups are already using the Spond app to record attendances. Please DO NOT attend a club session if you feel unwell, even if you think it is just a cold. Everyone should make themselves aware of the main symptoms of COVID-19 (Dry cough, fever, shortness of breath, loss of smell/taste). Self-isolate and get a test if you experience any of these. Members should continue to social distance and wash/sanitise hands before and after sessions.
And continuing the good news, the Monkton track surface has been cleaned, so should be in good shape for our return. Further improvements to the Stadium and grounds will happen over the coming months. Big thanks to South Tyneside Council for continuing to support athletics and for facilitating our swift return.