Please read the following information regarding the safe return to football on the next stage of the government’s roadmap.
From 29 March 2021, the government roadmap to removing all Covid-19 related restrictions reaches its next stage as football activity is allowed to resume. Click here for further information.
The key points we would like to draw your attention to are the following;
TRAVEL: The Government guidance on travel is that the ‘stay at home’ rule will end on Monday 29 March, but many restrictions will remain in place. As organised sport can resume, all participants may travel to games but should avoid travel at the busiest times and routes, as well as minimising any unnecessary journeys where possible. All participants must follow the Government’s guidance on safer travel.
SPECTATORS: No spectators are allowed at grassroots football as part of step one of the Government’s roadmap. However, one parent or guardian per child is permitted, where clubs and facilities can safely accommodate this and following all appropriate guidance. For JBFC sessions involving children, where possible, only one parent per child should be present. Please also adhere to the ‘Meeting in groups’ guidelines set out by the government, outlined below.
To view the latest Covid-19 guidance from the Football Association regarding the return to football on 29 March 2021, click here
MEETING IN GROUPS: The government guidelines from 29 March state that you will be able to meet outdoors either in a group of 6 (from any number of households), or in a group of any size from up to 2 households (each household can include existing support bubbles, if eligible). Please ensure that if you are bringing your child to JBFC Football, you adhere to these guidelines.
SYMPTOMS: In line with current Government guidance, prior to sessions all participants (players, coaches, volunteers, spectators etc.) should self-check for symptoms of Covid-19. If an individual is symptomatic, has a high temperature and/or is living in a household with a possible Covid-19 infection they should not come to JBFC Football sessions, must remain at home and follow Government guidance.
SYMPTOMS DEVELOPING: If symptoms develop within seven days of a JBFC Football session, parents are asked to contact JBFC and advise.
HAND SANITIZER: Each player should bring their own hand sanitizer to JBFC Football sessions and are encourage to clean their hands before and as soon as the session is finished.
PPE: Gloves will be available for all coaches / volunteers involved. They will be advised to bring their own face coverings if they feel it is appropriate.
EQUIPMENT: Children must be guided not to touch equipment e.g. cones and footballs. The focus will be on kicking the ball and limiting any touching of the ball with hands. If you have young children, please help them to understand this before they attend any sessions.
BIBS: Clean bibs will be provided for players each session.
WATER BOTTLES: Each player should bring their own water bottles, clearly marked, to use during sessions.
SOCIAL DISTANCING: Players and spectators must adhere to social distancing guidelines where possible.
INJURIES / TREATMENT: Parents must attend to their own child, except in the case of a severe injury in which case the JBFC Coach / First Aider will attend under the parent’s supervision.
GOAL CELEBRATIONS: At present group celebrations are not allowed.
RISK ASSESSMENT: To view the JBFC Football Covid-19 Risk Assessment, click here
NHS QR CODE SCANNING: Any player/parent who attends a JBFC Football session must ‘CHECK-IN’ using the NHS QR Code Scanning app. The QR code (pictured on below) will be displayed around the venue, and also available to download, here.
Download NHS QR Code Scanning app to your device:
Apple Store (IOS), click here
Google Play, click here
The information stays on the user’s phone. In England, you do not have to ask people who choose to ‘check-in’ using the official NHS QR code to provide their contact details. If there is an outbreak associated with a venue, a message will be sent to the relevant app users with the necessary public health advice.
This will help to avoid the reintroduction of lockdown measures and support the country to return to, and maintain, a more normal way of life.
In addition to maintaining and sharing records where requested and displaying an official NHS QR poster, you must also continue to follow other government guidance to minimise the transmission of COVID-19. This includes maintaining a safe working environment and following social distancing guidelines.