Boxing Scotland

Promoting and Developing Boxing In Scotland

News

Looking after your wellbeing

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In these uncertain times it’s important for all of us to try to maintain our mental health as well as our physical health. Here are a few things that might help.

Maintain a regular routine

Try to maintain familiar routines as much as possible including sleep and wake times. You may also need to create some new routines. Think about how you’ll spend your time at home, for example, plan different activities to do on different days or consider habits you want to start. Set a daily to do list to encourage structure and stay present.

Stay connected

Staying connected and having a social outlet is hugely important for your mental wellness. Try to stay connected by phone, text, Whatsapp and video calls.  Think about your family, friends and colleagues and try to support them where possible – we are all going through an unusual time but can help each other.   

Following guidance

You can keep up to date surrounding COVID19 via the UK Government website.

There is a huge amount of information available which may not be as accurate as official guidance. Be careful about what other sources of information you use.

Try and set a daily time limit on following the news so it doesn’t consume your day. If you can, make this at the same time every day e.g 10 minutes at 9am.

Stay active Current Advice

• Stay as active as you can and aim for 10,000 steps per day if possible.

• It’s safe to exercise in open spaces away from others (2 metres) and in groups of no more than 2 people.

• If you are self isolating and do not have symptoms set a daily activity target for yourself.

• Share exercise plans and goals with others. Be creative with indoor exercise.

• Choose activities you enjoy and find relaxing, yoga and pilates are good forms of exercise for physical and psychological health.

• Follow the training being delivered on social media by Clubs across Scotland.  There is a variety of sessions from basic to advance fitness sessions to the more techincal element of the sport. Or for the less active the NHS has created a 10 minute workout that can be performed at home. 

• We have also been sharing different ways to stay active on Boxing Scotland facebook page

• If you have symptoms consistent with Coronavirus (new persistent cough and/or fever) then you should do no exercise for 10 days minimum.

Eat well and boost immunity

• Eat a well balanced diet that includes all major food groups

• Boost your natural intake of vitamins and minerals by eating a wide range of fruit and vegetables

• Think about having a probiotic drink daily (Yakult or Actimel)

• Keep well hydrated, keep your water bottle clean and don’t share with others

• Keep your hands clean by washing them regularly with soap and water then apply hand sanitiser

• Make sure you get enough good quality sleep.

Perspective

A near-constant stream of news reports about an outbreak can cause anyone to feel anxious or distressed. Staying connected with others and seeking updates from credible sources will help with this.

Try to remember public health agencies and experts in all countries are working on the outbreak to ensure availability of the best care to those affected.

If you feel like your mental wellness is worsening

If you feel like you are struggling to stay connected or that you feel more low or anxious you are not alone. Self help resources that may be helpful:  
  • SAMH has useful information on maintaining mental wellness
  • Young Scot this a difficult time for young people too
 
If these measure do not help and you feel that your mental health is worsening or is a concern to you or others:
  • Tell someone how you are feeling      
  • Contact your GP practice (0800 – 1800 week days)       
  • Out of hours – NHS 24 on 111 (1800 – 0800 weeksdays and 24 hours at weekends)
  • Samaritans 116 123 (open 24/7)
  • Breathing Space  0800 33 35 37 (open Mon to Thurs 1800 to 0200, 24 hours over the weekend. Online chat also available)

 

Rates, Grants, Loans guidance

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We are currently living through an unprecedented period, due to the coronavirus with everyone’s daily lives being affected. The situation is impacting on people in lots of different ways and you will all have your own experiences.

We fully understand the considerable impact this is going to have on Clubs up and down the country, especially on top of the cancellation of end-of-season club shows.

Given we have over 125 clubs in membership, there are obviously a lot of variations as to how each club operates – from Ltd companies and CASC through to unincorporated associations and sport clubs – but wherever possible we will strive to provide updates on the Scottish and Westminster Governments announcements and where to find out additional information.

It’s appreciated that this support will not directly cover many of our Clubs, and we will endeavour to provide further updates as they become available, including clarity on whether this applies to registered charities.

We also reiterate that we will continue to monitor what direct support can be made available to Clubs from government funding. In the meantime, our Club Development Officers are also available to help in any way they can.

Self-employed coaches

Advice has been posted by UK Coaching for self-employed coaches, along with an ongoing thread of questions and answers that coaches can access.

You can view it by clicking here.

Help for Clubs that are Ltd companies

Clarification on government support for clubs that are Ltd with regard to rates relief, grants and loans.

Business support finder Scotland; https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/coronavirus-advice

Confederation of Business Industry; https://www.cbi.org.uk/coronavirus-hub/support-for-business/

SENSCOT Social Firms Scotland
Supporting Business to transform lives in the third sector – https://senscot.net/covid-19-resources/

  • Business rates relief – Will apply to clubs that pays business rates. Local authorities will contact businesses. https://www.mygov.scot/non-domestic-rates-coronavirus/
  • Mortgage holiday – Will apply to clubs that has a mortgage on the building/space. Please contact your mortgage provider.
  • Business interruption loan – Clubs needs to apply through their own bank. This is basically a bank loan with the government covering the interest for the first 12 months. Please contact your Clubs bank provider.

https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/ourpartners/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme-cbils/

https://smallbusiness.co.uk/how-do-i-apply-for-a-coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-2549863/

  • Small business grant £10k – Available to businesses that currently has small business rates relief. Each local authority will contact businesses shortly regarding how to apply for this.

https://smallbusiness.co.uk/how-to-get-the-governments-10000-coronavirus-cash-grant-2549956/

  • Grant funding of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses – This is available for those with property of a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000. Local authorities will contact eligible businesses. https://www.gov.scot/news/gbp-2-2-billion-for-business/
  • Income Tax self-assessment payments – the July 2020 payment is now automatically deferred to January 202 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-individuals-and-businesses-in-scotland
  • HMRC time to pay (falling outside of VAT and Income Tax Self-Assessment) – Clubs can contact HMRC regarding delaying payments on a case by case basis. https://www.gov.uk/difficulties-paying-hmrc
  • Full refund on Statutory Sick Pay – While this will become available, it has not been finalised by HMRC yet. More details will be posted on the link at the appropriate time.
  • VAT payments – Any VAT payment from the three-month period between 30thMarch 2020 to 30 June 2020 will automatically be deferred until the end of the year.
  • 80% salary contribution for furloughed workers – Currently being set-up, with details to follow from HMRC.

For more details on the information above, and for updates, please go to the UK government guidance here.

We understand that every Club and/or business is different and will require individuals to check what’s available for individual support.  We also realise that at the moment there isn’t much information on those volunteer run boxing clubs.  We have attached the current SCVO guidance.

Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations – SCVO Guidance

Boxing Scotland is in consulation with sportscotland who are putting in place their business continuity plans about how they can support partners and the wider sporting community. 

We will continue to monitor information coming from the relevant authorities and pass this information on as soon as reasonably possible to the memberships and clubs.

Boxing Scotland will continue to do its best to provide updates, advice and support as quickly as possible and urges everyone within the boxing family to stay safe.

COVID 19 UPDATE 21 MARCH 2020

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Dear Membership,
Boxing Scotland would like to thank you for your patience during these difficult and unprecedented times. It has been heart-warming and encouraging to see clubs using their social media pages to reach out to the boxing community with training plans and some innovative activities for those self-isolating. Please keep this going and share your latest updates with us on our social media.
We have taken the decision to close the High Performance Centre until further notice, we will continue to answer any queries you may have via email enquiries@boxingscotland.org
Our RDOs have spent the past few days contacting clubs and will continue to do this until we have made contact with every single membership club across the country with a view to gaining an insight into your induvial circumstances and what support you require.
All Schools across Scotland have now closed and the most up to date advice has been for people to avoid all non-essential travel and practice Social Distancing. The health, safety and wellbeing of our volunteers, membership and wider community is paramount and we would ask that everyone adheres to the government and NHS guidance and guidelines
With this in mind Boxing Scotland has taken the difficult decision to cancel all membership boxing activities until further notice, this is in line with the latest guidance. To clarify, this means there should be no organised training activities either indoor or outdoor or any other type of boxing related event taking place.
We are aware that our membership is varied and each club is individual with their own unique needs and circumstances. The Scottish Government has created a business helpline which may be of use to our member clubs who rely on boxing activities for their income.
If you think that your club may benefit, contact the business helpline number on 0300 303 0660. The helpline will be open Monday to Friday 0830 hours to 1730 hours. Callers should select option one to speak to the COVID-19 team. Further information can be found here. https://www.gov.scot/news/covid-19-helpline-for-scottish-businesses/
We are continuing monitor the latest news, advice and information being sent by the Scottish and Westminster Governments as well as the NHS with regards to the COVID19 and will continue to provide updates and communications as soon as we can after the latest guidance has been issued.
If you have specific concerns about the corona virus you should contact the NHS https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 for further guidance.
On behalf of everyone at Boxing Scotland, stay safe, look after yourself and your family. If you can, help with your neighbours and wider community while ensuring that you are keeping yourself and your family safe.

COVID 19 UPDATE

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Boxing Scotland is aware of the on-going concerns of individual and Club Members around the Coronavirus outbreak and have been monitoring the advice being given by the Westminster Government, Scottish Government and NHS Scotland.  

We are doing our best to keep up to date with the fast-moving pace of events at this time.  The UK government has stated that “everyone in the UK should now avoid non-essential travel and contact with others “  Boxing Scotland will continue to closely monitor the situation whilst seeking expert advice from all key stakeholders and our Medical commission.  

The wellbeing, health and safety of all boxers, coaches, volunteers and the general public is a real priority for Boxing Scotland. We are aware that a number of our Member Clubs have already taken the precaution of having cancelled or postponed planned sessions.


Club Activity
Based on the current advice, we suggest that all Member Clubs seriously consider whether Club activities continue and strongly recommend that these are postponed until such time as the current situation becomes more stable and there is clear guidance from appropriate sources about the spread of the virus. We have written to the District Secretaries and have asked them to consider withdrawing the permits for upcoming club shows. Boxing Scotland will continue to closely monitor the situation whilst seeking expert advice from all key stakeholders and our Medical commission


Active Scotland has confirmed that the current advice and guidance is still very relevant, whereby people can reduce the risk of acquiring and spreading respiratory infections by practising good hygiene, such as:
• Avoiding direct hand contact with your eyes, nose and mouth;
• Maintaining good hand hygiene;
• Washing hands with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitiser, after coughing or sneezing, after going to the toilet, and prior to eating and drinking;
• Avoiding direct contact with people that have a respiratory illness and not using their personal items such as their mobile phone;
• Covering their nose and mouth with disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing and disposing of them in the nearest waste bin after use;
Anyone with flu-symptoms should avoid the risk of spreading their infection, whatever that infection may be, by staying at home and recovering.


Further Considerations
Boxing Scotland will continue to review its planned future activities – particularly where delivery is on a ‘face-to-face’ basis – until further clarity is provided by the Scottish Government and will be communicating further with those affected.
In the meantime, please continue to follow the official advice coming out of the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland and make use of their online resources for up to date information about Coronavirus. This situation continues to be an on-going and fast-moving and as such any guidance and advice will be subject to further review and recommendations from the Scottish Government or NHS Scotland.

Best Regards,
Fraser Walker
CEO
Boxing Scotland

Suspension of Elite and Youth 2020 National Championships

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Boxing Scotland has today Monday 16th March taken the decision to suspend the Elite and Youth 2020 Championships following the rapidly evolving Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation.

In light of government restrictions on public gatherings and the resulting pressure on emergency services and healthcare provision, Boxing Scotland has decided that with effect from Monday 16 March there will be a period without National competition whilst a further assessment can be made. This will be in effect up to, and including, 3 April 2020 which is also in line with other sporting organisations. A further decision will be taken after this date.

We appreciate this is very disappointing news for the Boxers and Clubs. The decision has been taken with much regret as we understand the dedication and personal sacrifice our Boxers and Coaches have made in the lead up to these Elite and Youth Championships.  But due to the sprialing numbers of confirmed cases in Scotland and the UK we have concluded that the safety of all members of the Boxing Scotland family and the wider community, as well as the fairness of the competition take priority.

Boxing Scotland spokesperson said: “We have taken on board all expert medical advice before now and we are taking a precautionary approach to give time to assess what the impact of coronavirus will be on Scottish society in the coming weeks before deciding on next steps.

“This decision has been taken with the best interest of everyone involved in the sport and in support of the country’s work to address the impact of Coronavirus.”

The Club Guidance at the moment continues to remain the same and can be found at the link below.

Club Guidance Link

This is an ongoing and fast moving situation and as such any guidance and advice will be subject to further review and recommendations from Authorities.

In the meantime please continue to follow advice and make use of the following online resources for up to date information about Coronavirus:

NHS information

Gov.UK Guidance

UK Government and Foreign and Commonwealth Guidance

COVID-19 Outbreak – Guidance for Clubs

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Further to our statement on the changes to our Elite and Youth Championships, we are aware there may be ongoing concerns from our clubs and members regarding ongoing boxing activities. 

The wellbeing, health and safety of all our boxers, coaches, volunteers and the general public is a priority for Boxing Scotland and we are aware that a number of planned club shows may have already been cancelled or postponed.  

At present, our position is to help support and provide an informed view for Clubs to make their own decisions as to whether their shows and activity should run by looking at the local situation and the planned conditions.

In reaching decisions about competitions and other activities that might be taking place, clubs are encouraged to consider the latest government advice as follows – 

  • There is presently no reason for people to stop doing their daily sporting and physical activities as they normally would;
  • Anyone with a persistent cough and, or a temperature or flu like symptoms should avoid the risk of spreading their infection by following government advice;
  • For those who offer community and leisure services hand hygiene should be strongly promoted and encouraged, and equipment and facilities should be thoroughly cleaned and wiped down as usual following use;
  • For those hosting sporting events, whatever their size, attendees and participants should stay up to date on the government’s latest advice on how to avoid catching or spreading the virus;

Regular communication with local partners, facility operators, travelling boxers and clubs is essential and consideration must be given to those who have concerns about their health.  Clubs should be aware that some boxers, coaches, volunteers and spectators may withdraw from competition at the last minute due to changing circumstances or advice. Boxing Scotland will continue to work closely with all partners to support clubs as decisions around the staging of tournaments (especially the 2020 Elite Finals) are made.

Finally, please follow all the relevant advice on how to avoid catching or spreading the virus, we would encourage you to look after your health. There is no pressure from Boxing Scotland for boxers , coaches, volunteers etc. to attend any organised activity if they feel it will risk their health.

This is an ongoing and fast moving situation and as such any guidance and advice will be subject to further review and recommendations from Authorities.

In the meantime please continue to follow advice and make use of the following online resources for up to date information about Coronavirus:

NHS Inform Scotland website

UK Government Coronavirus guidance website

UK Government Foreign and Commonwealth Office website – for all countries