Coronavirus Update May 15
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The latest return to play guidance for walking football participants in Scotland.
The information below will take affect from Monday, May 17 and is for those within a ‘Level 2’ area in Scotland unless specified, with all other information available on the Scottish FA Return to Football Hub. Return to Football Hub | Club Services | Scottish FA
18-year-olds and older are only permitted outdoor contact training and matches, as per Scottish Government and Sportscotland guidance.
Clubs must be aware of their local authority COVID Protection Level and get information on what you can and cannot do at each level.
You can check which COVID Protection Level your Local Authority is at here
18 years and above - Training/Match Play Guidance
The Scottish Government and Sportscotland guidance regarding 18 years and above, who are permitted to participate in outdoor contact group activity with full guidance can be found here.
We would urge everyone aged 18 and above to adhere to the following guidance:
Outdoor only contact activity for this age group is permitted, however physical distancing should be in place before and after activity.
18 years and above players and officials can travel out of their Local Authority area for their organised activity.
Physical distancing is always necessary for coaches.
All Match Play/Training group activity can consist of a maximum bubble of 50 people. Please note at level 2 this does not include coaches, officials, and other volunteers.
It is recommended for training to use appropriate ratios in terms of numbers adequate to the facility or area available, for example 20 participants to 1/3 of a pitch.
It is recommended that a maximum of three playing bubbles take place on a full-size pitch.
Inter-club matches or festivals are permitted at this stage, but numbers must not exceed the playing bubble.
Playing bubbles cannot mix at this stage and adequate space must be in place.
·Where contact training is permitted, players do not need to adhere to physical distancing whilst on the pitch, but all coaches must maintain 2 metre physical distancing at all times.
During this phase and to assist with planning and communication, out with the football-related activity itself, all adult participants must observe 2 metre physical distancing in and around the facility/venue. This assists with anchoring related Scottish Government advice and messaging.
Guidance for All
All activity must be arranged to take place in an appropriately risk assessed venue.
At no stage should groups mix, and appropriate one-way systems should be in place at your facility.
Please ensure that hygiene measures are always implemented.
An outdoor sporting ‘field of play bubble’, including multiple bubbles, can be used for organised training, competition or participation events. Coaches, officials and other volunteers are not included in Level 0 to Level 2 bubble/participation numbers but please note, they are at Level 3. Support staff numbers should be limited to those that are required to ensure a safe, well run activity.
Use of changing rooms and showering facilities should be avoided where possible, although they may be made available (other than in Level 4 areas where indoor facilities should remain closed) for participants who require additional assistance, such as disabled people or those with additional support needs. Detailed information on toilets, changing and locker rooms can be found here.
No spectating should take place other than where a parent or carer is supervising a child or vulnerable adult or when following specific Scottish Government: sector guidance for sporting events. Please note that Scottish Government is currently reviewing spectator guidance and an update will be provided when available.
Clubs must have a COVID Officer in place to ensure that all protocols are followed.
All walking football players and participants are advised to undertake a COVID-19 eLearning course if they are taking part in sports training, competitions and other events.
TRAVEL Walking football participants can travel to and from a Level 0, 1 and 2 area to take part in organised football. They should not travel to a Level 3 or 4 area.
Participants living in a Level 3 area should only travel locally or to another Level 3 area to take part in organised football.
Participants living in a Level 4 area should only travel locally to take part in organised sport.
It is a club’s responsibility to follow all appropriate guidelines to enable the return to training in a safe manner. Clubs must visit and understand all relevant guidance available on the Scottish FA ‘Return to Football Hub’.
