Does anyone understand the restrictions for 'youth groups'

[Grumpyoldpersonwithcats]

DS2 sings in a choir in England (not school related) that started back a few weeks ago. The choir has 50+ singers (aged from about 14-19).
Covid restrictions are in place - social distancing etc. but I'm really unclear if this is permitted or not. Can anyone confirm? Not looking for any moral or risk judgement - just an understanding of the current rules please.

I'm also a little confused about this. The whole business about no more than 6 people allowed to congregate for indoor organised sport.

Obviously something like 5 a side football is a sport so not allowed (I think). But choir is not a sport so is this prevented by these rules, other rules, or not allowed?

And what is 'organised sport'. This weekend DP was planning to go to his 'over 40s skateboarding group' (stop laughing at the back) and neither of us is sure if this is allowed. Is it 'organised sport'? Could be.

There will be more than 6 of them and the whole purpose is to mingle and reminisce about the time that their knees and elbows didn't hurt so much while pretending that they've still got the skills .

I suspect this is not allowed if it is a group activity/organised sport but can't see how these rules apply to a choir. But if the age group is 14-19 then they can't use the 'its OK for children but not adults get out' that I think there is?

But then businesses can open if COVID secure, so would that apply to the business premises where these activities take place?

I’m in Scotland do different here but my running group can only meet with our coach. We cannot do “social” runs outside of that. Our govt working on “organised sport” requires a trainer or coach to be in charge and be responsible for the Covid measures (usually covered by the sports organising body as most coaches or trainers will belong to one for insurance reasons).

OP have a look at 3.18 here

Does this help?

Thanks all and particularly @BarbaraofSeville (nice musical reference ) for the link.
I've forwarded that link (and also this one I found this morning) to the choral director so she can react accordingly.

www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/amateur-choirs-rule-of-six_52443.html

@BarbaraofSeville

I'm also a little confused about this. The whole business about no more than 6 people allowed to congregate for indoor organised sport.

Obviously something like 5 a side football is a sport so not allowed (I think). But choir is not a sport so is this prevented by these rules, other rules, or not allowed?

And what is 'organised sport'. This weekend DP was planning to go to his 'over 40s skateboarding group' (stop laughing at the back) and neither of us is sure if this is allowed. Is it 'organised sport'? Could be.

There will be more than 6 of them and the whole purpose is to mingle and reminisce about the time that their knees and elbows didn't hurt so much while pretending that they've still got the skills .

I suspect this is not allowed if it is a group activity/organised sport but can't see how these rules apply to a choir. But if the age group is 14-19 then they can't use the 'its OK for children but not adults get out' that I think there is?

But then businesses can open if COVID secure, so would that apply to the business premises where these activities take place?

No of course this isn’t allowed. Otherwise everyone could form a random group and go over the 6 limit. No indoor organised sports groups for adults, and no unofficial groups either.

Youth groups are covered buy tha national youth agency guidance, although most national bodies have then issued their own guidance based on that.

While we're exempt for the rule of 6, I can't see any way for 50+ members to meet together. We have to stick to bubbles of 15, and while more than one bubble can met in the same space (provided there no cross over) there a maximum of 30 people.

nya.org.uk/guidance/

Groups for under 18s are exempt from the rule of 6 and that hasn't changed. @BarbaraofSeville 's link is the most up to date (as of this morning, who knows what will be happening this afternoon!) What's on Stage is out of date as it's referring to a tweet from yesterday...

At the moment adult choirs are allowed to meet in Covid secure venues with strict compliance with social distancing and absolutely no mingling at any point.

No indoor organised sports groups for adults

We have yet to see the exact law on this, and the announcement was specific about "team sports". England Swimming advice from the DCMS was that they could continue other than Water Polo / artistic, but obviously we have yet to see the law.

So (possibly a stupid question)
What defines a 'youth group'?
Is it under 18s only, so any child who turns 18 during year 13 is then exluded from participating?

Making Music have some guidance on this which is worth checking out.

Thanks @IrenetheQuaint. abcd.org has guidance for choirs as well.

Im surprised choirs are allowed considering no ones allowed to sing in church.

@glitterelf

CofE guidance allows a 'small' choir in church at present but no congregational singing.

Ohhh is the indoor ban only for adults?!
I just got informed my preschoolers ballet can proceed

I didn’t think anything singing related was allowed even before yesterday

[quote Grumpyoldpersonwithcats]@glitterelf

CofE guidance allows a 'small' choir in church at present but no congregational singing.[/quote]
Oh I didn't know that. We were just told by the priest that nobody could sing but him for my Mil's funeral service. It was hard not to sing though.

@glitterelf

Sorry for your loss.

www.lawandreligionuk.com/2020/08/17/covid-19-further-changes-to-church-of-england-guidance/

Don't believe this has changed with the latest laws.

It may be that your church couldn't manage the distancing requirement

Scout groups are continuing to be allowed, but are limited to 15 young people indoors (in England, if not in local lockdown). I am amazed you can have a choir of 50, when you think how few singers there were in the Albert Hall for the Last Night of the Proms.

Thank you @Grumpyoldpersonwithcats
I've no idea as it's a cathedral so they have lots of space. We just found it puzzling that we could say the responses but not sing especially as we all have to wear masks inside church.

Also the Scouts have to social distance and wear masks (Beavers and Cubs don't have to wear masks)

Youth group usually cover up to age 25, or at least it seems to when I've been doing grant applications.
I didn't spot an age in the covid stuff, guess they might well have gone younger if they are trying to discourage the university clubs.

www.makingmusic.org.uk/news/and-still-we-play-and-sing