The FA have introduced Covid-19 guidelines to enable grassroots football to re-start during the Coronavirus pandemic.
http://www.thefa.com/-/media/thefacom-new/files/get-involved/2020/outdoor-football-facilities---covid-19-guidance-on-re-starting-competitive-grassroots-football
In summary, the current guidelines (as at Aug 2020) state that:
- Competitive training can take place in an outdoor setting in separate groups of no more than 30 (including coaches).
- Competitive match play is also permitted but social distancing must be in place before and after the session.
- Youth football coaches are encouraged to limit persistent close proximity of participants during match play and training.
- The sharing of kit and equipment should be avoided and participants should bring their own drinks or refreshments, in named containers.
- When the ball goes out of play, it should not be retrieved by non-participants and should be retrieved using the feet rather than the hands where possible.
- Participants must not spit and should avoid shouting or raising their voices when facing each other, as detailed in The FA Covid-19 Code of Behaviour.
- Set plays: players are encouraged to avoid unnecessarily long set-up or close marking. Other modifications apply to specific situations, such as goal celebrations being discouraged. Read more in The FA’s more detailed guidance here.
- Observing rigorous hygiene standards, injuries can be treated. See full guidance here.
- Spectator groups should be limited to six people per group and spread out in line with wider Government guidance.
- Small-sided football should include more regular hygiene breaks in activity and players discouraged from touching or tackling against boards.
- There are also additional DBS requirements so we need at least 2 DBS checked adults at each session under the new guidelines.
The Club has produced the attached Covid-19 risk assessment which details all the various control measures we are putting in place to help maintain a safe environment for all club attendee's. All parents should review the risk assessment prior to attending their first session. Parents and players should offer full co-operation with the coaches and club volunteers in helping adhere to these measures.
Burton Bullets JFC Covid 19 Risk Assessment - Sept 20.pdf
