What sports are you allowed to play by law during lockdown?

As part of lockdown regulations easing on Monday 1 June, the government has set out its plan to allow people to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

Part of this involves publishing guidelines for staying safe while outside your home, and that includes playing sport. With that in mind, what are people allowed to do?

It should be noted that these guidelines only apply to England, with the rest of the UK following their own guidelines.

Can I play sport with someone I don’t live with?

The same rules to meeting friends and family apply to sport. So, from 1 June, people are allowed to play sport in groups of up to six people from other households. The guidelines state that you should only do so “where it is possible to maintain a two metre gap from those you do not live with.”

What sports are best suited to the guidelines?

Anything where social distancing can be maintained. Golf, tennis and cycling are good examples due to the lack of contact needed to partake. Equipment sharing should also be limited – again, suitable to these sports – but cleaned before and after even if you’re the only person to have used it.

Are team sports ok?

To an extent. Given the two metre gap, and limit on numbers, people can do fitness sessions and skill-based games, assuming that social distancing is maintained.

So, with football for example, people can do passing and shooting drills, but not play five-a-side.

Similarly, with cricket. Nets sessions between bat and bowler would be allowed, but not full games. You can practice shooting on a basketball court, but only if it’s outside.

With all of the above, the same guidelines regarding equipment sharing and cleaning apply.

Can I go to the gym?

No. Exercise in parks and open public spaces is allowed, but gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools and indoor courts remain closed.

Outdoor gyms and playgrounds are also not allowed to be used.

How far can I travel to play sport?

As far as you like as long as you can return home on the same night and don’t put others at risk as a result of your journey. The government maintains that “you should continue to avoid using public transport and should cycle, walk or drive wherever possible.”

Is it different for professional athletes?

Under written guidance from the government, “elite athletes” are allowed to train and compete using specified facilities and under the government guidelines regarding player-testing and hygiene systems.

This is also true for “elite development pathway” athletes. These include non-professional athletes who are training for the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

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