COVID-19 Requirements for Training & Matches
The guidelines issued by the FA should be read in conjunction with Government guidelines. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure the safety of the children as well as preventing the spread of the virus to their households.
The Club has a personal injury insurance policy recommended by the FA and a Liability Insurance provided by the FA.
The Club will provide materials to ensure compliance with the new process of regulation. Many of the items detailed below are aligned with Government issued guidelines and therefore we should all be aware of the purpose of such instructions.
Parental/Guardian Consent
Every manager must contact each parent/guardian stating the activities that their child will participate in. A simple statement such as: “U14 Pumas will train at the Discovery Centre on Saturday morning rom 10am to 1130 am, on Wednesday evening from 7pm to 8pm and play matches on Sunday starting at variable times from 9am. The FA have requested that we obtain your positive consent for your child to participate in the above activities.”
Parents / Guardians should respond by stating that “I consent to my child taking part in the stated activities”
Prior to attending training/matches
The FA requires a self assessment to be completed prior to participating in any training or match situation. If any line item shows as negative the child cannot participate in any activity. Managers may wish to establish an electronic confirmation and providing the response covers the intent of below attachment then is acceptable. Self Assessments should be retained by the club for 21 days.
Travelling to training or matches
Whenever possible, children should walk or cycle to training or home matches. Where this is not possible and away games, travel by car should be with those in the “household bubble” only. it is recognised that this is not aways possible so additionalsafeguards should be implemented where travelling with someone in the confined space of a car that is not part of their”bubble”. Masks should be worn and widows opened to ensure ventilation, face away from one another, etc. These align with Government guidelines in these situations.
Cleaning of Equipment
All equipment must be cleaned prior to any match or training session and between matches (Dettol Antibacterial Surface Cleanser Spray is as good as any). Bibs and shirts should not be shared and washed after each use.
Training and Match Days – Player/Official on Arrival
Managers and coaches should maintain social distancing from players when speaking before the game and in the warm up. Players themselves should also social distance when standing in a group. Referees will expect players to maintain social distancing when being spoken to and players running up to referees may end up being booked.
Chewing gum and spitting are forbidden. Be aware that spitting at another person may result in the police being called and the person charged.
Players should have their own water bottles and not drink from another player’s bottle. The FA recommend that each player brings their own hand sanitiser and paper towels but I think that a team “bottle” would suffice.
No handshaking after the game and maintain social distancing if lined up to cheer the opposing side.
Spectators
Playing in enclosed grounds may require spectators to register their mobile numbers. For home games, the spectators from each side should be separate and a list of the home spectators attending should be retained for 21 days by the Manager (should appoint a regular attendee to collect the information). Managers should ask the opposing club to collate their information in the
same way and retain themselves.
Social distancing should be maintained on the sidelines except for those within the same “bubble”.
Injury to a player
The FA has advised that if a player is injured and requires assistance then the parent or guardian of the injured player should be requested to come on to the pitch and help the injured player. If no parent or guardian is available or anyone within the injured player’s bubble then the manager/coach may tend to the injured player but must wear a mask.
In the event of a mouth or nasal injury to a player, if a manager coach attends then a mask and disposable gloves must be worn.
Players Medical Conditions
Managers and coaches should familiarise themselves with any medical conditions of their players and any impact the current restrictions have in relation to increased risk.
Payments to Referees
Referees may elect to be paid by bank transfer or cash. Referees will notify the Club, prior to the match, of the preferred method of payment. If payment is made in cash, it must be placed in an envelope.
GNFC COVID-19 Risk Assessment