In response to the Omicron variant, from 30th November the Government has introduced new rules in England to reduce the spread of Covid 19. It is mandatory to wear a face covering in shops, on public transport and in the communal areas of universities, colleges and schools by staff, visitors and pupils or students in year 7 and above.
Although sport is not mentioned in the new legislation, no situation is completely risk free and we are encouraged to use personal judgement to manage the risks. It must be remembered that it is still possible to catch and spread COVID-19, even if you are fully vaccinated.
To ensure the safety of members and help stop the spread of the virus, Clubs will again need to revisit their risk assessments. Although not legally required, Clubs may choose to reintroduce, or keep in place, some of the measures we have become used to over the previous months as part of their duty of care.
'Hands Face Space' Guidance for Clubs using the NSRA Lord Roberts Centre
Indoor and Outdoor Ranges
1. Introduction
The NSRA has reviewed the government's recent announcement regarding the lifting of lockdown restrictions on 19 July 2021 and the latest government policies that have followed.
In order to ensure the safety of both our staff and visitors to the Lord Roberts Centre and the fact that Covid cases are continuing to increase, we have taken the decision to keep a number of measures in place for the time being. These measures will be reviewed again in early August.
The basic principle we have adopted is to continue with 'hands, face, space'. In practical terms this means:
- Hands
- use sanitiser after touching shared surfaces
- Face
- wear a face mask when in public areas
- Space
- where possible maintain social distancing, for example firing points will continue to be spaced out
From 19th July 2021 England moves to Step 4 of the Government Roadmap. This sees a lifting of most of the legal restrictions to control COVID-19. These include:
- You will not need to stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with.
- There will also be no limits on the number of people you can meet.
- All capacity limits at sporting, entertainment, or business events will be lifted.
- The requirement to wear face coverings in law will be lifted
- There will no longer be restrictions on group sizes
However, the pandemic is not over and the risks from COVID-19 remain high, even for those who have been fully vaccinated. This means that no situation is completely risk free and the Government are encouraging us all to use personal judgement to manage the risks. To this end, clubs will need to revisit their risk assessments and, although not legally required, may choose to keep in place some of the measures we have become used to over the previous months as part of their duty of care.
The NSRA has issued updated guidance for clubs reopening after lockdown, in 4 documents than can be downloaded using the links here, or reproduced below.
Following the Government announcement of the step-by-step plan to ease restrictions in England (applies to England only), the NSRA is putting together in-sport guidance to assist clubs and individuals. At this early stage, it appears that:
Current Situation
For the moment, lockdown regulations remain in place and no target shooting in clubs can take place.
Yesterday the Government confirmed positive cases of the new Covid variant in postcode areas close to the Lord Roberts Centre.
The last year has been incredibly tough for community clubs. Lockdowns, restrictions and social-distancing has seen many of you temporarily close or reduce your capacity to deliver the activity you love.
We are working with the Sport and Recreation Alliance to understand the current picture of grassroots physical activity and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected your club.
Following the recent Government announcement of the National Lockdown in England, it is against the law to meet socially with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble. You can only leave your home to exercise, and not for the purpose of recreation or leisure. Any outdoor exercise should be done locally wherever possible. Furthermore, the new rules for sport and physical activity say specifically that:
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 4 January concerning the immediate enforcement of a national lockdown we would like to advise you of the following:
- The NSRA offices, Lord Roberts Centre, Bisley Sports Wholesale and NSRA Aldersley are now closed until further notice
- The NSRA Shop is also closed although online orders can still be placed and these will be processed on a weekly basis
- If you have a Membership enquiry please email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - For all other enquiries please email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - All emails will be monitored and replies provided when possible. Your patience will be greatly appreciated as only a small team will be operating to provide this service
- Please keep checking the website and social media for further updates
- Finally we thank for your continued support and please keep safe and well. We all look forward to better days ahead and supporting you when shooting resumes
In response to the recent guidance from H. M. Government, we have reorganised the way that the centre works and can now resume shooting activity whilst maintaining a Covid Secure environment.
Shooting will restart at NSRA Aldersley from January 2021 for individuals only. The Centre will still not be able to run club, squad or group activities to remain in compliance with Tier restrictions.
From the 4th January 2021 we will be able to take individual bookings by calling 01902 743562 in the first instance. (Please don’t call before this time as there will not be staff available to answer your call).
We are working on an online booking system to make it easier for individuals to book lanes and time slots on the ranges in the future.
Following the announcements this week concerning what restrictions will apply from 3rd December onwards under the new 3 Tier system we have our updated our guidance accordingly. The following links and information now replace previous posts. This applies to England with regional advice available from the relevant devolved agencies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We will of course publish details of any further updates or clarifications that are forthcoming over the next few weeks.
UPDATE: Following questions about individual shooting in the latest NSRA Tier Guidance, it appears that this has been misinterpreted by some as meaning only one person may use the range at one time. This is not the case. “Individual Shooting Only” means one shooter per firing point per time slot allocated by the club’s booking system. There must be no spotters, assistants or spectators on that firing point at the same time unless it is someone from the same support bubble. It means there must be no group activity, which for the majority of disciplines, is the manner in which we already shoot.
British Shooting - In light of Boris’ announcement and the national lockdown in England from tomorrow, we’re extending Round 1 deadline again to enable all athletes across the UK as much time as possible to be able to enter this seasons Schools Pistol Champs.
Round 1 deadline is now Sunday 10th January.
Sport England have confirmed an additional £16.5 million has been allocated to provide additional help to the Sport and Physical Activity Sector who have been impacted by the Coranavirus Pandemic. The fund is split into three categories as part of the Return to Play initiative so please Click Here for more information about the assistance that may be available to your Club or Shooting Organisation.
