Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Update 23rd September 2020:

Further to the Government statements issued Tuesday 22^nd September 2020, DCMS have confirmed to the Combat Sports Group that they do not fall under the description of “team sports” but rather “individual sports” undertaking fitness and training activities within NGB published guidelines, COVID-19 secure and risk-assessed, and safe to continue.

For reference, BTC guidelines include the following safety measures based on the guidance collated from the Sport organisations in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland:

• anyone displaying COVID-19 symptoms is not permitted to train and advised to follow national guidance for isolation and testing
• the wellbeing of participants should factor in the activity risk assessment, taking account of all protected characteristics, and sessions planned to be engaging and inclusive
• face masks to be worn before, after and in any non-playing areas (in Scotland, Northern Ireland) but are NOT required when undertaking physical activities or with a reasonable excuse not to do so, ie a health condition or disability, including hidden disabilities such as autism, dementia or a learning disability
• participants and instructors reminded to wash or sanitise hands regularly in line with public health guidance
• 2m² personal training area to be maintained
• outdoor activity sessions are limited to 30 maximum, including instructors
• indoor activity sessions are limited in the numbers of participants and instructors by the BTC COVID-19 risk assessment calculator
• students are advised to wear socks, non-porous footwear or martial art training shoes when training.  If students choose to train in bare feet, they must have no infections or breaks in their skin and their training area must be disinfected and dried before anyone else can use it
• no pad work by participants outside family members
• no sparring or contact activities to be undertaken
• no shared personal protective equipment is used
• any bags or training equipment used is sanitised between different users/classes
• children 10 years and under in Wales and 11 years and under in Scotland do not need to maintain physical distancing between themselves and may undertake the full range of Taekwon-Do activities, including pad work and sparring but instructors must maintain their COVID-19 secure practice, eg maintaining physical distancing and no excessive exertion, ie moderate tone and volume to minimise the risk of transmission via droplets.  There is no such stipulation of ages in England and Northern Ireland, therefore BTC clubs in these countries should align with DCMS guidelines that a person should train within a 2m² personal training area, regardless of age
• indoor training areas are thoroughly cleaned before and after use
• the use of toilet facilities should be avoided but where necessary (for children or disabled participants), are regularly cleaned and sanitised
• no on-site changing or shower facilities to be used
• only one parent per child, to remain outside or away from the training area (clubs must comply with the NGB Safeguarding policy and procedures regarding responsible adults present when teaching children)
• parents/carers to maintain social distancing and wear masks if required in indoor or outdoor areas
• QR codes or other methods to be in place to record contact information for NHS Test and Protect (Scotland), Test and Trace (England), Test, Trace, Protect (Wales and NI)
• non-contact payment systems to be used wherever possible
• safe travel to and from training sessions

BTC support our registered clubs in the continuation of Taekwon-Do activities in line with the above conditions, implementation of BTC policies and procedures and confirm that Professional and Member Insurance remains valid.

This information is shared on the BTC web and social media sites.  All BTC Member Organisations are requested to do likewise and disseminate this information update to all their club instructors, who are also requested to like and/or share on their club sites.

BTC is aware that some venue providers have already suspended the use of hired facilities.  It may assist if this information is shared with facility providers, along with a link to the BTC Administration contact information.  The BTC Executive Officers and administration team will respond to any and all enquiries to clarify and reaffirm this information.

BTC Executive

Update 9th September 2020:

From next Monday, any indoor and outdoor gatherings of more than six people in England will be illegal, unless it meets one of a limited list of exemptions.  The new rule does not apply to households or bubbles of more than six.  Organised team sports carried out in a COVID-secure way are also exempt.

BTC, as the National Governing Body for Taekwondo in the UK, can verify that this information has been reviewed and confirmed by the Combat Sports Group, Sport England and DCMS.  Therefore, BTC clubs which are able to open and operate may continue to do so, in confidence, in line with Phase One of the NGB Plan, BTC Phased Safe Return to Indoor TKD Activity.

Individuals or organisation having any queries should please direct these to Trevor Nicholls [email protected].

Update 16th July 2020: 

A number of documents relating to the reopening of our Taekwondo schools and dojangs have been sent to our member organisations. Please contact your member organisation of the BTC for a copy of all documents. 

The devolved administrations have their own criteria and anticipated dates for return to both outdoor and indoor activities.  Clubs must refer to their home country government guidance and align it with the NGB supporting attachments.

The BTC advises that clubs in all countries review the documents with the understanding:

• Scotland, as at 17^th July 2020, no indoor activity, expected 31^st July; refer to Attachment 1 for outdoor guidelines
• England, as at 17^th July 2020, refer to Attachment 1 for updated outdoor guidelines
• England, from 25^th July 2020, indoor activity may resume if prepared and safe to do so; clubs to align with Attachment 4
• Wales, as at 17^th July 2020, no indoor activity, expected 30^th July; outdoor guidelines detailed in Attachment 1
• Northern Ireland, as at 17^th July 2020, indoor activity permitted, refer to Attachment 4; refer to Attachment 1 for outdoor guidelines

This pandemic continues to evolve and guidelines are subject to change.  BTC instructors must at all times refer to the BTC guidelines, policies and procedures, however common sense should ensure that all participants, spectators, etc, are kept safe and have a clear understanding of the club’s operating procedures.

BTC Executive

15th June 2020, updated 17th July 2020: The British Taekwondo Council have issued updated NGB Guidance and a Risk Assessment tool for use by BTC Club Instructors to facilitate the safe Return to Play, in line with Sport England guidelines

• Statement 17th March 2020 regarding Taekwondo practice and links to Government advice and guidance
• Update 24th March 2020
• Update 31st March 2020 re PII
• Update 1st June 2020 re Outdoor Training in Groups

NSPCC/CPSU Advanced Standards in Safeguarding

BTC has worked hard for many years to achieve Advanced Standards in Safeguarding.  All BTC clubs are entitled to display the following NSPCC/CPSU logo when accompanied by the statement detailed:

Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts

The British Taekwondo Council are working closely with Sport England and the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts. BTC Ltd are fully committed to the safeguarding code and a safe club.  Currently the BTC Ltd hold advanced standards in safeguarding and fulfil the safety code as stated on their website. 

To find out more information visit here  

  Important:   At this time no BTC Club must contact either of the above as the executive of BTC Ltd are working with Educare and Sport England to ascertain a process for cross recognition of National Governing Body and the Safeguarding Code.