Guidance for Grassroots Clubs

On the 2^nd December it was announced that the West Yorkshire Region would enter the highest coronavirus alert level – Tier 3.  A significant number of West Riding FA affiliated clubs are based in West Yorkshire.  However, we are mindful that updated guidance will also need to inform clubs based outside of the West Yorkshire Region in areas that are not currently in Tier 3, but who may have fixtures scheduled in Tier 3 areas.

We know the additional restrictions listed below will cause further disruption to individuals in clubs and leagues. However, we are reliant upon all of our football community complying fully with these and all other current restrictions. We cannot stress enough the critical importance of all involved in the game doing their level best to ensure compliance and we thank you in advance for adhering to the guidance.

West Riding FA affiliated clubs are located across the following areas and coronavirus alert levels. (at 4^th December 2020)

Adult Football (Regional Feeder League or below)

From 2^nd December, based on the guidance currently provided, adult clubs and individuals (Players, Coaches & Spectators) cannot move in or out of a ‘Very High’ Tier 3 area to participate in football activity. For absolute clarity the above means that travel is NOT permitted from the West Yorkshire area (Tier 3) to any other area (For example, Bradford (T3) to Harrogate (T2) or vice versa, or Leeds (T3) to Oldham (T3) or vice versa). 

Youth (U18’s) & Disability Football

With regards to youth football (Under 18’s) and disability football - at this present time there are no new restrictions on movement / travel of youth teams (players, coaches and or volunteers) irrespective of which Tier you are in. Youth and disability football participants can travel across tiers.

Match Officials

Match Officials are exempt and are free to travel within the tiers.

Everyone

Grassroots football and other sporting activities are permitted despite wider restrictions because of the benefits of sport and physical activity for people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

However, it is imperative that everyone involved in the grassroots game continues to be vigilant and follows the governments restrictions and the guidance set in place by the Football Association.

For the avoidance of any doubt, any teams where it is found that Players, Coaches, Volunteers or Spectators are not adhering to the government restrictions and FA guidance, will face sanctions for non-compliance, including removal of fixtures.

If there are serious or consistent concerns with non-compliance of COVID guidelines at grassroots football which fail to be addressed, then the government may revoke the ability for grassroots football to take place.

Again - we cannot stress enough the critical importance of all involved in the game doing their level best to allow the grassroots game to continue. The key guidance remain as follows:

• Social distancing wherever possible for players, and always in the case of spectators
• Robust hygiene standards as per risk assessments but including the wearing of masks in toilet blocks etc.
• Effective registering of attendees primarily via the NHS Test and Trace QR code system
• Strongly recommend minimising spectators at youth games to one adult per child wherever possible

National League System (Steps 3-6) & Women’s Football Pyramid (Tiers 3-6)

Clubs at Steps 3-6 of the NLS and Tiers 3-6 of the WFP remain permitted to accommodate a phased and limited return of spectators in Tier 1 and 2 areas if they follow the UK Governments’ latest guidance on COVID-19 and The FA’s guidelines for the NLS or WFP. There are no spectators permitted in Tier 3, as set out in Government guidance.

Regional NLS Feeder Leagues, Tier 7 of the Womens Football Pyramid also remain permitted to accommodate socially-distanced spectators but must follow the rule of six and Government guidance on restrictions in certain tiers.

Players and essential club staff at steps 3-6 of the NLS, tiers 3-6 of the Women’s Football Pyramid, the Barclays FA WSL Academy and Regional Talent Clubs can travel into and out of Tier 3 areas.

The guidance in this statement is based on the current position and we will continue to review in line with any government tier reviews. 

Additional information

West Riding FA continues to work with local authorities, and we are not aware of any additional local measures at this time. We will however endeavour to relay any localised updates to this guidance at the earliest opportunity.

This guidance above is based on the current position and we will continue to review it in line with any government reviews.

Please direct any questions to info@westridingfa.com

Full FA COVID-19 guidance