We’ve issued our guidelines for competitive Rounders to return

Rounders is set to make its return after a long 137-day absence, due to the imposed coronavirus lockdowns.


We can confirm that the UK Government approved our Return To Play framework. As a result, the grassroots community now has the opportunity to return to playing outdoor Rounders.

With the support of external parties, Rounders teams, our medical advisory group and Baseball/Softball UK, we’ve prepared guidelines for the safe return of Rounders and, following Government approval, these can now be published. Rounders games can take place, from 1st August, with necessary modifications in place to mitigate the transmission risk of COVID-19.

Teams, players, coaches, officials and volunteers should read our full guidelines, which are accessible below, in conjunction with the Government’s latest COVID-19 guidance.

A return to Rounders should only happen once teams have completed the necessary risk assessments and comprehensive plans are in place.

A summary of key points to consider are listed below:

  • Everyone should self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms before every training session or match. If you are symptomatic or living in a household with possible or actual COVID-19 infection you must not participate or attend.
  • Teams should ensure that any facility they use is compliant with current Government legislation and guidance related to COVID-19.
  • Competitive training and match play is now permitted, with groups limited to a maximum of 30 people, including coaches.
  • Competitive match play is permitted, with social distancing in place before and after the match, and at any breaks in play.
  • There are no proposed rule changes.
  • Each team should appoint a COVID-19 Officer.
  • Equipment sharing and handling should be kept to a minimum with equipment sanitised between innings.
  • Teams should keep a record of attendees at a match or training session, including contact details, to support NHS Test and Trace.
  • At this stage, indoor Rounders is not permitted.

Natalie Justice-Dearn, CEO of Rounders England, said:

“We’re delighted that the Government has given the go-ahead for outdoor Rounders to return. The past few months have been particularly challenging, not just for Rounders, but across the country. This news will be welcomed by the Rounders community.

I would encourage anyone returning to Rounders to take the time to read this guidance, prepare thoroughly and to adopt our recommendations.”

Framework Documents

Return To Play Rounders Framework & Guidance
Return to Play Rounders Toolkit
Return To Play Rounders Roadmap

We are here to support the Rounders community as they transition into this new phase and will be hosting a live Facebook Q&A on Thursday 30th July at 8.00pm to answer any questions that you put to us. It would be great if you do have any questions that you email them to [email protected] in advance and they will be answered during the Q&A. If you can’t make the live event it will be recorded and available on the Rounders England Facebook page.

Teams that are looking forward to getting back playing, can get insurance cover and protection with a reduced 3 month Seasonal Team Membership from Rounders England.

Article by Rounders England:

Rounders England is a non-profit sport’s national governing body (NGB) in England.
Rounders England provides a structure for the sport from the Board, local deliverers and teams right the way through to individual members and volunteers.