As the Government has now agreed to allow match fishing, our planned series of Summer League Matches will go ahead. However, all those members intending to take part are to note the following rules, published by the Angling Trust, which must be strictly adhered to:

1. Competitions will be permitted on all waters where social distancing guidance can be adhered to. All competitors will fish on allocated “pegs”. It is the organisers responsibility to ensure that these pegs are appropriately spaced to ensure that social distancing is maintained at all times.

2. Anglers should "book on" to a competition as per the organiser’s instructions, usually in advance by phone, email or online. Wherever possible avoid cash transactions

3. Competitors should travel in accordance with current Government guidelines only.On arrival at the venue drivers should pay strict attention to signage and park under the instructions of the fishery/organiser. When leaving vehicles, strict social distancing measures must be adhered to at all times, maintaining a minimum of 2 metres apart. No physical greetings, handshaking etc. to take place.

4. The draw should be held in accordance with the organiser’s pre-stated process to ensure social distancing is maintained. Wherever possible the draw should take place online. Where an on-site draw is necessary, to comply with rules on organised gatherings, the draw must conform to the rules on social distancing. Hand sanitizer should be made available. If using a “raffle style” approach it is recommended that the organiser should be the only person to draw. When a peg is allocated the angler should immediately make their way to their peg.

5. At the end of the match competitors will be expected to remain at their pegs until the scalesman arrives. No anglers are permitted to follow the scalesman. Ensuring safety and adherence to the social distance guidelines during the weigh-in is the responsibility of the organiser. Scalesmen will wear the gloves and masks provided and maintain social distancing measures at all times. Each angler should remove their keepnet themselves and transfer the fish into the weigh sling without breaching social distancing guidance. The angler must then step away to allow the scalesman to weigh the fish. The scalesman then calls the weight and the angler must agree that they are happy with it. The scalesman then returns the fish to the water. The process is then repeated if several weigh-ins are required. Social distancing guidelines must be obeyed at all times. Once weighed in the angler will pack up and return directly to their vehicle. In order to avoid breaching Government rules on organised gatherings, special attention should be paid to the announcement of results at the end of the match.

6. The match organiser should post results online for competitors to view. Match organisers should consider paying winnings directly into the angler’s bank account by electronic means. Cash transactions should be avoided wherever possible. Social distancing must be observed at all times.