STATEMENT FROM THE YEL BOARD
COVID-19 Update – End of Lockdown 2.0 and move into Tier 3
As everyone is no doubt aware, all areas covered by the YEL have now moved from lockdown 2.0 into Tier 3 as of 0.01am this morning, Wednesday 2nd December 2020.
The FA have issued updated guidance (dated December 1st version 5 – available with this statement) regarding the return to football from Wednesday 2nd December. The guidance makes it very clear and in the strongest possible terms, that the advice should be followed in conjunction with the COVID-19 Tier 3 rules which have been set out by the government. Highlights of the advice/reminders include:
All clubs should review/update their risk assessments BEFORE restarting training to ensure that they are current, relevant and still fit for purpose and remind all users of the club – managers, coaches, players, parents and volunteers – that they should continue to follow the guidance
All participants must complete a ‘self assessment’ prior to taking part in any club activity – check temperature (below 37.8 celcius) and for symptoms and DO NOT take part if you show any symptoms or you have a high temperature. Follow the guidance and self-isolate
Clubs should underline the importance of Test and Trace and everyone should be encouraged to scan the QR codes on arrival at the playing/training venue or use an alternative manual method of recording who was in attendance
Everyone should carry their own sanitiser products and all participants – players, managers and spectators alike – should sanitise regularly
Training for teams in tier 3 should have minimal contact.
Wherever possible, all players should travel to the game separately. Players should not travel together with anyone from outside their own household/support bubble unless social distancing is possible.
Managers/coaches should ensure all equipment is sanitised before and after the game
In addition to these guidelines your YEL Board strongly recommends:
In areas where it is not mandatory already, face coverings should be worn where it is not likely to be possible to adhere to social distancing rules.
We still, strongly recommend that just one parent/carer for each player attends training/a match in line with safeguarding requirements and in order to minimise the numbers of people on a touchline.
We also continue to recommend the use of both touchlines to alleviate potential overcrowding on one touchline and to ensure that it is possible to practise social distancing safely
We cannot stress enough that everyone – players, managers/coaches, parents, club officials and volunteers – needs to play their part by following these guidelines as the irresponsible actions of a few could potentially spoil the enjoyment for the many.
PLEASE ABIDE BY THE GOVERNMENT RULES AND FA GUIDELINES. IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO PROTECT EACH OTHER AND OUR GAME.
Teams/adults who are reported to us for repeatedly not following the guidelines run a serious risk of having their fixtures removed. Please be aware this is a course of action which we will ultimately take in order to protect everyone else who is following the guidelines.
IF ANY TEAMS, HAVING READ THE GUIDELINES, FEEL THAT THEY DO NOT WISH TO PLAY MATCHES, PLEASE ADVISE US BY CONTACTING THE YEL OFFICE – yel@live.co.uk – WE WILL CONTINUE WITH OUR POLICY OF NO FINES BEING ISSUED FOR COVID-19 RELATED ISSUES.
We hope to complete the winter season by the end of December. We will review the position again on 16th December and update teams/clubs accordingly at this time.
We really hope that we have turned the corner and are heading towards some sort of normality; However, we cannot let our guard down. Please continue to follow the rules and guidance and help keep everyone as safe as possible and protect the immediate future of grassroots football.
We wish you an enjoyable return to football and hope that you all continue in good health.
Rob Harwood CEO
For and on behalf of the YEL Board Issued 8.30am 2/12/2020