Resumption of football guidance update – 8 April 2021
The FA has updated its guidance on the resumption of football, which has changes to the guidance on the use of changing rooms, and clarifies what the step 2 changes mean for spectators and for hospitality:
FA update on grassroots football for step two of the Government’s roadmap (thefa.com)
A reminder that references to “step 2” in the document take effect from 12th April, and “step 3” from 17th May.
Please be aware that the reference to parents, we are advised, does not allow for more than one parent attending any organised game on private land such as a club or hired pitch because this would breach the spectating rules, but does allow parents to watch their children play “informally” in a public space such as a park, under the “rule of 6” guidance.
Notes from original guidance of resumption of football from 29 March
- Travel is permitted in order to play football, although you are advised not to travel at busy times or on busy routes. Whilst non-essential travel is to be avoided, it is permitted to travel to play. However, outside of the FA’s guidance, the DCMS guidance notes that overnight stays for the purpose of attending sports events is NOT permitted so please ensure you do not permit overnight stays before the guidance is reviewed on 12th April
- Parental consent is required for children to play football post-Covid. Parents are required to confirm they are content with your covid security arrangements and as such are permitting their child(ren) to take part. Please ensure you obtain these permissions before you play
- You are required to complete a full risk assessment, including Covid-specific controls, prior to planning your events. You may find it helpful to share your covid risk assessment with parents in order to gain their consent for their children to play. You can find a template here
FA-Covid-19-Risk-Assessment-Guidance-and-Template.pdf (schoolsfootball.org)
Please also look out for updates at each step of the lifting of lockdown restrictions, as the guidance may change at each review
The FA’s First Aid Guidance:
The FA’s Guidance for Outdoor Facilities:
The FA’s Guidance for Referees
*Please note: you should also be completing the ESFA standard risk assessment document as well as COVID-19 risk assessments for all activity. These documents are available to download here.