From a ban of fans to no households mixing indoors...what does being in tier three mean for sport?

Here's what sports fans and athletes can and can't do in the East Midlands...
Grassroots sport can return, but with restrictions. Photo: Getty ImagesGrassroots sport can return, but with restrictions. Photo: Getty Images
Grassroots sport can return, but with restrictions. Photo: Getty Images

The majority of the East Midlands will be placed into tier three when the country leaves lockdown on December 2.

But what does that mean for local sport?

Derby and Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Leicester and Leicestershire, plus Lincolnshire will all be in tier three restrictions from next week, it was announced today.

For elite sport - clubs from the Premier League to National League North and South - fans will not be allowed to return to games of clubs in tier three.

That means behind-closed-doors matches will continue for Leicester City, Derby County, Nottingham Forest, Mansfield Town, Notts County, Boston United and Alfreton Town.

Clubs in step three of the National League System and below may not be allowed to have fans in if they are in tier three, although this is yet to be confirmed.

Previously they were able to compete with restricted numbers of supporters.

The ban on outdoor grassroots sport will also be lifted from December 2.

Adult grassroots teams and players look likely to be told not to travel in and out of tier three areas.

Social distancing rules must remain in place for grassroots sports and there may be some restrictions on highest-risk activity in tier three areas.

Leisure and sports facilities, including gyms, may continue to stay open, but group exercise classes (including fitness and dance) should not go ahead. Saunas and steam rooms should close.

In tier three areas, indoor sport will be restricted to within your household only.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Parliament: "While all three tiers are less stringent than the national lockdown we are living in now, to keep the gains that are being made, more areas than before will be in the top two tiers."

He added that tiers would next be reviewed on December 16, a fortnight after the country leaves lockdown.