Sport England has made new guidance available to help sports clubs cope with the effects of a hosepipe ban coming into effect in a number of areas across the country today (5 April).

The funding agency has worked with national governing bodies of sport to produce the advice, with water a crucial part of maintaining the quality and safe performance of surfaces.

Information contained within the guidance includes how to maintain pitches and courts effectively during a time of drought, as well as how to work with water companies to negotiate possible exemptions.

The advice also includes details of how manage the use of pitches to reduce the risk of possible damage and measures to help clubs make the best use of rainfall when it does occur.

Seven water companies have introduced a hosepipe ban as a result of low levels of rainfall, while further areas could be affected later during the year.

One water company – Thames Water – has announced that national and international sporting events, including Football League matches; Olympic and Paralympic events; and Wimbledon tennis have been exempted from the ban.

Details: www.sportengland.org

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