Northern are to take some important steps to keep squash moving towards a return to normal service.
The committee has been aware of the main issues that members have been asking about, especially after the government decided to delay the next stage of the country opening up for four weeks.
Throughout the whole pandemic Northern has closely followed the advice of England Squash who have been liaising with the government through Sport England.
We’ve also been aware of how the whole club has been operating within Covid restrictions as Northern has become an increasingly important hospitality venue within the local community.
Club manager David Giles and his team have set high standards and operated in an impressively professional manner within the confines allowed.
It’s been important that we make sure any decisions we make about squash facilities can be managed successfully by club staff.
But we can announce two welcome improvements to our squash life.
CHANGING ROOMS BACK IN USE FROM FRIDAY
Changing rooms will be operating again from 12.00 noon on Friday 25th June though some Covid restrictions will apply.
England Squash have advised that no more than four people use the facility at any one time. Social distancing will need to be observed.
The changing rooms will be deep cleaned as soon as possible and an enhanced regular cleaning schedule will be put in place.
Members are asked to use the changing rooms thoughtfully and help staff keep on top of the cleaning requirements.
INTERNAL LEAGUES UP AND RUNNING FROM JULY
The internal leagues will operate again from Thursday July 1st.
Wayne Eastaugh has already given notice on Wazygoose and through the Northern Opponents WhatsApp group, asking for members to confirm by email to him that they would like to rejoin the leagues.
Unlike the normal procedure, members who are active in the last league will not automatically be included in the resumption.
The league will run for five weeks.
STAGGERED COURTS TO REMAIN FOR NOW
There will be no change at the moment to the staggering of courts which remains the advice of England Squash following the government’s four week postponement of full opening up.
This was not an easy decision to make and prompted much discussion.
However a significant majority of committee members felt, having followed England Squash advice so diligently throughout the pandemic, it would be a mistake to ignore the governing body’s protocols at this late stage.
A big factor in the decision was also that demand for courts is not as yet overwhelming with spare courts available most evenings.
It was appreciated that on some occasions members might not be able to get their ideal playing times at shorter notice, but then that is often the case in the height of the season.
The club has a duty of care to its members and, there was a view that to open up all the courts might suggest that we are all out of the woods now, which is not the case.
We will continue to monitor this position and will reflect any change in the country’s policy on Covid restrictions.
Hopefully, members will appreciate the position taken.
