‘Wednesday afternoons will no longer be reserved for sports’: Cardiff Uni announces

In an email sent from the Pro Vice Chancellor on Monday afternoon, it is noted that the university continues to plan for students’ return in September with combined face-to-face and online learning. However, the re-introduction of sports societies and matches is the primary focus, with the email stating that Wednesday afternoons will “no longer be reserved for sports.”

Each plan is based around government guidelines to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

Until January 2021, “most BUCS competitive team sports between institutions have been postponed.”  Although this means that universities across the UK cannot compete, “some competitive sport between local universities is being considered during the first term if guidelines allow.”

Whilst these decisions are understandable, one that stands out is the decision to no longer reserve Wednesday afternoons for sport. This is due to the university extending timetables so as to “maximise our capacity for teaching on campus.” They will, however, “commit to the reintroduction of this as social distancing becomes more flexible, and our usual teaching timetable can resume.”

In order to ensure social distancing within sports, “gym sessions will be bookable, class numbers will be restricted, and class times reduced, floor markings will be introduced where required”. The email also stressed that enhanced cleaning will take place everywhere on campus.

Planning alongside the Students’ Union, they have noted that the SU will also be available 24/7, though not all areas may be accessible at all times throughout the day, due to a higher-demand for cleaning.

It’s not good news for all sports, however, as “our outdoor pitches will remain closed for organised team sports until such time that the government and/or national governing bodies allow sports to return at a community level.”

So until the government allows it, most organised team sports on their outdoor pitches will be unable to go ahead.

The Pro Vice Chancellor also said that “our sports hall will also be open for the use of University sports clubs to carry out fitness activities”, again with social distancing.

What was made clear is that the university are considering how they can make sure our return to university is as normal as possible. However, it seems that it will take some time for things to return to how they were before.

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