Covid-19 – Return to Football

4 August 2020

Jarvis Brook FC is pleased to announce that training and matches are to resume at Limekiln Playing Fields and we will be following The FA’s Covid-19 Guidance on Re-starting Outdoor Competitive Grassroots Football.

The club has appointed a Covid-19 officer and Sub-committee which has put together a comprehensive plan and risk assessment for safe return to football.  This has been signed off by the full Committee and communicated to all Team Managers.  The Sub-committee will continually monitor how compliance is being observed within the club, and amend the plan accordingly.

Below are the important arrangements for you, which you should read and implement.

IMPORTANT – BEFORE ANY FOOTBALL ACTIVITY TAKES PLACE
In order for a player to return to football we firstly must have your written consent.  Attached is an on-line declaration for you to sign – please note that players will not be able to participate until this declaration has been completed.  This is an FA requirement.  Please click on the link below:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=VOQbpQ7jFES5C9FNiB-oIXRolYfJUBlLkEwgi1p1GMlUNkw5RE5TVEJIWVFLQkM3NzVXRzNSWkw1Ui4u

 ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE

  • Please ensure that no player travels to training/match if they or anyone in their household has any symptoms of COVID-19.
  • A register will be kept of all players attending training and matches, plus a record of any first aid given, which is to be used only for the purpose of NHS test and trace.
  • If you have additional disability or medical needs, please ensure that you have discussed this specifically with your Team Manager and the Club Welfare Officer Caroline Blackledge welfare@jbjfc.org.uk
  • Usual training times may have to change in order to manage entry, traffic flow and general movements around the venue to ensure that social distancing is maintained. Your age group manager will be in touch regarding the start date and time for training for each individual age group once you have signed up.
  • Please depart promptly after your session has ended, as other groups will be arriving soon afterwards.
  • NO CHANGING ROOMS WILL BE AVAILABLE so all players should arrive already in their kit. All kits should be taken home by the individual player and washed ready for the next match.

CAFÉ

  • The café will be open on Saturday and Sunday mornings with a takeaway only service from the outside hatch. The Lounge is currently closed.
  • We now have a contactless payment system, so please pay by this method wherever possible (minimum transaction is £1), although some cash will be available. We will be using disposable cups or you can bring your own refillable cup.

TOILETS & HYGIENE

  • Toilets will be open in the clubhouse. Please see signage at the clubhouse – we will be operating a one way system with entry from the front door, but then turning right when leaving the toilets and exiting through the rear door.
  • Please maintain full social distancing when entering the clubhouse, and ensure a face covering is worn.
  • Toilets will have been sanitised before arrival, and will be regularly cleaned. Handwashing facilities will be available, and flushable cleaning wipes in toilet cubicles for your own personal use.
  • Hand sanitising stations will be positioned at all entrance/exit points to further encourage important hand hygiene.

TRAINING/MATCHES

  • A briefing will be given by managers to players before each session/match to remind them of the precautions in place during play. This includes things such as avoiding handshakes, team huddles and goal celebrations.
  • Spectators are asked to maintain social distancing & to only congregate in groups of a maximum of 6 persons.
  • Goalposts will have been sanitised prior to a match. This will be repeated at half time & at the end of the match, likewise with corner flags. Match footballs will be sanitised prior to the match & changed or sanitised at regular intervals during the game.
  • All players must bring their own water bottle and hand sanitiser with their name on it.
  • If a player requires treatment during the game then the First Aid attendant will wear PPE in accordance with FA Guidance (face mask & gloves) before entering the field. A record of every person treated will be kept by each team for Track & Trace purposes.
  • Each age group has its own set of cones, bibs and balls. All equipment will be sanitised after use.

It is essential that we all adhere to the new guidelines in order that football can continue in a safe and controlled manner, and we look to you all to help in this process by following the guidelines.

Thank you for playing your vital part in helping our great game to get going again and let’s continue to work together to ensure football’s return is as smooth and safe as possible.