As the vaccination and booster rollout continues, it remains essential that the proper precautions are taken to minimise the spread of the virus and to maintain safe working environments. This is particularly the case in light of the recent Omicron variant.

In order to make things as clear as possible, the following resources outline what the current government guidelines are regarding Covid-19 and how those working in the grounds sector can continue to do their work and live their lives in as safe and healthy a manner as possible.

The situation and guidance changes frequently so it is important to continually monitor for any changes by visiting the government website, by visiting the website of your relevant sporting body, or by speaking with your employer.

Government Guidelines for Covid-19

This section gives direct access to the guidelines and advice issued by HM Government and the NHS. This information will help you make informed decisions about what to do. 

Guidance on GMA Products and Services

This section includes information about the GMA for members. We are having to change some of our ways of working and adjust some of the services we provide to you to accommodate some of the restrictions imposed by Government guidelines in response to Covid-19.

It also displays the latest communications update we have posted. 

Guidance on interim works for your sports turf

The GMA has worked closely with various National Governing Bodies to offer advice and guidance on what maintenance may be required during restricted periods of activity or when sport resumes. For guidance on what grounds maintenance tasks may be essential to getting surfaces fit for play when sport resumes, please see the interim works documents below.

As always, we recommend adhering to the latest Government guidance and safe working practice.

Guidance for your Health and Wellbeing

Maintaining good mental and physical health is important, both during this pandemic but also afterwards. The GMA is grateful for organisations like Perennial and others for making their resources and links available to GMA members and the wider sector.

Please forward any of the following resources onto your colleagues, staff or anyone you know in the industry who might need help.

Guidance for Professional Grounds Staff

Professional grounds managers and staff are advised to continue actively discussing working practices with their employers who should ensure all employees are following Government guidelines. Subject to Government policy, your employer should determine with you whether what work is essential, what work is safe, and how you can continue to do your job in the safest and most efficient manner.

Guidance for Volunteer Grounds Staff

We know that volunteers take great pride in their work, but it is essential that volunteers continue to follow the latest Government guidelines, accessed here.

See our interim works documents for guidance on natural turf grounds maintenance tasks that may be required to get surfaces ready when sport resumes.

The following resources are to help volunteers understand what they can still do during lockdown.

Guidance for Self Employed Grounds Staff

The Government has issued guidance to the self-employed with new financial measures to help support them. To check if you can claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, click here or for guidance what to do if you’re self-employed and getting less work or no work, click here.

National Governing Bodies of sport

If you want more information here is a list of National Governing Bodies of sport with easily accessible links to their website, 

Guidance for Business and Personal Finance

Finance is a wide ranging subject and specific to each person or business and their individual circimstances. This section provides links to organisations and websites which may be able to help you with advice and also provide you with more specific information in relation to Covid-19