Trial Control Measures - Covid-19
Covid-19 Update ahead of the 2021-2022 Season
Whilst most legal restrictions surrounding Covid-19 have been removed (as of 19/07/2021), Staffordshire Schools and Colleges FA still advise players, parents, coaches and spectators to follow good hygeine, wear masks in indoors or crowded spaces, and use hand sanitisers available on site. Whilst restrictions have been removed, everyone is reminded to be cautious and respectful towards other people's stances and actions relating to Covid-19, as the safety of everyone associated with SSCFA remains paramount.
Any player or parent that has tested positive for Covid-19 or has any Covid-19 symptoms, is a close contact of someone who has tested postive for Covid-19, or has been contacted by NHS Test and Trace must not attend any trials/games until their self isolation period has ended (exemptions apply from 16th August for close contacts who are double vaccinated with a negative PCR test).
Previous Covid-secure Trial Guidance (Season 2020-2021)
Our Covid-Secure guidance to schools, players, parents and coaches from the previous season's 2020-2021 trials can be found below. It is also advised that players and parents keep an eye on our website and Twitter page (@staffsschoolsfa) for the latest updates and information.
SSCFA Trials – 2020/2021
We will be holding trials in accordance with current FA guidelines. These necessitate various control measures to help protect participants from COVID-19.
Parents / carers are asked to read this document carefully, and to make their son / daughter aware of the contents.
The SSFA will have hand sanitizers available for use as appropriate and staff will have access to PPE for use when in close proximity to players (e.g. when administering first aid)
- If a player or accompanying parent / carer develop any Covid-related symptoms in the 14 days prior to the trial, they should self-isolate, notify the SSCFA and not attend the trial.
- If anyone in the household has had any COVID-related symptoms in the 14 days prior to the trial, the players and accompanying parents / carers should self-isolate and not attend the trial unless they have had a test which has come back negative (the SSCFA must be notified and will require evidence of a negative test).
- No-one should attend the trials if they have been informed by NHS Test & Trace that they should self-isolate.
- Players and accompanying parents / carers should only travel to/from trials in family groups in cars, or if this is not possible by public transport wearing a mask and accompanied by an adult, in line with prevailing government guidelines. We ask that, if possible, only one parent / carer accompanies the player to the trial, and that no siblings / younger family members attend.
- Players should arrive at trials in their own clean playing kit. Changing rooms will be unavailable except for designated toilet breaks.
- Players must bring their own drinks in clearly labelled bottles to avoid any sharing. Bottles to be clearly spaced by pitch. No use of water sources at venue.
- Players will be issued with their own bib for the duration of the trial. No exchanging of bibs permitted. After the trial, bibs will be washed at minimum of 60C.
- No throw-ins – only goalkeepers wearing gloves allowed to handle the ball.
- Footballs will be changed regularly and sanitised.
- When not playing, players must observe social distancing at a suitable distance away from the game being played. No handling of equipment. No leaning against fences, posts or other goals / equipment not in use.
- Handshakes, high-fives, hugs, etc must be avoided.
- Everyone attending the trials should observe respiratory etiquette – cover mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Any player showing Covid-related symptoms during the trial will be immediately withdrawn from the trial.
- Parents / carers attending the trial must remain outside the playing area and keep socially distanced. No leaning against fences, posts, etc
- If anyone attending the trial develops any Covid-related symptoms in the 14 days after the trial, they should self-isolate and notify the SSCFA immediately so that NHS Test & Trace can be informed.
- Players and accompanying parents / carers should leave the site immediately the trial finishes and avoid congregating in car parks and other areas.
- Cars must be parked in designated parking bays. Social distancing to be observed