[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On Friday 17th July 2020 the UK Government agreed to the F.A plan for the return to competitive grassroots football. As a result of this, The F.A has published its guidelines to enable clubs to compete again with adherence to directives given to clubs to ensure a safe transition back for players, coaches, supporters and club officials.
Every club has been instructed to appoint a Covid-19 officer. The role of this person is to remain familiar with the most up to date F.A guidance and ensure this is communicated throughout coaches, players, club officials and supporters. The appointed Covid-19 officer for Bristol Manor Farm is Rachael Caswell, and her contact details are to be found at the end of this document.
Bristol Manor Farm have taken all these directives and risk assessed each one to provide a statement policy which supports and meets the criteria set out by the F.A. Some of these directives are mandatory and have to be adhered to, and the rest are advisory best practice to ensure safety is paramount.
The guidance following is FOR ALL players, coaches, club officials, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents/carers and spectators. The following document has been broken into 3 definitive sections which will cover all of the match day protocol as directed by the F.A:
BEFORE ANY FOOTBALL ACTIVITY TAKES PLACE
DURING ALL FOOTBALL ACTIVITY
AFTER ALL FOOTBALL ACTIVITY
It is vital that all 3 parts of this document are read by anyone visiting The Creek, as they apply to all clubs returning to football and are put in place to protect everyone.
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. Risk in sport cannot be completely eradicated but with caution and care these risks can be reduced. All those returning to competitive grassroots football must adapt the following F.A 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 the NHS test and trace and seek medical advice.
Be responsible. Read the guidance provided by the F.A and your club so that you are aware of the changes to the game and what is expected of you.
Practise good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and before, during and after a game.
Where possible maintain social distancing. This wont always be possible in a competitive match environment 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 the 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.
Section 1 BEFORE ANY FOOTBALL ACTIVITY TAKES PLACE
In line with current government guidance, all participates (players, coaches, club officials, match officials’ volunteers and spectators) should self-check for symptoms of covid-19. No- one should leave home to participate in football if they, or anyone live with, has any of the following:
A HIGH TEMPERATURE (ABOVE 37.8C)
A NEW, CONTINUOUS COUGH
A LOSS OF, OR CHANGE TO THEIR SENSE OF SMELL
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.
Travelling to the match
All participates and other attendees should follow best practice for travel to The Creek.
Where possible participates should walk or cycle. People from a household or support bubble can travel together in a vehicle. If participates 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 car between journeys using standard cleaning products, including door handles and other areas that people may touch;
Ask the driver to wear a face covering;
Consider seating arrangements to maximise distance between people in the vehicle and the wearing of face coverings on coaches or minibuses.
Upon arrival
Upon arrival at The Creek all participates will be required to adhere to the one ways systems in place and general movement around the ground following relevant signage in place. All attendees should follow best practice and wash their hands upon arrival for at least 20 seconds or sanitise immediately with the sanitiser provided, at all times observe the 1-meter social distancing guidance.
Where possible, players, match officials and coaches must arrive changed and shower at home, however the changing rooms WILL be available if required.
Everyone entering The Creek will be required to provide name and contact details to support the NHS test and trace. This information will be held for 21 days in line with the government recreational team sport framework in accordance with the data protection act 2018.
Outside toilets will be available but please be mindful of social distancing rules, and the importance of handwashing and sanitisation.
Section 2 DURING ALL FOOTBALL ACTIVITY
Social distancing around matches
Now competitive match play is permitted, in all settings social distancing should be practised in line with Government guidelines. Supporters and other spectators should remain socially distanced whilst attending. Spectator groups must be restricted to discrete six-person gathering limits and spread out, in line with wider Government guidance, ensuring space for officials, coaches and substitutes. Match officials should observe the F.A guidance in the same way as participates are required to.
Covid-19 modifications in matches
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.
Warm-ups/cool downs should always observe social distancing.
Coaches, other team staff and substitutes are allowed, but must always observe social distancing on touch lines/dug-outs. Social distancing must also be observed during interactions when a substitution is being made.
Set plays free kicks/corners: referees and coaches should encourage players to get on with the game and not unnecessarily prolong set-up such as defensive walls to limit the prolonged close marking. 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.
Social distancing during breaks (e.g. half time)
During breaks and half-time all participates must remain socially distanced. Coaching staff and substitutes should for example, spread out and avoid sharing a dug out or bench if social distancing cannot be observed. Water bottles or other refreshment containers should in no circumstances be shared. Participates are advised to bring their own drinks or refreshments, in a named container.
After activity participates must maintain government mandated social distancing for social interaction. This will include the use of the changing rooms or showers if required, and clubhouse facilities participates congregate in afterwards.
Use of Equipment
The sharing of equipment must be avoided where possible. Where equipment is to be shared, equipment must be cleaned before use by another person. Participates should take their kit home to wash it themselves, rather than have one person handling a large quantity of soiled materials. Where this is not possible each person handling the soiled kit must wash their hands and sanitise immediately after, and appropriate arrangements made for the cleaning of the kit.
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 if throw-ins or handling has occurred the ball should be disinfected.
Spitting
Everyone 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.
SECTION 3 AFTER ALL FOOTBALL ACTIVITY
Hands should be washed at the earliest opportunity and personal equipment should be wiped down with a disinfectant.as already covered participates should take their own kit home to wash it themselves.
After matches participants and attendees must maintain government mandated social distancing for social interaction. This includes any available changing rooms, showers, and clubhouse facility.
Since July 4th Bristol Manor Farms Clubhouse/Bar has been opened and we have a simple one- way system/flow through the club to ensure social distancing is upheld. You must sign in for the Track and Trace system using the NHS COVID-19 app by scanning the QR code, which is displayed. Alternatively provide your full name and number to a member of our team. All data is removed after 21 days. You must wear a face covering when moving within the clubhouse, and are only permitted to remove it when seated at a table. You must only meet in groups of up to 6 persons at any one time, indoors & outdoors. You must practice social distancing at all times, by respecting the 1m+ rule in place. You are not permitted to stand at our bars at any time, we are providing table service only. We ask all visitors and members to respectively observe these requirements.
Bristol Manor Farm football club would like to 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, lets work together to ensure the transition back to enjoying football is as smooth and safe as possible.
Rachael Caswell
Covid-19 Officer
Bristol Manor Farm Football Club
07767 633549
secretary@bristolmanorfarm.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]