Joint statement from UKRDA and British Championships

British Championships and the UKRDA have been working closely with WFTDA, MRDA and following advice from UK authorities to understand how we can best keep skaters, volunteers and spectators safe during this spread of Covid-19. We understand the UK Governments approach to delaying the spread and that social distancing is an important part of the strategy.

We are recommending that all leagues cancel or postpone all games planned from now until 3rd April. We understand this is a recommendation with financial impact and that leagues will need to contact their venue providers. We recommend that leagues cancel what they can, on timescales that work for your league.

British Championships will not issue a forfeit or any penalisation for cancelled games or events during this time. British Championships are actively working on contingency plans to minimise the disruption to the season. Assistance will be given to reschedule postponed games once the situation has improved.

Leagues should also review their training sessions and discuss with their skaters if training sessions should go ahead. All leagues should follow WFTDA advice on attendance requirements, hygiene policy and keep health and safety at the forefront at this time. Don’t come to training if you are ill but don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

We know how important the community aspect of roller derby is. Situations such as this make it more important we work together and at the same time make it harder for us to be together.

We are making these recommendations based on the best advice we have in a dynamic and changing situation. We will continue to monitor the situation, keep working with WFTDA, MRDA and other global and UK organisations to help keep UK Roller Derby safe.

We are following guidance from the government, which currently means it is business as usual. At this time, travel and events are not restricted. All British Champs games are going ahead as planned.

We encourage everyone to avoid post-game celebrations involving physical contact, such as high-fives, fist bumps, shaking hands, etc. Try to keep all physical contact outside of normal gameplay to a minimum where possible. Ensure you wash your hands before eating and drinking.

If you have a cold, flu symptoms, a new persistent cough, fever, or any of the symptoms of coronavirus, we advise you to follow the government’s advice – self-isolate and stay at home.

If you are unable or unwilling to attend an event that you are expected at, please contact the relevant people in as much time as possible. Let your team liaison, your head official, or British Champs know.

British Champs puts the health and safety of skaters, officials, volunteers, and fans above all else.

We will not penalise for any events that are cancelled or postponed due to coronavirus, and will assist with rescheduling.

Don’t forget to reach out to any members of the derby community that you know are self-isolating. Isolation can be a lonely and scary time, especially if they are feeling unwell.

We advise all leagues to read the WFTDA statement and advice regarding coronavirus, found here: https://resources.wftda.org/covid-19/

For more information and advice on dealing with the coronavirus, please visit the UK government resource: https://www.gov.uk/…/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-res…

The NHS website with information can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

As the situation develops further, we will be sure to update you.

If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch. You can message us via email to british.championships@gmail.com or use the contact form on the website.

We need your help to share the excitement that is roller derby! If you are a photographer at British Championships events, we’d love to showcase your work on our social media channels and website.

To share your work with us, and to ensure we give full and proper credit, please complete this form.

If you have any questions, please get in touch!