​COVID-19 LATEST NEWS  2020/21     
ongoing

As the season progresses, COVID-19 Latest News items will be added with the latest at the top and will include the date posted and who (CLUB / ORGANISATION) was responsible for posting it.
​
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THE FA LATEST GUIDANCE
FOR NON-ELITE FOOTBALL IN STEP 3
OF THE GOVERNMENT'S ROADMAP

For FA WEBSITE OFFICIAL GUIDANCE - click   HERE

This updated guidance comes into effect on Monday 17 May

​On Monday 17 May, as part of the next step of the Government’s roadmap out of national lockdown, there will be further changes to the restrictions on ‘non-elite’ football. Our guidance has therefore been updated to reflect this. 
The key changes to note are in relation to spectators, indoor hospitality and indoor football and Futsal.
This updated guidance comes into effect on Monday 17 May and until then all participants should follow our guidance for Step 2 which can be found here. You can read the Government guidance here.
The key changes to be aware of are:-

Spectators 
From Step 3, spectators will be permitted to view events on both public and private land but need to adhere to social distancing rules and social gathering limits set at groups of 30 outdoors and six people/two households indoors. Please note that multiple numbers of these group sizes are permitted as long as social distancing rules are followed. 
Spectators are allowed indoors, but the total number of all participants, coaches, officials and spectators must comply with the ventilation rates permitted by the particular venue. You can find more information about this here. 
At larger events, capacity limits for spectators, set by The Government will apply. For indoor events this is 1000 or 50 per cent of capacity and for outdoor events this is 4000 or 50 per cent of capacity (whichever is lower in both cases). 

Indoor Hospitality 
As part of Step 3 of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, both outdoor and indoor hospitality at ‘non-elite’ football is permitted. All participants must follow Government guidance on hospitality settingsand specific advice for sport facility operators available on the Government’s website. People using clubhouses and hospitality facilities must adhere to legal gathering limits and wider government guidance.

Indoor Football and Futsal
From Step 3, indoor gatherings of either six people (the ‘rule of six’) or two households can take place. This means that organised indoor adult and children football can return. 
For organised indoor sport and physical activity, there’s no limit on group numbers so long as people adhere to capacity restrictions on indoor facilities. The maximum occupancy of each indoor facility should be limited by providing a minimum of 100 square ft per person.

This guidance applies to all youth and adult football and futsal, including all formats of the game. If there are any further updates from the Government, we will communicate these in due course and we will continue to update our guidance as we move through the different steps of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown. 

It is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers, and facility providers continue to strictly follow both the UK Government's latest guidance on COVID-19 and respective bespoke guidance documents from the FA. Any incidents of non-compliance should be reported to the local County Football Association.
Dave Evans : posted Tuesday 11th May 2021
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​CLUB GUIDANCE FOR VISITING TEAM - update 7th April 2021

Can also be downloaded  HERE.

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RESUMPTION OF GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL

Dear All,
A big thank you to Pete McAlister for updating our Club Risk Assessment in advance of the restart - can be downloaded below.
Also below is a link to the latest covid FA Guidance supporting restart plus a download option.

Cholsey Bluebirds FC Club RISK ASSESSMENT update : Version 3 :
Download by clicking     HERE .

FA GUIDANCE for RESTART (Link to FA site)
FA GUIDANCE for RESTART (Download directly - may take a minute to load - large document)

TO MANAGERS : Grateful if you can restart in line with this guidance and circulate this information to parents/guardians and teams. 
Note that the only major changes are as follows for 'Step One' (from the 29th) and subsequently, for 'Step Two' (April 12th):
Step one (From the 29th March)
  • No spectators are allowed, one parent / carer can attend for safeguarding purposes (parents should therefore avoid if possible coming to training and any friendlies between Step One and Step Two) 
  • The pavilion can only be open for toilet facilities 30 minutes pre and 30 minutes post-match / training session. 
Step Two (From the 12th April)
  • Basically back to how we were last session before the lockdown.

FOR PARENTS/PLAYERS : PLEASE READ the FA GUIDANCE and our CLUB RISK ASSESSMENT - appreciate they are very long but it is in everyone's interest to understand what is expected for the safety of all.
Any questions, please communicate with your child's TEAM MANAGER.

Managers will be contacting their parents regarding the resumption of training and future fixtures.

All the best and please, please take care and keep safe.
Thank you,
Mark Toal (Chairman)

​Dave Evans : posted Monday 29th March 2021
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TOURNAMENT LATEST :
Unfortunately, it is with great regret that due to the present restrictions that are likely to continue limiting public events for the foreseeable future and well into the summer, our proposed 2021 TOURNAMENT at the end of May has had to be CANCELLED.

NB: The 2022 Tournament weekend is Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th May
​Dave Evans : posted Monday 29th March 2021

UPDATE for TOURNAMENT 2021 as at 13th January 2021

Following our Committee Meeting yesterday, a final decision on whether our Tournament, scheduled for 29/30 May, will take place, will be made at our MARCH Committee Meeting - in light of Government and FA COVID Guidance at that time.
Some of the various options suggested are :
  • Cancel the Tournament;
  • Arrange the Tournament for a later date when restrictions allow for such an event to take place, bearing in mind the need to avoid possible clashes with other proposed Club Tournaments;
  • Reduce the size of the Tournament by limiting either or both, age groups/number of teams that can enter.

​Dave Evans : posted Wednesday 13th January 2021
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LATEST UPDATE from OYFL and Mark Toal (Chairman) 1/1/21

FROM Rob Roslyn - Secretary of the OYFL - sent to ALL CUB Secretaries to pass on to Managers

Dear all,

As you will know, the Oxfordshire Youth Football League is now completely in Tier 4, though this is split across several Tier areas which means that teams cannot travel from one area to another, and nor can referees.  In addition, under Tier 4 restrictions, teams in the U21 divisions cannot play nor train (unless all their players are under 18) as they are classed as “open age” i.e. adult.  This means that more than 10% of the League cannot play fixtures, and this will affect the other teams in their divisions whilst the restrictions are in place.

In addition, we have had numerous clubs express their concerns about playing and travelling under Tier 4 restrictions, particularly with a new, more contagious COVID variant out there, and whilst school return has been delayed for many older children.

Therefore the League Committee has decided that, with immediate effect, all fixtures across the League are suspended until further notice. 

This was not a decision we have taken lightly and it has been taken in order to provide clarity to everyone involved, and also to safeguard everyone at a time of increased risk and uncertainty.  We appreciate that this decision may be welcomed by some and not by others, but please rest assured it has been taken with everyone’s best interests in mind.

We will review this decision after the next Government review of the tier restrictions, which is due on 14th January.

We understand that the Oxfordshire FA is seeking clarification on the question of whether teams can train if matches are not taking place and we will forward that information once it is received.

Some teams may have been arranging friendlies over the coming weeks.  We have no jurisdiction over these but would recommend clubs review whether these should go ahead.

We will be in touch again later in January, and in the meantime stay safe and Happy New Year.

With best wishes.
Rob

FROM Mark Toal - Chairman of Bluebirds FC

Hi All,

Happy New Year to you! Hope you have all had good Christmases, under the circumstances.

With thanks to Karen for forwarding, please see the ABOVE from the League. Grateful if managers could highlight to parents that fixtures are regrettably suspended until further notice. This should not be a surprise to anyone.

Given the advice below, and public health advice generally in this phase of the pandemic (also noting cases of covid in the village), we cannot okay friendlies either.  

I also note below that the League will be providing further advice about training. Until that advice comes through, we cannot okay training either. This might seem harsh but I think that as a Club, we need to take a precautionary approach, given the dire covid situation generally at this time. 

I have not yet seen anything official come through from the Girls League, but the above advice should apply to all Bluebirds teams for the time being, until official advice changes. 

Sorry I can’t provide more upbeat news at the moment. Will do in future, but not quite sure when!

Best wishes,
Mark​

Dave Evans : posted Friday 1st January 2021


VERY IMPORTANT and URGENT - please read
Dave Evans : posted Friday 4th December 2020
​
NEW UPDATED INFORMATION/DETAILS from the FA, the OYFL & The CLUB in light of the resumption of TRAINING & MATCHES

Email from the OYFL

Sent 3 December : FOR CLUB OFFICERS/MANAGERS/COACHES & PARENTS

Following the release of the latest FA Guidance (LINK -   https://www.thefa.com/news/2020/dec/01/fa-guidance-on-return-to-grassroots-football-011220  - please read together with any other relevant FA documents using the separate links) for return to playing grassroots football, the OYFL League Committee have formulated the following to move this matter forward. 
 
Whilst we are keen to offer football for those that want to play and can meet the requirements, we are also mindful of those teams/clubs that don't feel safe to return or meet the guidelines at the moment.
As you will know/read, the FA are now stressing the importance of full compliance with their guidance and therefore all clubs/teams playing in the OYFL will need to have met the FA requirements before returning to play, in particular:
 
Risk assessments – clubs must have one in place and must publish it, including circulating to all members of their club, particularly parents/guardians regarding consent to play and knowing their responsibilities.  For those that have one already, you must review it to include any changes necessary in light of the new Tier system now in operation in England.  All venues within the OYFL are Tier 2, but you may have teams in other leagues that will be playing teams in different tiers, so you need to include that.  OFA clubs have been instructed to send a copy of their risk assessment to the OFA to show that one has been completed (I have not heard of anything similar for BBFA or NFA clubs though).
 
Parental/carer consent – clubs must send parents/carers a copy of their updated risk assessment and get confirmation that it has been received, read and understood.  In addition, as the risk assessment will have changed, clubs will need to obtain new parental/carer consent for each player to return to play (as the previous one will not be valid due to the changes).  It will be acceptable to do this via email or online form and this can be retained for the rest of the season under GDPR.  A suggested form of wording for parents/carers to put in an email response is as follows:
 
*****
I/we have received and read the new/updated club COVID-19 risk assessment for Cholsey Bluebirds FC, and understand our responsibilities to follow the measures put in place by the club in line with current FA and Government guidance.
 
I/we give our consent for our child [insert name                                              ] to return to play with [insert name of team/club                                                          ] for the remainder of the 2020/21 season and that I/we understand the activities being offered to our child and agree with the measures that the club has put in place.  
 
Name of parent/carer: 

Date: 
 
*****
 
PLEASE remember anyone who is deemed vulnerable in respect of Covid-19 is reminded to follow the Government’s guidance, only returning to football when it is right for them to do so. There is no pressure to return. Everyone’s health, wellbeing and safety are the priorities.
 
THIS WEEKEND (5/6 December 2020)
We appreciate that it will be a big challenge to get all of this done in time for the weekend, particularly for bigger clubs, but it is not impossible and I know some are already working on this.  If any team or club is unsure or cannot meet the requirements in time, then the fixture or fixtures this weekend can be postponed without punishment.  
 
NEXT TWO WEEKENDS (12-13 DEC and 19-20 DEC)
We understand that some teams are concerned about playing close to the Christmas break given the isolation rules should anyone catch COVID-19.  After discussion this evening, the following is the new plan for the next two weekends (subject to the weather):
 
U7 – no league matches (can arrange friendlies if your team/club is compliant with FA guidance)
U8-U10 – Trophy Event will now be held on 12 December and 9 January
U11 – Trophy Event will now be held on 13 December and 10 January
Any team not able to play as noted above should contact Paul Lyon with details. 
U12-U21 – fixtures have been scheduled for both weekends, however if teams do not wish to play on 20 December, that is not a problem.  Could all Team Managers (they will be in contact with parents) in these age groups please indicate whether you want to play or not on 20 December using the following form:
 
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DQSIkWdsW0yxEjajBLZtrQAAAAAAAAAAAAMAAA2PxSlUQUhWUktTNElZVUgyN0NBVDlYQ0g3SlRUSS4u
 
PLAYING MATCHES
For those that do meet the requirements in time to play and going forward, please make sure all FA guidance is followed at all times and note the following:
Outdoor competitive match play at grassroots levels is now permitted in all tiers. However, in all settings before and after matches all participants should practice social distancing and MUST follow the FA guidance at all times, including sanitising equipment before, during and after play.
QR Code
- all venues must have an official NHS QR code on display for visitors to scan on arrival
- all venues should have a backup register for those that cannot use the QR code
Notifications
- all clubs should update their medical emergency action plan for each venue to include COVID-19 protocols for that venue and share this with visiting teams when sending fixture details.
Travel 
- exemptions for travel in and out of Tier 3 (and all tiers) for under-18s teams, to include players, club officials, match officials and parents required to facilitate players travel, which means all fixtures CAN take place.  
- this also means that car sharing can take place for those transporting players under the age of 18, but social distancing should happen where possible, wearing face masks during the journey is advised and opening a window slightly to allow circulation of air is advised, as well as checking that no-one has COVID symptoms before travelling (clarification received from the OFA).  
- players aged 18 and over are classed as adults and should follow the standard Government advice.
Spectators
- are permitted at games but must follow the rule of six, which should be spread out, and Government guidance on restrictions in the various tiers
- you may find some venues place limits/restrictions on the number of spectators (e.g. only one person per child), which must also be respected, though provision must be made to ensure the correct ratio for safeguarding children.
- spectators should remain behind the Respect barrier at all times during matches and should follow the COVID code of behaviour circulated at the start of the season as well as the standard Code of Conduct.
 
Remember – follow the guidance and always stay safe.
​
UPDATED CHOLSEY BLUEBIRDS FC : RISK ASSESSMENT : PLEASE READ

The Risk Assessment below can be downloaded separately by clicking HERE.
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Dave Evans : posted Friday 4th December 2020
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GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL (MATCHES & TRAINING)
CAN RESUME ON WEDNESDAY 2nd DECEMBER 2020

​Following Parliament's vote this afternoon (1/12/2020), Grassroots Football Training & Matches can now resume from tomorrow (Wednesday 2nd December).

However, please note that ALL FA Guidelines & Advice that was issued prior to the last 4 weeks lockdown regarding Format/Organisation/Procedures/Social distancing/Test & Trace/etc. for BOTH TRAINING & MATCHES is STILL VALID and should be followed.

Please scroll down for the FA guidance/information/links.

Dave Evans : posted Tuesday 1st December 2020
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LETTER from OXFORDSHIRE FA
​relating to the City of Oxford now in TIER 2

The letter can be download (pdf) by clicking HERE
Dave Evans : Posted Friday 30th October 2020

FURTHER GUIDANCE on TEST & TRACE from the FA

Please click on the link below "online" to go to the relevant FA communication page.

| View this email online

We wanted to draw your attention to the Government’s recently updated guidance on test and trace, and specifically a new section on the use of QR codes. This has important implications for you and requires action.

By maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors, and displaying an official NHS QR poster, you will help NHS Test and Trace to identify and notify people who may have been exposed to the virus.

You must register for an official NHS QR code and display the official NHS QR poster from 24 September 2020.
NB: Cholsey Bluebirds has already done so and QR codes are on boards next to pitches.

The NHS COVID-19 app has a feature that allows users to quickly and easily ‘check in’ to your venue by scanning the code. The information stays on the user’s phone. In England, you do not have to ask people who choose to ‘check in’ using the official NHS QR code to provide their contact details. If there is an outbreak associated with a venue, a message will be sent to the relevant app users with the necessary public health advice.

This will help to avoid the reintroduction of lockdown measures and support the country to return to, and maintain, a more normal way of life.

In addition to maintaining and sharing records where requested and displaying an official NHS QR poster, you must also continue to follow other government guidance to minimise the transmission of COVID-19. This includes maintaining a safe working environment and following social distancing guidelines.

 The relevant settings this applies to are:
- clubs providing team sporting activities
- facilities for use by elite and professional sportspeople (including sports stadia)
- indoor sport and leisure centres
- cafes, including workplace canteens
- bars, including bars in hotels or members’ clubs

Please note this updated guidance comes into effect from the 24th September and failure to comply will result in Government issued fines.

Full information on test and trace can be found here:       MORE INFO 
​Full FA guidance can be found here:                                 MORE INFO

Dave Evans : Posted Wednesday 23rd September 2020

New Covid Guidance as of 10th September

Official updated Government guidance was published yesterday here

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing 

and it links to guidance about sports events here

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/return-to-recreational-team-sport-framework

which states specific rules about spectators.

The guidance doesn’t change anything for players, but says that “Spectator groups must be restricted to discrete six person gathering limits and spread out, in line with wider government guidance.” So there is no limit to the total number of spectators, as long as they follow this rule. I’ve updated our guidance in light of this. 

Dave Evans/Mark Toal : posted Thursday 10th September

Requests to visiting football teams : 10/09/20

This can be downloaded by clicking HERE

​All visiting teams are requested to follow the guidance outlined below when playing matches at the home ground of Cholsey Bluebirds FC (located at OX109LP, in the Cholsey village recreation ground).
Getting to Cholsey - Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we would request that visitors minimise the use of public transport when getting to our ground and we encourage other means of transport when attending matches, noting that people from a household or support bubble can travel together in a single vehicle. We recommend minimising the number of people attending matches. People who drive to matches in Cholsey must avoid blocking the entrances to homes on Station Road. Also, noting the pressure on parking at the Cholsey Village Pavilion (OX10 9PT) which is limited, we encourage people, especially on Saturdays, to park in the car park of St Marys Church (OX10 9PP) or the Red Lion pub (OX10 9LG), both of which are a short walk from our ground.
Actions to minimise COVID-19 risks – All visitors are asked to follow the guidance below, which is based on the latest formal guidance from the FA and from Government:
  • If you show any symptoms of COVID-19, stay at home, inform NHS Test and Trace and seek medical advice. 
  • Bring your own labelled water bottle and hand sanitiser and wash your hands before and after a game.
  • Team talk huddles should not take place. Team talks can take place, as long as social distancing is observed and held outdoors. Warm-ups should also observe social distancing protocols
  • Where possible, maintain social distancing at all times. This will not be possible in a competitive match environment (for example when tackling an opponent) and that is acceptable. However, before and after a game, you should maintain social distancing.
  • Visiting managers (on behalf of their teams) and all spectators must check in with our ‘Test & Trace’ process on arrival at the ground by scanning the QR code located on A-frame signs positioned at the pitch side.
  • Supporters, parents, and other spectators must remain socially distanced whilst attending events. Spectator groups must be restricted to discrete six person gathering limits and must spread out, observing the 2 metre social distancing rule, in line with wider government guidance.
  • Do not spit. Spitting and the rinsing out of mouths is now a recognised risk to health and must not be done. Avoid shouting or raising your voice if face to face with other players.
  • Note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, Cholsey Bluebirds FC is not currently operating a tuck shop
  • Access to the Cholsey Bluebirds pavilion is for use of the welfare facilities only and there is a one way system in place – Enter as normal through the front door and exit out the back door – directional markers on the floor will show you the way. Please use the hand sanitiser which is provided within the pavilion entrance upon entry and when leaving the building.
  • Footballs should not be touched by non-players (i.e. if kicked into touch, players should retrieve balls not spectators)
  • Note that Cholsey Bluebirds FC cannot entirely ‘police’ the actions of all individuals so we ask everyone to follow COVID-19 safety guidance voluntarily, for their own benefit but also to support the health and wellbeing of anyone else who may be attending a game.
  • Where possible, injured players should be attended to by their parents or guardians, if in attendance. Where this is not possible, visiting managers should attend to injured players, whilst wearing mask and gloves that they will need to bring.
 
Note also that guidance for our own managers at Cholsey FC and our COVID-19 risk assessment can be found at http://www.cholseybluebirdsfc.co.uk/policiesdocuments-2021.html. This document will be kept under review in response to subsequent guidance from the FA and from Government.
Many thanks in advance for adhering to this guidance and we look forward to welcoming you to Cholsey.
Mark Toal (Chairman of Cholsey Bluebirds FC) 
Pete McAlister (Cholsey Bluebirds FC COVID-19 Protection Officer) 
Version 1 : Posted Thursday 10th September 2020
​

WELCOME FROM OUR CHAIRMAN

Dear All,

It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of Cholsey Bluebirds FC to welcome everyone to the 2020/21 season! After training and friendlies, we are now taking part once again in competitive play against other Clubs in our region and I am sure you will agree that it feels good to be back! 
​
The Club is working hard to ensure that we can help sustain competitive football throughout the season by doing our bit for COVID-19 safety. We have new guidance in place which sets out the actions that our managers will be taking to help everyone stay safe (please see our website POLICIES/DOCUMENTS & COVID LATEST NEWS pages). Our Club guidance is based on official FA COVID-19 safety guidance which you can see at the link below. The FA guidance and our Club guidance will be kept under review and will updated in the event that guidance changes.

https://www.berks-bucksfa.com/news/2020/jul/18/the-fa-issues-guidelines-for-the-return-of-outdoor-competitive-grassroots-football

You will see in our Club guidance that we make a number of requests to our Bluebirds community and of people and players visiting from other Clubs. These include:
  • the need to self-isolate for 14 days if you are symptomatic, or if you are asked to do so by the NHS Test and Trace Service
  • a request to minimise the use of public transport and encouraging walking or cycling to training and matches, noting that people from a household or support bubble can travel together in a vehicle
  • checking in using a QR code scanner when arriving, to help the Club support guidance on COVID-19 test & trace
  • requesting that spectators socially distance behind the Respect line and that footballs should not be touched by non-players
  • noting that access to the pavilion is for toilets only and there is a one way system – come in the front door and exit out the back door

The Club cannot ‘police’ the actions of individuals, so we are asking everyone to follow our Club guidance voluntarily, to support the health and wellbeing of everyone involved with the Bluebirds.

Please also note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, we regret that we will not be operating a tuck shop until further notice. We do, however, want to get this up and running again as soon as possible, when updated COVID-19 guidance permits in future. 

If anyone has any questions about approach to COVID-19 safety, please contact our COVID-19 safety officer, Pete McAlister (mcalisp@ntlworld.com), and/or myself (marktoal@hotmail.co.uk). 

Also a request in relation to car parking. We are a growing Club and we have never had more teams than we have today. Whilst this is great and means we are providing football for more and more of our youth, this comes with additional pressures on our village infrastructure. Can those of us who need to drive to home matches please avoid blocking the entrances to peoples homes on Station Road. Also, noting the pressure on parking at the Station Road Pavilion on Saturday mornings, can I encourage people to park if possible in the car park of St Marys Church (OX10 9PP) or the Red Lion pub (OX10 9LG), both of which are a short walk from our pitches. 

Best wishes,
Mark Toal​
Posted Tuesday 8th September 2020

NB: THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS (RESTARTING MATCHES, BRIEFING
and RISK ASSESSMENT) can be downloaded by clicking below
and also from our POLICIES/DOCUMENTS and DOWNLOADS pages.

RESTARTING MATCHES (pdf)   CODE of BEHAVIOUR (pdf)  RISK ASSESSMENT (pdf)

​LATEST TRAINING UPDATE - VERY IMPORTANT
​
Below are the latest Club GUIDELINES for TRAINING for the attention of ALL OFFICIALS, MANAGERS, PARENTS & PLAYERS - as required by the FA GUIDELINES in the previous entry below.

It is ESSENTIAL to    read it in full and adhere to them    when attending/organising any TRAINING SESSIONS.
No doubt further guidance from the FA will be forth coming relating to the start of the new season.

The new Club Training Guidance below can also be download by clicking HERE.

​Posted 26th July 2020
Mark Toal / Peter McAlister / Dave Evans
__________________________________________________________________________

LATEST FA GUIDELINES FOR THE RETURN OF
OUTDOOR COMPETITIVE GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL
Issued by the FA on Saturday 18 Jul 2020

Practical guidance for players, coaches, officials, volunteers, clubs, leagues, parents/carers and facility providers undertaking outdoor competitive grassroots football activity in England.

We can confirm that the UK Government approved our plan for the return of outdoor competitive grassroots football late last night, Friday 17 July 2020. 
As a result, the grassroots football community now has the opportunity to return to football and prepare for the start of the new season. 
We've been working hard over recent weeks to prepare guidelines for the safe return of grassroots football and, following Government approval, these can now be published. 
Football activity can take place with necessary modifications in place to mitigate the transmission risk of COVID-19. 
We would strongly recommend a phased return to competitive football activity as follows:
• Until 31 July – When ready, you can begin competitive training, with the overall group size (inclusive of coaches) being limited to 30 people;
• From August – Competitive matches to begin, for example pre-season fixtures, festivals and small sided football competitions; 
• From September – Grassroots leagues, men’s National League System, Women’s Football Pyramid tiers 3 to 6, and FA Competitions can commence.
Clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents/carers, spectators and football facility providers should read our full guidelines, which are accessible below, in addition to thelatest Government guidance on COVID-19.
A return to competitive football should only happen once clubs and facility providers have completed the necessary risk assessments and comprehensive plans are in place. 
A summary of key points to consider from our guidelines are listed for ease 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; 
• Clubs and facility providers should ensure that their facility is compliant with current Government legislation and guidance related to COVID-19; 
• Competitive training 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 in any breaks in play; 
• Players and officials should sanitise hands before and after a game as well as scheduled breaks throughout a game or training session; 
• Ball handling should be kept to a minimum with most contact via a boot and the ball disinfected in breaks of play; 
• Youth football coaches are encouraged to limit persistent close proximity of participants during match play and training; 
• Goal celebrations should be avoided; 
• Equipment should not be shared, and goalkeepers should ensure they disinfect their gloves regularly in breaks in training or matches and thoroughly afterwards. Where possible, coaches should only handle equipment in training;
• Where possible, players, coaches and officials should arrive changed and shower at home. Use of changing and shower facilities must follow government advice on the use of indoor facilities; 
• Participants should follow best practice for travel including minimising use of public transport and walking or cycling if possible. People from a household or support bubble can travel together in a vehicle
• Clubs should keep a record of attendees at a match or training session, including contact details, to support NHS Test and Trace; 
• Clubs should ensure they are affiliated with their County Football Association. 
Separate guidance has been developed for clubs with teams competing in the men’s National League System (NLS) and the Women’s Football Pyramid tiers 3 to 6.
This will support these clubs on the safe return of paying spectators and also the applicability of the guidance to facilities under Ground Grading conditions, to ensure the safe return of competitive matches. 
Please note that at this stage, indoor football and Futsal is not permitted. We will look to work with indoor facility providers to develop appropriate guidance for indoor formats as soon as possible.
James Kendall, Director of Football Development at The FA, said: “We're delighted that the Government has given the go-ahead for competitive grassroots football to return. The past few months have been some of the most challenging times not just for football, but across society, and today’s news will be welcomed by the grassroots football community all over the country.
“Now that we are able to look ahead to the new season, it’s crucial that we continue to do all we can to follow safety measures, both as advised by the government and specifically for football. 
“I would encourage anyone returning to competitive grassroots football to take the time to read this guidance, prepare thoroughly and to adopt our recommended approach to phasing football back in. I would also like to thank you for playing your vital part in helping our great game to get going again.”
The full guidance document can be downloaded below, along with a short summary for all those involved in restarting activity.
You can also read our FAQs document around this.
USEFUL RESOURCES
​Posted 18th July 2020
Dave Evans
__________________________________________________________________________

VERY IMPORTANT
​
GUIDANCE & RESTRICTIONS FROM THE FA & Club covering
​
TRAINING for Coaches, Payers & Parents/Carers
The above Club Guidance can be downloaded HERE  (pdf)

Individual TEAM MANGERS will contact their team regarding when they plan to start training and the format they will adopt in light of the FA Guidance http://www.thefa.com/news/2020/jun/01/grassroots-football-covid-19-guidance-update-010620
and any further Club additions/advice as stated above.
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​The Club are grateful to Pete McAlister (U16s manager) for initially drafting the above and amending following discussion involving all managers and officials of the Club.

LINKS to OTHER FA GUIDANCE for :
PLAYERS :
https://link.service.thefa.com/u/nrd.php?p=kwYAfDba62_226541_416494_1_4&ems_l=510377&d=MjUzOTM3MDg%3D%7Ca3dZQWZEYmE2Mg%3D%3D%7C
COACHES :
https://link.service.thefa.com/u/nrd.php?p=kwYAfDba62_226541_416494_1_3&ems_l=510377&d=MjUzOTM3MDc%3D%7Ca3dZQWZEYmE2Mg%3D%3D%7C​
PARENTS/SUPPORTERS :
https://link.service.thefa.com/u/nrd.php?p=kwYAfDba62_226541_416494_1_5&ems_l=510377&d=MjUzOTM3MDk%3D%7Ca3dZQWZEYmE2Mg%3D%3D%7C

Posted by Dave Evans on behalf of the Club Committee : Tuesday 9th June 2020 
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