18th July 2021
SQUASH RESTRICTIONS END WITH A “BUT…..”
Squash at Northern can return to normal on Monday 19th July in line with the government decision to end the restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. But…
While it may be the moment we have all undoubtedly looked forward to since last March, there’s no doubt that freedom for our game does arrive at a time when many members will still feel uncomfortable at the prospect of a complete return to life as we previously knew it.
So once again, in its own small way, Northern’s Squash Committee is left to pick its way through the avalanche of guidance available and the wide spread of opinions likely held.
Throughout the pandemic, the committee has stuck closely to the advice handed down by England Squash. Our governing body has been consulting with Sport England who have been the link with government decision makers at every stage.
As one of the leading clubs in our region, we felt we should respect our governing body even though we might not have necessarily agreed with every proposal.
Hopefully members will appreciate the paths we have taken which have always been in what we believed were Northern’s best interests.
Court bookings have probably reflected members’ uncertainty - picking up but not exactly a stampede. The internal leagues are a few players short but starting to get into stride.
So now it really is a matter of personal responsibility rather than committee decisions.
Here’s where we stand….
COURTS NO LONGER TO BE STAGGERED BUT….
From Monday the 19th Courts 1, 2 and 3 will return to full availability but Court 4 will continue to have its times alternated for two weeks.
This we hope will offer members a different option in how they get back into playing.
If players could still use hand sanitiser and clean door handles, it would be appreciated - and not wipe their hands on the walls.
FACE MASKS WILL NOT BE REQUIRED BUT… .
It will no longer be necessary for members to wear face masks when entering the club but, of course, there will be those who will feel more comfortable by continuing to wear them.
England Squash is still encouraging face coverings but at Northern it will be entirely a matter of individual choice.
This will be the protocol throughout the clubhouse, including the bar areas.
NO NEED FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING BUT….
Nobody will be asking you any more to keep a one metre or two metre distance or will even try to get the wall back ten yards.
But we would ask everyone to respect those who might feel happier with a little extra elbow room.
This is particularly relevant on the balcony during coaching or when club night returns on a Saturday tea-time.
The changing rooms have already been opened up. England Squash is suggesting limiting numbers but we are just asking everyone to give a little space.
THE BAR IS BACK TO NORMAL BUT….
Club manager David Giles and his team continue to do a brilliant job as an evidently capacity crowd for the Euro 2020 Final would testify. It was better organised than Wembley, that’s for sure!
From Monday normal service should be resumed which includes the end of limited numbers at tables, the return of ordering at the bar and drinking standing up is allowed.
The toilets will operate normally.
But hand sanitising is still requested and the green signs that tables have been sanitised will remain in place.
Gi is hoping the app will go but he still has some reconfiguring of the tills to complete.
CLUBNIGHT IS BACK - NO IFS OR BUTS!
Clubnight will return on Saturday 24th July at 5.00pm.
And remember it’s free for the first two weeks courtesy of a grant from Northumbria Squash to encourage everyone back on court.
OFF PEAK COURTS ARE ONLY £1 FROM MONDAY!
PLAY SAFE - STAY SAFE
