The COVID-19 pandemic brings a unique set of challenges to everyday life. In regards to football we need to be extremely vigilant to ensure a safe and low risk environment for players, parents, volunteers and anyone who we have contact with. This page will be updated based on new information and guidance as appropriate, if anyone has any questions or concerns please use the contact form, email the Committee or contact your team manager.
Page Updated 7th April 2021
On 24th March, 2021, the Football Association released updated guidance regarding the restart of competitive outdoor football – https://www.thefa.com/news/2021/mar/24/fa-guidance-for-return-to-grassroots-football-20210324. All players, parents or volunteers are expected to read the guidance in full in order to understand the behaviours and changes that are required to resume football safely. Non-compliance may result in football being suspended, but worse could lead to the spread of COVID-19 through the community.
Test and Trace
As part of the NHS Test and Trace initiative, all clubs are required to provide QR codes that can be used with the Test and Trace app. Below are the Whittlesford Warrior QR code posters:
Key information:
- Whittlesford Warriors COVID-19 Risk Assessment – this outlines the preventative measures that the club are using to reduce the risk of COVID-19
- Return of grassroots football FAQs
- Parental Consent form – This must be completed and returned prior to restarting competitive outdoor football.
- Football activity master guidance for re-starting grassroots outdoor football – 24 March 2021 – comprehensive guidance regarding the changes necessary to resume football in response to COVID-19
- Cambs FA Return to Grassroots Football Guidance
- Club Support Packs– guidance issued by Cambs FA
- National Game Insurance Scheme – Football Activity During COVID
Changes required in response to COVID-19
- Self-screen prior to attending any football activity if you are in doubt, do not play:
- High temperature (above 37.8ºC)
- A new continuous cough
- Shortness of breath
- A sore throat
- Loss of or change in normal sense of taste or smell
- Feeling generally unwell / persistent tiredness
- Have been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case in the previous 2 weeks
- Travel in line with Government Guidelines
- Wash / sanitise hands before, during and after activity
- Players, parents and supporters to socially distance. When arriving at the venue, at breaks in play and when exiting the venue
- Disinfect equipment regularly
- Players to bring their own labelled water bottle and hand sanitizer
- Personal detail to be kept for 21 days to support track and trace
- No handshakes, goal celebrations or team huddles
- Restart play promptly (free kicks, corners)
- Hygiene breaks in play
- Online / contactless payments
- Avoid shouting loudly (droplet spread)
- No spitting or chewing gum permitted during any activities. If this occurs, a warning will be provided but the club may choose disciplinary action if there are repeated incidents.
- Increased cleaning of venues, equipment and kit with appropriate products