UPDATES ON SPORT FIXTURES DURING COVID-19

Tuesday 23rd February 2021:

Update on Army Sport

ASCB Chief of Staff has issued the following: All Army sports secretaries are advised that Army HQ remains the only authority for Army sport to recommence, based on guidance from NGB and advice from ASCB. On current planning this will not be before the 29th March at the earliest. Further direction and instructions will follow.

Click here for the latest ABN 146/2020 updated 15th February 2021.

Wednesday 10th February 2021:

Continued suspension of OSVs until 31st May 2021:

The ASCB Chief of Staff (COS) and Director ASCB (DASCB) met to discuss the situation surrounding OSVs in the current environment. Their assessment concluded that OSVs should continue to be suspended until 31st May 2021. This decision has been endorsed by Land Operations Command (LOC). Organisers that had planned to conduct an OSV before 31st May 2021, noting that none of them had been authorised by ASCB and no diplomatic clearance had been given, will be contacted. COS and DASCB will meet again in March to assess this suspension.

Monday 12th January 2021:

Continued suspension of Army Sport: ABN 146/2020 Updated 11th January 2021.

Following the announcement of a national lockdown by the PM on 4th January 2021 which restricts non-essential travel, and prohibits non-essential activity, Army Representative Sport remains suspended until 15th February 2021 at the earliest.

The resumption of Army sport at the Representative (Corps/Service) level will be authorised and communicated by Army HQ (Pers Pol (Army)) informed by the recommendation of Director ASCB and will be conditions based. It will only resume, and continue to be authorised, in accordance with Government, Devolved Administration, the latest National Governing Body guidelines and other factors.

Unit Sport. Unit Sport is subject to national (and local) restrictions. The guidance for conducting Unit Sport is provided within ABN 095/2020.

Recreational Sport. In accordance with Army COVID-19 SITREP 73, Indoor group sporting activities and recreational sport are deemed non-essential activities, and therefore are also subject to national (and local) restrictions.

Tuesday 5th January 2021:

OSV's SUSPENDED until 30 April 2021 A meeting took place yesterday (ahead of the PM's announcement) to discuss the current environment, the current suspension on OSVs and whether the suspension should endure past 31 March 2021. DASCB and COS ASCB came to the assessment that OSVs should continue to be suspended until 30 April 2021 based on:

• The continued spread of COVID-19 not just overseas but also within UK with the new variant(s)

• The unpredictability of the air corridors with other nations

• Potential reputational damage to the Army

• Potential reluctance for some COs to release individuals for an OSV when other discretionary Army overseas travel is being postponed

• Loss of funding if the overseas sporting event gets cancelled at the last minute

• Recent Government direction which restricts non-essential travel overseas. (England and the Devolved Nations have now implemented a national lockdown of 7 weeks )

• Potential requirement for an increase of Army personnel to support the Government efforts to manage COVID-19.

This assessment has since been staffed to LOC who have endorsed DASCB recommendation that Army OSVs should continue to be suspended until 30 April 2021. ASCB Ops will inform the organisers of those OSVs that had planned to conduct an OSV before 30 April 2021, noting that none of them had been authorised by ASCB and no diplomatic clearance had been given. Further updates will be distributed as they become available.

Wednesday 9th December 2020:

Due to the unpredictability of the COVID-19 environment LOC have endorsed the Director of the Army Sport Control Board's recommendation to continue to suspend OSVs until the end of March 2021 . The situation will be assessed in the New Year.

Monday 7th December 2020:

ABN 146/2020 update: Following the national COVID-19 restrictions between 5 Nov – 2 Dec, and the implementation of a regional Tier System which restricts non essential travel, Army Representative Sport remains suspended until 11th January 2021 at the earliest.

The resumption of Army sport at the Representative (Corps/Service) level will be authorised and communicated by Army HQ (Pers Pol (Army)) informed by the recommendation of Director ASCB and will be conditions based. It will only resume, and continue to be authorised, in accordance with Government, Devolved Administration, the latest National Governing Body guidelines and Army policies.

Unit Sport. Unit Sport is subject to national (and local) restrictions. The guidance for conducting Unit Sport is provided within ABN 095/2020.

This Army Briefing Note, along with all others, can be viewed on MODNET or on a personal device via Defence Connect.

All future fixtures will continue to need advanced authorisation from ASCB. All requests for fixtures to be authorised must be submitted at least 7 Days in advance of the date. Submissions to: opsbranch@ascb.uk.com

Monday 16th November 2020:

Army HQ issued ABN146/2020 detailing the cessation of Army Sport between 5th November and 3rd December, at the earliest, following the Government's additional restrictions announced on 31st October.

The resumption of Army sport at the Representative (Corps/Service) level will be authorised and communicated by Army HQ informed by the recommendation of Director ASCB and will be conditions based. It will only resume, and continue to be authorised, in accordance with Government, Devolved Administration, the latest National Governing Body guidelines and the latest Forces Health Protection Instruction.

Unit Sport is subject to national (and local) restrictions. The guidance for conducting Unit Sport is provided within ABN 095/2020.

Recreational Sport: Indoor group sporting activities and recreational sport are deemed non-essential activities, and therefore are also subject to national (and local) restrictions.

Further updates will be provided when available.

Monday 2nd November 2020:

Today Director ASCB has been in discussions with Army HQ and it has been agreed that the Army Sport Control Board will suspend all representative sport from 5 November 2020.

We are also reviewing those fixtures/events that have been approved between now and then, there are 5 planned for Wednesday 4th November with some already cancelled by the respective sports. We will notify affected sports as soon as possible if they can go ahead or are to be cancelled.

For all updates on the cancellation of events check our fixtures page and social media sites.

The situation regarding the suspension of representative sport will be reviewed again in two weeks and we will provide further guidance as it is appropriate.

OSVs remain suspended, with none planned until the end of January 2021. We will review whether or not they should go ahead before the end of this year and notify the sports accordingly.

This suspension is in line with English national policy and although the devolved nations have different ‘restart’ dates, it has been decided that we all conform to the English Government’s 4-week lockdown/break November 5th - December 2nd 2020.

Whilst we know this is disappointing, it is important that we follow the policy and guidance and will restart sport as soon as it is safe and suitable to do so.

Tuesday 13th October 2020:

The latest iteration of ABN 095/20 has been issued which provides an update on the resumption of Army sports, notably the addition of the following sports with immediate effect:

Athletics - Cross Country

Cycling - Army Cycling CX / Army Road Cycling

Netball – Indoor (Only within civilian leisure centres that meet PHE standards) and outdoor courts. Fixtures – Strictly outdoor courts. (Further direction has been promulgated by the Army Netball Secretary to articulate recent NGB changes to netball.)

Training for the following sports is also authorised.

Martial Arts – Karate. Non-contact training (Only within civilian leisure centres that meet PHE standards). – Taekwondo. Non-contact training (Only within civilian leisure centres that meet PHE standards).

Squash – Squash bubbles only (maximum of 6 pax) (Only within civilian leisure centres that meet PHE standards).

Swimming – Indoor (Only within civilian leisure centres that meet PHE standards) and outdoor pools.

Water Polo – Indoor (Only within civilian leisure centres that meet PHE standards) and outdoor pools.

Netball – Indoor (Only within civilian leisure centres that meet PHE standards) and outdoor courts.


The ASCB works with all sports to follow their NGB's guidelines, so that we can continue to resume sports safely and in line with all evolving guidance.

Thursday 8th October 2020:

DASCB and COS ASCB met formally on 1st October to decide whether to recommend to LOC that OSVs either recommence or continue to be suspended under the current COVID-19 environment. Given the current and potential future impact of COVID-19 and the risk to the health of Army personnel, they decided that under the current climate OSVs should continue to be suspended. LOC have subsequently confirmed that they are content with this recommendation. There are currently no OSVs scheduled for the remainder of 2020, and currently 4x OSVs being planned for the first quarter of 2021.

A further DP will take place in early Nov to again assess the current situation regarding OSVs

Wednesday 7th October 2020:

URGENT NOTICE regarding Army Winter Sport 20/21 Season It is with much regret that due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation the Army Winter Sports Season for 20/21 is Cancelled DCGS and ACGS discussed the AWSA activities this season and, given the current and potential future impact of COVID-19 and the risk to our people, have concluded that AWSA activities should be cancelled for this season.

Tuesday 15th September 2020:

If you are applying for your sport to resume and dealing with the ASCB Operations and Assurance Team please be aware of the following:

Army HQ has asked for the details of any new sports for consideration by 23rd September, therefore applications to recommence a sport are to be with the OpsBranch by no later than 0900hrs on Monday 21st September for inclusion in the next ABN. Submission must contain all of the required documents to be processed.

Monday 14th September 2020:

Resumption of Army Sport: The resumption of Army sport at the Representative(Corps/Service) and Unit level will be conditions based and will only resume and continue to be authorised in accordance with Government, Devolved Administration, National Governing Body and the latest Force Health Protection Instruction (FHPI). Sports previously authorised to resume are listed within ABN 095/20.

With immediate effect, the sports listed below are authorised to resume: Cycling - MTB (Enduro & XC), Football - Outdoor only, Hockey - Outdoor only, Motorsports - 4x4 Wheel Navigation, Netball - Within civilian leisure centres that meet Public Health England national standards, Polo - Outdoor only, Rugby Union - Unit level only within Garrisons. Only train and play ‘ready4rugby’ in line with NGB guidelines, Sailing – Kitesurfing & Offshore. Offshore is strictly within the limitations and guidelines set out in COVID-19 guidelines

In addition, training for Athletics (outdoor only) and Cycling (MTB Cyclocross) are also authorised.

Thursday 3rd September 2020:

Because of the uncertainty due to the current COVID-19 environment, both here in the UK and overseas, Army OSVs will continue to not be authorised by DASCB. This will be reassessed on 1 October.

Friday 28th August 2020:

Key points from the latest ABN: Resumption of Army Sport:

The resumption of Army Sport at the Representative (Corps/Service) and Unit level will be conditions-based and will only resume in accordance with Government, Devolved Administration, National Governing Body, and the latest Force Health Protection Instruction (FHPI) and on approval/authorisation by the DASCB.

With effect from 1st September, the following sports have been authorised to resume (subject to their fixtures being authorised by DASCB): Athletics (Road Running), Motorsports (2 Wheel Enduro/Motorcross), Shooting (Troops to Target), Tennis (outdoor only), Triathlon/Duathlon, Water-skiing/Wakeboarding. When fixtures have been authorised they will be shown on our website.

Training for sport at the Representative level (authorised by DASCB) is restricted to those sports previously authorised within this ABN. With effect from 1st September, Representative level teams are also authorised to conduct training for: Football (outdoor training only), Polo (training only), Parachuting (training only) and Squash (training only)

For more information relating to ABN: 095/2020 (Amended 27 Aug 20) Please contact the secretary of your sport, as all sport resuming must be directed through them to ops branch, assurance, and receive the final approval authorisation before resuming.

Thursday 6th August 2020:

Key points from the latest ABN: Resumption of Army Sport:

The resumption of Army Sport at the Representative (Corps/Service) and Unit level will be conditions-based and will only resume in accordance with Government, Devolved Administration, National Governing Body, and the latest Force Health Protection Instruction (FHPI) and on approval/authorisation by the DASCB.

To date, Angling, Archery, Cricket, Cycling (TT only), Golf, Equitation, Motorsports (2 wheel road only), Shooting and Surfing have been authorised to resume some fixtures and the authorised fixtures appear on our website.. Due to the increasing operational pace of authorising sports activity (resumption & fixtures/training), all submissions must be received by the ASCB with no less than 7 working days’ notice. Going forward, this will be strictly enforced. In addition, please note the following:

Accommodation - particular attention should be paid to COVID-19 measures and whether it is a necessity to have accommodation for participants. A clear justification must be included in any submission.

Travelling - movement to and from an event must adhere to the latest chain of command D&G and again this must be specified in any submission.

ALL remaining Army sport remains suspended. The next update from Army HQ will be issued week commencing 31 August 2020.

Training for sport at Unit level (authorised by the CO) is currently permitted if it meets all guidelines - Speak to your sports secretary for additional information. Due to the geographical spread of Representative teams, training for sport at the Representative level is restricted to those sports authorised within this ABN and ONLY with the subsequent authority from the Director Army Sport Control Board (ASCB). This Army Briefing Note, along with all others, can be viewed on MODNET or on a personal device via Defence Connect.

For more information relating to ABN: 095/2020 (Amended 5 Aug 20) Please contact the secretary of your sport, as all sport resuming must be directed through them to ops branch, assurance, and receive the final approval authorisation before resuming.

Overseas Visits: All OSV's remain suspended until 30th September 2020.

OSVs between 1 July and 30 September have been de-authorised. Any additional applications for OSVs, submitted to ASCB that are due to commence during the period 1 July to 30 September, will not be authorised whilst LOC FRAGO 20-247 remains in force.

Army sports should remain cautious when looking to organise any OSVs from 1 October to 31 December 2020. In the current COVID-19 environment, where discretional overseas travel (which includes OSVs) is currently cancelled, OSV organisers are advised not to commit any funding to tour operators or travel companies/airlines etc. prior to receiving authority from ASCB and advice from the ASL on any potential ASL grant. See 2019DIN 10-001 (Army OSV and OTC) and 2019DIN10-015 (Army Sport Lottery) on the Publications section of the ASCB website.

Organisers who commit funds against an OSV prior to receiving authorisation from ASCB, do so at their own risk.

At a future date in September, LOC will be conducting a further series of estimates to review Army overseas activity (Including Army Winter Sports) from 1 October to 31 December 2020 and for Winter Sports until March 2021.

All sports team members are reminded that Army branded kit should only be worn/used at authorised fixtures/training events in sports approved to resume.

Friday 24th July 2020:

To help with the application process to get your sport (or fixture) authorised during this time please make a note of the annex provided. Until then, All sports team members are reminded that Army branded kit should only be worn/used at authorised fixtures/training events.

Wednesday 15th July 2020:

Interview from late last week where Forces Network's Jon Knighton interviewed Major General Shaun Burley CB MBE, Director of the Army Sport Control Board, on restarting some Army Sports and the challenges faced as new policies and procedures are implemented in order to do this safely and in line with guidance.

Tuesday 14th July 2020:

The Army Sport Control Board and Sports Association are working tirelessly behind the scenes, following yesterday's updated Government guidance on various sports and facilities. We are communicating with NGB's and Army HQ and will release further information as soon as it's available.

It is clear that ALL participants in Army Sport will be required to have taken part in the Force Health Protection Mandatory Brief. Individuals can access and watch the COVID-19 Force Health Protection Brief prior to attending any event (including Training), as this outlines the safety considerations which will be enforced throughout the event. As all attendees are required to watch the mandatory Force Health Protection brief and Team Managers have to provide evidence/confirmation that all participants have attended the FHP briefing, you can access the briefing on-line via Defence Connect so that you are are fully briefed in advance of sport resuming.

All sports team members are reminded that Army branded kit should only be worn/used at authorised fixtures/training events.

Friday 3rd July 2020:

Resumption of Army Sport: The resumption of Army sport at the Representative (Corps/Service) and Unit level will be conditions based and will only resume in accordance with Government, Devolved Administration, National Governing Body (NGB) and Force Health Protection Instructions (FHPI). With effect 1 July 2020, the sports listed below are authorised to resume: Angling, Archery, Equitation, Golf, Surfing (sub-discipline of Army Sailing).

All remaining Army sport remains suspended with resumption not anticipated before 1 September 2020 or when directed by Army HQ.

The full version of this Army Briefing Note, along with all others, can be viewed on MODNET or on a personal device via Defence Connect. For further details regarding a specific Sport please contact the relevant Army Sport Secretary.

Thursday 2nd July 2020:

Army Sports Awards 2020: The current circumstances and suspension of representative sport has forced a review of whether or not to hold an Army Sports Awards ceremony this year. Given the current suspension of sporting activity, the cancellation of OSVs and the likely restart date for the majority of our sports, the Chairman and Director of Army Sport, with a heavy heart, concluded that the Army Sports Awards Ceremony due to take place in November 2020 should be cancelled.

This will of course be a huge disappointment to those athletes that worked so hard before the Army suspended representative sport, but please be assured that their efforts will certainly not have been in vain as CGS’ next Army Sports Awards will take place in November 2021, and the citations for the Awards next year will be extended to cover the period from August 2019 to July 2021.

Wednesday 24th June 2020:

OSVs. You will be aware that currently OSVs are suspended until 30 September, as part of the Army’s overall analysis of discretionary overseas travel. You will also be aware that over the last few days LOC have been discussing whether to extend the current suspension of OSVs out to 31 December 2020 and in the case of Winter Sports out to 31 March 2021. LOC have decided to hold a further DP on 1 Sep to decide on any further extension to the current suspension of OSVs (30 September). This is based on their analysis that to cancel activity now, based on current social distancing direction, and find out that in time that these activities could have continued would be more detrimental than deciding to continue with the activity and risk losing money if the OSVs are subsequently cancelled.

Army Representative Sport. Army Representative Sport remains cancelled until 30 June 2020. Army HQ asked ASCB to conduct an analysis of when we think which sports might be able to recommence. Along with the secretaries of the 45x recognised Army sports, ASCB has conducted an estimate over the last couple of weeks to identify which sports might be able to start soonest taking in to account the Govts’ current direction on social distancing, NGB guidance and further advice from the sports secretaries. These recommendations have been submitted to Army HQ requesting direction on whether these sports can be authorised to recommence representative activity NB 30 June 2020. Note that these sports will only be able to recommence at Army representative level on the authority of Army HQ, not NGBs, ASCB or the sports themselves. It is acknowledged that the resumption of Army sport will be conditions based and will not only take place once Govt and devolved administration direction and NGB guidance allows, but also once the Army has the capacity and appetite for Army sport to recommence.

It therefore continues to remain an Army decision on when Army representative sport recommences.

Monday 16th June 2020:

Army Sport Control Board Chief of Staff was interviewed on BFBS Radio's podcast that can be listened to in full here. During the podcast Lt Col (Retd) Paul Leighton provided an update regarding the recommencement of Army Sport:

"Whilst we take advice from the National Governing Bodies and adhere to current direction on social distancing, it has always been an Army decision on when Army sport will recommence […] In the meantime, over the last couple of weeks we’ve been conducting an estimate of what Army sport might be able to start first based on the current social distancing requirements and National Governing Body advice. These recommendations will be staffed up to Army HQ within the next couple of weeks either for their endorsement or rejection. The decision will be based on what the Army’s capacity and appetite is to authorise the recommencement of Army representative sport. Regarding Overseas Sports Visits, they remain suspended until 30 September. Linked in to the Army’s continuing estimate of discretionary overseas travel, I expect a decision from the Army within the next couple of weeks on whether Overseas Sports Visits are likely to be suspended further than 30 September".

Monday 8th June 2020:

A reminder to all that Army sport is still suspended until the 30th June. Updates to when Army sport can resume will be provided as soon as possible.

Monday 18th May 2020:

All previously authorised OSVs between 1 July and 30 September are to be de-authorised. Any additional applications for OSVs, submitted to ASCB that are due to commence during the period 1 July to 30 September, will not be authorised whilst LOC FRAGO 20-247 remains in force.

Army sports should remain cautious when looking to organise any OSVs from 1 October to 31 December 2020. In the current COVID-19 environment, where discretional overseas travel (which includes OSVs) is currently cancelled, OSV organisers are advised not to commit any funding to tour operators or travel companies/airlines etc. prior to receiving authority from ASCB and advice from the ASL on any potential ASL grant. See 2019DIN 10-001 (Army OSV and OTC) and 2019DIN10-015 (Army Sport Lottery) on the Publications section of the ASCB website. Organisers who commit funds against an OSV prior to receiving authorisation from ASCB do so at their own risk. At a future date, LOC will be conducting a further series of estimates to review Army overseas activity from 1 October to 31 December 2020.

Thursday 14th May 2020:

Whilst NGB guidance on the recommencement of a particular sport is absolutely important, it is the Army that will critically decide when Army sport recommences. You will be aware that the current Army direction is that Army sport is suspended until 30 June, and that this date may well differ from that of NGBs. Please ensure that any messages or discussions reiterates that it is the Army that will make the ultimate decision on when Army sport recommences.

Wednesday 29th April 2020:

Army representative sporting activity, including OSVs, continues to be suspended until the end of June 2020. This is currently been reviewed by the LOC in consultation with the MOD within the context of the COVID-19 outbreak, further direction is expected in the coming days. There have been a few recent instances where organisers have committed funds prior to receiving authorisation from ASCB to conduct their OSV. In the current COVID-19 environment, where discretional overseas travel (which includes OSVs) is currently suspended. OSV organisers are advised not to commit any funding to tour operators or travel companies/airlines etc. prior to receiving authority from ASCB and also the ASL have advised on any potential ASL grant. See 2019DIN 10-001 (Army OSV and OTC) and 2019DIN10-015 (Army Sport Lottery) on the Publications section of the ASCB website. Organisers who commit funds against an OSV prior to receiving authorisation from ASCB do so at their own risk. If you have any queries on the Authorisation of OSVs please email Suzi Duncan. If the query is about funding then the ASL contact is Fiona Greenhill.

Monday 6th April 2020:

To ensure adherence to Government guidelines, protect the force and to maximise the availability of personnel, education and training courses are suspended until 1st June. The detail of the changes by course and the mitigations and waivers that will be put in place are detailed in the ABN available through Defence Connect.  Of significance is the suspension of all sports courses until 1st June.

Wednesday 1st April 2020:

In compliance with the Government’s continuing response to COVID-19, with immediate effect all representative Army sport is further suspended until 30 June 2020. This is to include all Overseas Visits and Training Camps. This suspension is subject to constant review and we will notify you as and when circumstances or policy change. Richard Wyeth from BFBS interviewed the Director of the Army Sport Control Board, Major General Shaun Burley CB MBE, on this morning's show. Head over to our Facebook page to listen to the interview about how Army sports is effected by the current COVID-19 situation.

Wednesday 25th March 2020:

Effect on Overseas Sports Visits: Army activity overseas (ongoing or scheduled to take place out to end June 2020) has been formally reviewed by the LOC in consultation with the MOD and PJHQ within the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. The situation continues to deteriorate world-wide, with HN policy/ travel restrictions increasingly being applied to UK personnel. As a result, the decision has been taken to cancel Army overseas activity world-wide out to the end of June 2020 that does not contribute to: operations, readiness or overseas resilience, included within that are Overseas Sports Visits (OSV). As a result ASCB Ops Branch have identified 34x OSVs that are scheduled to deploy overseas within the period 21 April to 30 June. These OSVs will now be de-authorised. OSV organisers will be informed directly by ASCB Ops Branch.

Activity beyond end June 20: Army overseas activity, including OSVs, scheduled to take place July to end September 2020 is due to be reviewed by the LOC week commencing 6 April 2020.  Sports secretaries should expect direction to follow shortly after 6 April, regarding OSVs scheduled to take place 1 July to 30 September 2020.

Tuesday 24th March 2020:

ASCB Chief of Staff, Lt Col (Retd) Paul Leighton MBE has provided the following update: Please be advised that iaw Govt current policy on social distancing during the COVID-19 environment, HQ ASCB, the permanent sports secretaries and their support staff based in Fox Lines will be working predominantly from home for the foreseeable future.  HQ staff and sports secretaries remain contactable, on their e-mail addresses. A full list of the HQ ASCB staff contacts are available to view here.

Thursday 19th March 2020:

Dir ASCB Maj Gen Shaun Burley CB MBE describes what the ASCB has been doing behind the scenes to ensure that when Army sport does recover from COVID-19 our Army athletes, who are striving to keep themselves fit and healthy over this period, have much to look forward to.

Wednesday 18th March 2020:

Chair ASCB has issued the following direction: In compliance with the Government‘s response to COVID-19, with immediate effect all representative Army sport is suspended until 20 April.  This is to include all Overseas Visits and Training Camps.  This suspension is subject to constant review and we will notify you as and when circumstances or policy change.

Tuesday 17th March  2020:

Events Postponed/Cancelled due to Covid-19: The information will be shown on our ASCB Fixtures Page as postponed or cancelled and are being assessed on a case by case basis.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at opsbranch@ascb.uk.com