Covid 19
BEFORE ANY FOOTBALL ACTIVITY TAKES PLACE
ASSOCIATIONS, SCHOOLS AND FACILITY PROVIDERS
The basics •
Required Actions • Facility operators should ensure they have read and understood The FA’s guidance for ‘Providers of outdoor football facilities, including clubs’ • Associations and Schools should ensure that they are appropriately affiliated for Season 2020-21 ahead of any competition match play for the new season. • Each Association and School must only return to sport when they are ready and have the appropriate measures in place as developed by The FA and general Government guidance in relation to recreational sport. • All Associations / Schools must identify a Covid-19 officer / teacher who will be responsible for developing a Covid-19 plan and risk assessment prior to the restart of any activity. The Covid-19 officer / teacher should continually monitor how compliance is being observed within the Association / School. The FA has produced guidance on conducting a risk assessment, which includes a template for self-completion. It is available here. The Covid -19 officer / teacher should consider establishing a Covid-19 group to be responsible for producing and implementing the Covid-19 risk assessment and to oversee the safe return to play • Affiliated Associations will be covered by the usual ESFA insurance, providing that they are compliant with Government guidance and produce a risk assessment. Failure to comply will result in the insurance cover being invalidated. Schools are responsible for checking their own insurance policies in relation to football activities, specifically any changes to insurance provider’s advice and guidance on returning to competitive play, ensuring full compliance with its terms · The Covid-19 officer at each Association / School will be responsible for clearly communicating all relevant guidance to its players, coaches and volunteers.
Arrival at venues:
Associations, Schools and facilities should consider further mitigations to ensure safe arrival at venues, including: • In line with current Government guidance, all participants (players, coaches, teachers, match officials, volunteers, spectators etc.) should check for symptoms of Covid-19. If an individual is symptomatic and/or living in a household with a possible Covid-19 infection they should remain at home and follow Government guidance. In addition, any participants who have been asked to isolate by NHS Test and Trace because they are a contact of a known Covid-19 case, must not exercise outside their home or garden and must not exercise with others; • Clear signage (e.g. for one-way systems) to manage entry, parking arrangements, traffic flow and general movement around the venue which ensure social distancing can be maintained.
Safety briefing
In competitive football activities the Covid-19 officer / teacher of each Association / School must ensure a safety briefing is provided before the commencement of any fixture.
Changing rooms and showers
Use of changing and shower facilities must follow Government advice on the use of indoor facilities when available. If these facilities remain closed, exceptions may be made where safety and safeguarding measures require their use. For example, to supporting players with disabilities, or when a child needs a change of clothing etc.
Toilets
Toilets should be open pre-match or training, during the match or training and for 30 minutes afterwards.
NHS Test and Trace
Associations, Schools, Clubs and facility providers must support NHS test and trace efforts by collecting name and contact information on participants at both training and matches. This information should be stored for a minimum of 21 days in-line with the Government Recreational Team Sport Framework and collected/processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and in line with GDPR principles. It should be used only for the purpose of NHS test and trace. Clubs and facility providers should follow current UK Government NHS test and trace guidance.
EVERYONE (i.e. players, coaches, teachers, match officials, association officials, volunteers, parents/ carers, spectators, clubs and football facility providers).
Covid-19 selfassessment
All players, officials, teachers, volunteers and spectators must undergo a self-assessment for any Covid-19- symptoms. No-one should leave home to participate in football if they, or someone they live with, has any of the following: • A high temperature (above 37.8°C); • A new, continuous cough; • A loss of, or change to, their sense of smell or taste This check should be done before each training session and must be recorded in regular risk assessments and it is important to note that no training session should take place without this having been done. Some Associations or Schools may wish to have this completed in the form of an online or paper questionnaire at the start of sessions. If symptoms are checked at the start of a session rather than in advance, this should be completed on arrival before the player mixes with others, so that if they have symptoms there is no chance of others being affected. Should an individual have demonstrated any such symptoms, they must not participate. Instead they should follow NHS and PHE guidance on self-isolation. Anyone who has already been instructed to self-isolate by a health care practitioner or PHE should continue to follow this advice and may not participate. Associations and Schools will make relevant participants aware of any increased risk associated with taking part in activity, based on the risk assessment undertaken by the establishment. Everyone should comply with public health restrictions and avoid high-risk behaviour outside the football setting to reduce the risk to fellow participants and other attendees.
Travel to training and matches
All participants and other attendees should follow best practice for travel, including minimising use of public transport. Participants should walk or cycle if possible. People from a household or support bubble can travel together in a vehicle. If participants do have to travel with people outside their household or support bubble they should try to: • Share the transport with the same people each time; • Keep to small groups of people at any one time; • Open windows for ventilation; • Face away from each other; • Clean the vehicle between journeys using standard cleaning products – including door handles and other areas that people may touch; • Ask the driver and all passengers to wear a face covering; • Consider seating arrangements to maximise distance between people in the vehicle – this may mean using more than one coach or minibus if possible, and the wearing of face coverings on coaches or minibuses; • Require regular hand sanitisation by passengers on a coach or minibus; • Limit the time spent at garages, petrol stations and motorway services; • Keep distance from other people and if possible, pay by contactless; • Wash hands for at least 20 seconds or sanitise hands often, and always when exiting or re-entering the vehicle; • When finishing the journey participants should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds or sanitise their hands as soon as possible.
Changing, showering and use of toilets
• Where possible, players, match officials, and team staff must arrive changed and shower at home; • Toilets should be open pre-match, during the match and for 30 minutes afterwards.
PLAYERS WITH A DISABILITY
If you have additional disability or medical needs, please ensure that you have discussed this specifically with the Association or School and coach or teacher. Then you can agree how/if these needs can be met within current Government Covid-19 and FA guidance.
PARENTS/ CARERS
If you choose for your child to take part, you will need to give your written consent to the local Association or School. Ensure you are comfortable with the Association or School’s Covid-19 planning arrangements before doing so • You may already be aware that the period of isolation may have resulted in your child becoming anxious or unsure whether to resume previous activities, such as football. Please only support their return to football activity when they feel confident to do so and you feel the activity is safe and right for them. • Your child must arrive changed and ready to exercise (Associations). Schools will make their own provision for changing arrangements in accord with their own policy • Ensure your child takes their own water bottle and their own hand sanitiser, both clearly marked with their name. They must not share these with anyone else • Please ensure your child/children know how to maintain good hygiene and hand washing; • Young children may struggle to maintain social distancing. Please continue to do your best to help your child recognise what two metres or ‘one-metre plus’ look and feel like • Associations only: Despite the changed circumstances the organiser of the activity still has a responsibility to implement the ESFA’s / FA’s safeguarding requirements. Anyone involved in activity directly with children (anyone aged under 18), must have an in-date DBS Check, is responsible for ensuring the environment is safe and should have completed some FA safeguarding training (schools should follow existing requirements regarding this matter) • Associations only: Coaches must ensure the ratio of coaches to children is appropriate – see FA safeguarding guidance note 5.5; Schools should follow existing requirements in the education sector.
DURING ALL FOOTBALL ACTIVITY
EVERYONE
Social distancing in competitive training for Association Rep. Teams. Schools should follow guidance issued by the Government in an education setting.
Competitive training can take place for all participants, in an outdoor setting provided this takes place in groups of no more than 30 (including coaches). Care should be taken on busy sites with limited access points to ensure safe play. Facilities should consider staggering start times and allowing cleaning time between change-overs. Associations should determine the appropriate ratio of coaches to participants, following the relevant FA safeguarding policy outlined in safeguarding guidance notes 5.5. Sessions might include multiple groups of 30 but only if they can be appropriately socially distanced from each other. In all settings before and after the session, and in any breaks, all participants should practise social distancing, in line with Government guidelines on two metres or ‘one metre plus’. Any spectators at training sessions (including parents and carers) must be restricted to discrete six-person gathering limits and spread out, in line with wider government guidance, ensuring space for officials, team staff and substitutes.
Social distancing around matches.
Competitive match play is now permitted, however, in all settings before and after matches all participants should practise social distancing.
Other Covid-19 modifications – in matches (and training where applicable)
Pre-match handshake should not happen. Instead players will be asked to hand-sanitise before kick-off; • Team talk huddles should not take place. Team talks can take place, as long as social distancing is observed and held outdoors where possible; • Warm-ups/cool-downs should always observe social distancing; • Coaches, other team staff and substitutes are allowed, but must also always observe social distancing on touchlines/dugouts. Social-distancing must also be observed during interactions when a substitution is being made; • Match preparation meetings by officials should be held by video call or phone call; • Set plays – free kicks: referees and coaches/teachers should encourage players to get on with the game and not unnecessarily prolong set play set-up, such as defensive walls; • Set plays – corners should also be taken promptly to limit prolonged close marking and goal posts should be wiped down before matches, after matches and at half time. • Goal celebrations should be avoided; • Interactions with referees and match assistants should only happen with players observing social distancing; • Small-sided football should be modified to provide more regular hygiene breaks in activity. Players should be discouraged from touching boards at any time, with tackling against boards discouraged. Referees should consider stopping play when this happens. • Teachers and coaches are encouraged to limit persistent close proximity of participants during match play (where young participants may be more likely to cluster around the ball) and provide regular hygiene breaks in activity.
Social distancing during breaks (e.g. half-time)
All participants must remain socially distanced during breaks in play, with spaced areas for equipment and refreshment storage for each individual including officials and substitutes. Coaching staff and substitutes, should, for example, spread out and avoid sharing a dug out or bench if social distancing cannot be observed. Players and officials should also observe social distancing during sin-bin instances. Water bottles or other refreshment containers should in no circumstances be shared. Participants are advised to bring their own drinks or refreshments, in a named container. After activity participants must maintain government mandated social distancing for social interaction. This includes in any available changing rooms, showers, and any clubhouse facilities or other venue participants congregate in afterwards. Any payments relating to the fixture (match fees, referee fees or facility fees) should where possible, be made in a cashless manner.
Use of equipment
The sharing of equipment must be avoided where possible. Where equipment is shared, equipment must be cleaned before use by another person. Participants should take their kit home to wash it themselves, rather than have one person handling a large quantity of soiled materials. Where kit absolutely has to be shared or kept together (e.g. last-minute stand-in players, shortage of kit, or an essential association / school function), each person handling it must wash or sanitise their hands immediately after and appropriate cleaning arrangements for the kit must be made.
Ball transfer
The nature of football means that the ball is not frequently handled. 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. Where there are breaks in the game, or training, if throw-ins or handling has occurred the ball should be disinfected.
Shouting
There is an additional risk of infection in close proximity situations where people are shouting or conversing loudly. This particularly applies indoors and when face to face. If possible, players should therefore avoid shouting or raising their voices when facing each other during, before and after games.
Spitting
veryone should refrain from spitting. If you need to sneeze or cough, you are encouraged to do so into a tissue or upper sleeve and advised to avoid touching your face. Ensure any tissues are disposed of in a sealed bin as soon as possible.
ASSOCIATIONS AND SCHOOLS
Code of Behaviour
In Appendix 1 you will find the Code of Behaviour The FA / ESFA has produced to ensure a commitment for all involved to adhere to Covid-19 adaptations. The Covid-19 officer / teacher for each Association / School will be responsible for communicating the code of behaviour to all players, coaches and volunteers within the Association / School. Participants must be clear that they are opting in to participating as defined in the ESFA’s guidance about risk and risk mitigation.
FIRST AIDERS AND MEDICS
Treatment of injuries
Injuries during play should still be treated as participant health and safety is of utmost importance. In all cases but particularly where medical treatment is needed, the best form of protection is through rigorous cleaning, personal hygiene and regular hand hygiene. An increased frequency of cleaning and disinfection of all surfaces and equipment, using standard household cleaning and disinfection products, will be recommended in The FA’s supporting medical guidance which can be found here. If a participant gets injured, a member of their household can assist if present and appropriate, but others (including match officials and teammates and coaches) will still need to socially distance unless a life or limb-threatening injury necessitates compromising guidelines to provide emergency care. If there is a first-aider or other medical personnel present, they should be equipped with the appropriate PPE (including face coverings) to protect themselves and others if they need to compromise social-distancing guidelines to provide medical assistance. After contact with an injured participant, the person who has administered first aid should clean their hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitiser at the earliest opportunity. This advice is applicable to all situations, regardless of whether there was close contact or social distancing was maintained. The first aider should also avoid touching their mouth, eyes and nose. Physios or their equivalent or anyone who is administering any form of treatment, should keep a record of each participant they have come into contact with for NHS test and trace purposes. If a participant becomes Covid-19 symptomatic during the activity, they should immediately remove themselves from the session and return home as soon as possible. NHS guidance on further management of symptoms should be followed.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Social distancing
Match officials should observe guidance in the same way as participants are required to.
SPECTATORS
Social distancing
Supporters, parents, and other spectators should remain socially distanced whilst attending events. Spectator groups must be restricted to discrete six-person gathering limits and spread out, in line with wider Government guidance, ensuring space for teachers, officials, coaches and substitutes.
PLAYERS, MATCH OFFICIALS AND COACHES
Hygiene
Hands should be washed at the earliest opportunity and personal equipment should be wiped down with a disinfectant. Individuals should take their own kit home to wash it themselves, rather than have one person handling a large quantity of soiled materials. Where kit absolutely has to be shared or kept together (e.g. last-minute stand-in players, shortage of kit, or an essential Association or School function), each person handling it must wash or sanitise their hands immediately after and appropriate cleaning arrangements for the kit must be made. Associations and Schools are encouraged to maintain a record of the regular cleaning of team equipment that players use, and review the risk assessments you undertake in between sessions, learning from any changes you need to apply.
EVERYONE
Social distancing
After training sessions and/or matches, participants must maintain government mandated social distancing for social interaction. This includes in any available changing rooms, showers, and any clubhouse facilities or other venue that participants may congregate in afterwards. Bars and restaurants, which includes any food or drink facilities inside a clubhouse, have been able to open since 4 July, in accordance with the latest Government guidance.
Departing
Please depart following the traffic-flow system that the venue will have in place.
CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
Covid-19 is a highly infectious and dangerous disease. A resumption of contact play is only achievable if those involved create and maintain a controlled environment that minimises the threat of infection. • Practise good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and before, during and after a game. Risk in sport cannot be completely eradicated but with caution and care these risks can be reduced. Each player will need to decide when to return to contact football, based on their own circumstances and the arrangements that have been put in place for a safe return. This is particularly the case for players from BAME communities or those with underlying health conditions.
All those returning to competitive grassroots football must adopt the following code of behaviour:
Be aware of your own personal health. If you show any of the Covid-19 symptoms you must stay at home, inform NHS Test and Trace and seek medical advice.
Be responsible. Read the guidance provided by the ESFA, The FA and your School / Association so that you are aware of the changes to the game and what is expected of you. This will include things like being prepared to wash your own kit, bringing your own labelled water bottle and being aware of changes to meet-up times.
Practise good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and before, during and after a game.
Where possible maintain social distancing. This won't always 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.
Support NHS Test and Trace. You're likely to be asked to provide your details so that in the event of a Covid-19 outbreak those potentially infected can be traced. This is to everyone's benefit so please co-operate.
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.
After the game. Be aware that other users may be waiting to use the facilities. Changing rooms and showers are likely to be closed and any socialising must follow the Government's guidance on social distancing.
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN
GUIDANCE FOR ASSOCIATION OFFICIALS INCLUDING COACHES AND WELFARE OFFICERS (SCHOOLS ARE ADVISED TO FOLLOW EXISTING PROCEDURES)
• Your Association must have completed a safeguarding & Covid-19 risk assessment and briefed you on your responsibilities
• It is essential that parents/carers give informed consent for their child(ren) to participate in your football session. When requesting consent, you have the ideal opportunity to be clear about what is expected of the children and their parents/carers in line with this guidance
• You must ensure the ratio of coach to different age groups of children is appropriate. See FA safeguarding guidance note 5.5, which covers the ratios of adults to children. There must be a minimum of two FA-DBS Checked adults present at any one time
• You are responsible for continuing to ensure the environment is safe and for implementing your Association's safeguarding children policy and procedures
• Ensure you retain a written record of parent/carer consent. The Association may use a form such as the one in FA safeguarding guidance note 8.2 to gather any relevant information from parents/carers
• Any children with additional medical or disability needs must be discussed with parents/carers to ensure you, or as the parents/carers, they can provide effective support to facilitate their involvement and appropriately update your risk assessments.
LISTENING TO CHILDREN
• Lacking confidence, as they have felt cut off from their friends
• Being confused and stressed about how to behave because of social distancing
• They or someone they care about may have been or still be unwell
• They may still be grieving because someone they love has died
• Hearing that people from BAME communities may be more vulnerable to Covid-19
• They may have been neglected emotionally and/or physically – through lack of food and/or care
• Children with learning disabilities may find it particularly confusing, as their routine has changed You may also have seen media coverage on the increase in:
• Domestic violence – significantly impacting children emotionally and/or physically in households where this has happened • Online grooming of children
• Cyberbullying
We're sharing this because of your important role in safeguarding. If you are worried about a child as they return to football, it's vital you report your concerns. Doing nothing is not an option. Please check-in with the children you are coaching/working with and ask them how they've been and how they're doing. There are six ways to report your concerns if you are worried about a child as they return to football:
To your School Safeguarding Lead
• To your Association Welfare Officer
To the ESFA Designated Safeguarding Officer - martin.duffield@schoolsfa.com or sarah.dacosta@schoolsfa.com • By emailing The FA Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@TheFA.com;
• To your School Safeguarding Lead • To your Association Welfare Officer
• If urgent and you cannot contact your School, Association or ESFA Designated Safeguarding Officer, you should call the NSPCC 24-hour helpline on 0808 800 5000;
If it is an emergency because a child or children are at immediate risk, then call the Police on 999.
FINALLY
Thank you in advance for playing your vital part in helping our great game get going again. By observing Government guidance and the football-specific protocols, let's work together to ensure the transition back to competitive grassroots is as smooth and safe as possible.
But remember, if you're not comfortable returning to football, whatever your role, there is no pressure to do so. Everyone's health, wellbeing and safety are the priorities.
Note to reader:
This guidance has been adapted by the English Schools' FA from the guidance released by the FA on Saturday 18 July, which has been approved by DCMS. The guidance in this document has been adapted specifically for the provision of schools' football by ESFA Associations and member schools in order to help assist them with the decisions and actions they must take to restart representative and/or schools' football safely. Please continue to refer to other Government and FA guidance as necessary.
Disclaimer:
This guidance is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice, nor it is a replacement for such, nor does it replace any Government or PHE advice; nor does it provide any specific commentary or advice on health-related issues. Affected organisations should therefore ensure that they seek independent advice from medical practitioners, or healthcare providers, prior to implementing any re-opening plan, as required. Independent legal advice should be sought, as required and depending on your, or relevant circumstances. While efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of this information at the time of publication, the reader is reminded to check the Government website to obtain the most up to date information regarding social distancing and any other Government measures.