As the Foot and Mouth crisis continues to show no signs of relenting, the impact of the disease on sporting activities is currently being reviewed by the government, to allow some outdoor events to continue.

The new guidelines given by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food (MAFF) bring hope to outdoor sport - "You can't play in the dirt yet, but tarmac is back on the menu." Events that take place on public roads and are not in restricted areas can go ahead. As a courtesy, organisers should liase with their local branch of the NFU and MAFF which details and update the government guidelines on a daily basis. The MAFF helpline is on 0845 0504141.

In response to the problems arising from the crisis, the BTA have offered to pay sanctioning officers travel costs where an event organiser requires an additional visit to be made to re-sanction an event as a result of a Foot and Mouth related change.