Coronavirus Update August 14
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Return to training delayed
Scottish Football’s Joint Response Group yesterday, Thursday August 13 outlined a wide range of measures agreed with the Scottish Government to reinforce Scottish football’s commitment to public health and adherence to protocols.
These measures have been approved by the JRG and follow extensive discussions with Scottish Government Ministers and health advisers.
Walking Football Scotland fully support the JRG and Scottish Government, and would like to make clear:
Return to training and all organised adult football over-18 – will be delayed until at least 24 August, pending updated government guidance on the 20th.
Adult (over-18) recreational football will not be permitted to participate in any form of organised training.
Youth (under-18) football can continue in line with current Scottish Government guidance.
In order to provide government health officials with the necessary confidence that Scottish football can return safely and in accordance with relevant government guidelines and football protocols, the Scottish FA has agreed that the return to training for clubs out with the SPFL Premiership – which includes all organised adult football over-18 – will be delayed until at least 24 August, pending updated government guidance on the 20th. This is to ensure that:
All club facilities comply with the current JRG Protocols, social distancing and hygiene measures.
All club policies and procedures comply with the current protocols and government guidance.
Club testing regimes in the professional game comply with the protocols.
Players and staff at all levels of the game have been reminded of the latest government guidance.
Rod Petrie, Joint Response Group Chair: “The message from First Minister could not have been clearer. The JRG must now ensure that the planned resumption of football beyond the Scottish Premiership is done in a controlled manner with the strictest adherence to protocols and guidelines.
“The pause on the return to training for the professional game out with the Scottish Premiership will not impact on the proposed start dates of the respective league competitions but will give sufficient time to reinforce protocols, educate players and make sure of the ability of clubs in the lower divisions to conform.”
To reiterate, the suspension on competitions, friendly matches, festivals and events REMAINS in place until further guidance permits this next step to be taken.
It should also be noted that, at this time, access to facilities may be challenging for clubs and we ask for your continued patience as local authorities and leisure trusts put in place plans to fully re-open outdoor pitches and facilities.
We urge all clubs to utilise the resources and guidelines now available on the Scottish FA. Return to Football Hub. This will allow clubs to plan in conjunction with committees, coaches and participants to make sure everyone is aware of their role in ensuring our return, ( when permitted) is safe and continues to promote public health guidelines.
https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/media/6784/phase-three-training-guidelines-for-adult-football.pdf
