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COVID-19 Guidance

Guidance, resources and FAQs relating to COVID-19

COVID-19 Guidance

On this page you will find updated information, guidance and resources from The FA in relation to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and the return of grassroots football.

You will be able to access the latest guidance documents separated into specific categories including Grassroots, NLS and WFP, Leagues and Referees as well as a regularly updated and handy FAQs document addressing many of the most common queries.

You will also be able to read the latest article update/statement from The FA as well as navigate through previous updates.

Get in Touch

By Phone: 01235 544890

By Email:
Info@Berks-BucksFA.com

Latest FA Statement: 16 July 2021

The FA has provided an update on ‘non-elite’ football in advance of Step 4 of the Government’s roadmap.

On Monday 19 July, England will move to Step 4 of its roadmap in easing COVID-19 restrictions.

This means that almost all legal restrictions of social contact will be removed. However, the Government is encouraging people to act with caution. The FA guidance has therefore been updated to reflect this.

This updated guidance which covers Steps 3-6 of the National League System (NLS), Tiers 3-6 of the Women’s Football Pyramid and grassroots football (including Regional NLS Feeder Leagues), comes into effect on Monday 19 July and until then all participants should follow our guidance for Step 3. You can read the Government guidance here.

The full guidance documents can be downloaded below and should be referred to for further details. The summary key points are:

1. On field adaptions for playing football are no longer required.
2. No limits of how many people can meet.
3. One metre plus rule removed.
4. The definition of close contact remains the same, however the rules on self-isolation will be changing from 16 August.
5. Face coverings no longer required by law, but recommended in crowded indoor settings and may be mandated by some clubs or facility providers.
6. Changing rooms can be used, however participants should use their own judgement and minimise use where possible to avoid close contact in a crowded area for a prolonged time.
7. No capacity limits for spectators but good practice is encouraged.
8. Hospitality is permitted without restrictions.
9. NHS Test and Trace QR codes not required by law but encouraged.
10. Free NHS lateral flow testing is available to clubs and we encourage clubs to take this up.
11. No domestic travel restrictions. Participants should continue to follow Government advice on international travel for any fixtures/ tournaments.

This guidance document applies to all youth and adult football and Futsal, including all formats of the game, both indoors and outdoors.

We would like to thank you once again for playing your part in helping to get our game going again. By observing Government guidance and the football-specific protocols, we can look forward to ensuring the transition back to enjoying football is as smooth and safe as possible.


Guidance Documents

COVID-19 Guidance - 11 Point Summary of main Step 4 Guidance (20th August 2021)
COVID-19 Guidance - Restarting Grassroots Football (20th AUGUST 2021)
COVID-19 Guidance - National League System (16th July 2021)
COVID-19 Guidance - Women's Football Pyramid (16th July 2021)
COVID-19 Guidance - Safeguarding Risk Assessment (16th July 2021)
COVID-19 Guidance - First Aid Guidance for Returning to Competitive Football (16th July 2021)


Download further Guidance Documents, in our Resource section below.

PREVIOUS FA COVID-19 UPDATES

16.07.21 FA UPDATE ON GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL

Read The FA's latest update on grassroots football ahead of COVID-19 restrictions easing.

View update


11.05.21 FA UPDATE ON GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL

Read The FA's latest update on non-elite football in advance of Step 3 of the Government’s roadmap.

View update


08.04.21 FA UPDATE ON GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL FOR STEP TWO OF THE GOVERNMENT'S ROADMAP

Read The FA's latest update on grassroots football for step two of the Government’s roadmap.

View update


24.03.21 FA GUIDANCE FOR OUTDOOR GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL RETURN FROM 29 MARCH 2021

Read The FA guidance ahead of a return for outdoor grassroots football.

View update


15.03.21 FA UPDATE ON TIERS 3-6 OF THE WOMEN'S FOOTBALL PYRAMID

An update from the Women's Football Board.

View update


22.02.21 AN UPDATE ON GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT ROADMAP

Grassroots football to return from 29th March with Season 2020/21 extended until the end of June.

View update


04.01.21 UPDATE FOR 'NON-ELITE' FOOTBALL UNDER LATEST COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

Government announces lockdown in England, meaning grassroots football is no longer permitted.

View update


19.12.20 COVID-19 UPDATE: 19 DECEMBER

COVID-19 guidance for 'non-elite' football updated following Tier 4 announcement.

View update


18.12.20 UPDATE: TIER 3 FOOTBALL IN BERKS & BUCKS

An update on the permitted Tier 3 football in Berkshire.

View update


01.12.20 FA GUIDANCE FOR GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL IN TIERS 1-3 AFTER 2 DECEMBER

Updated COVID-19 guidance issued for ‘non-elite’ football in England after lockdown.

View update


23.11.20 FA STATEMENT: GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL AFTER LOCKDOWN (23.11.20)

FA response to the latest UK Government update on COVID-19 restrictions.

View update


06.11.20 UPDATED: FA STATEMENT: NON-ELITE FOOTBALL

An update from The FA for 'non-elite' football in England following the latest COVID-19 restrictions.

View update


03.11.20 FA STATEMENT: NON-ELITE FOOTBALL

An update from The FA for 'non-elite' football in England following the latest COVID-19 restrictions.

View update


16.10.20 UPDATE: FA COVID-19 GUIDANCE AS OF 16TH OCTOBER

View the current guidance and updated COVID-19 FAQs.

View update


24.09.20
LATEST COVID-19 GUIDANCE ON INDOOR FOOTBALL

Indoor football update following the latest UK Government announcement on 22nd September 2020.

View update


22.09.20 NHS 'TEST AND TRACE' FOR GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL

This requirement comes into effect from 24 September.

View update


17.09.20 COVID-19 FA GUIDANCE FOR INDOOR FOOTBALL AND FUTSAL

Updated guidance for return of indoor football and Futsal, following UK Government approval.

View update


10.09.20 THE LATEST FA COVID-19 GUIDANCE

September update for Grassroots, the NLS and Women's Football Pyramid.

View update


19.08.20 PHASED RETURN OF SPECTATORS

The Football Association [The FA] has today issued updated guidelines for the National League System [NLS] and Women’s Football Pyramid [WFP]

View update


18.07.20 THE FA ISSUES GUIDELINES FOR THE RETURN OF OUTDOOR COMPETITIVE GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL

Practical guidance for the return of outdoor competitive grassroots football activity in England.

View update


09.07.20 FA RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNMENT UPDATE ON TEAM SPORTS

Government issues guidance on a return to team sports, including grassroots football.

View update


12.06.20 NEW COVID-19 GRASSROOTS GUIDANCE

Latest Guidance Documents issued by The FA for restarting Football Activity during COVID-19.

View update


01.06.20 UPDATE: PERMITTED GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL ACTIVITY FROM 1 JUNE

Latest guidance from 1st June on permitted grassroots football activity during COVID-19.

View update


15.05.20 THE FA RELEASE UPDATED GUIDANCE TO PERMITTED GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL ACTIVITY

The FA have today issued guidance to all grassroots football and informal football activity outside the professional game.

View update


17.04.20 TEMPORARY CHANGES TO DBS CHECKS

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, The FA have implemented temporary changes to DBS checks.

View update


19.03.20 POSTPONEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL GAME EXTENDED AFTER UPDATE FROM FA, PREMIER LEAGUE & EFL

The FA and other professional game bodies confirmed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than Thursday 30 April. 

View update


16.03.20 GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL IN ENGLAND HAS BEEN SUSPENDED

Following the Government’s announcement today, for people to avoid social contact and gatherings where possible, we are now advising that all grassroots football in England is postponed for the foreseeable future.

View update


13.03.20 PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL SUSPENDED IN ENGLAND UNTIL FRIDAY 3 APRIL AT THE EARLIEST

The FA and other professional game bodies to postpone all elite-level football until 3rd April at the earliest.

View update

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