We are pleased that the government has announced that outdoor sports, including clay target shooting, can re-open on 29 March and that our members can return to the sport that they love. We had hoped for an earlier date, given the arguments presented to the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport over the past year that outdoor sports can operate in a CV19 secure manner. However, we are thankful that shooting grounds and our sport can open up in the first phase of lockdown easing.

In line with the latest government guidance, shooting grounds can open for practice and CPSA Registered competitions can recommence from 29 March under CV19 secure guidance. Squads/groups of up to six shooters will be allowed to shoot together, so long as the Referee can safely distance from the squad. Further guidance will be issued within the next week.

Considering the roadmap and restrictions, we are looking forward to a full calendar of events this year including The Game Fair and our CPSA Championships, starting with the English Open English Sporting on 19-23 May at Barbury Shooting School and the English Open English Skeet at Eriswell Lodge on the 4-6 June.

We are working closely with our fellow associations regarding the Home Internationals schedule. We are reviewing the dates of the England selection shoots in light of the delay in hotels being able to open and will make announcements regarding this in the coming days. We are committed to running a full England Team selection and Home International calendar this year.

To read the full Government guidance: COVID-19 RESPONSE − SPRING 2021 (publishing.service.gov.uk)