COVID-19 Info & Updates - Updated 6th September 2021
On this page we will provide updates and guidance on how we as a club are addressing COVID and how we (Committee, Managers, Coaches, Players, Parents/Guardians/Carers, etc) all need to plan and take action so that we can continue playing football.
It is vital that everyone reads and understands all of the below. Unfortunately it is a long but very necessary read and will be updated on a regular basis, as and when we receive further guidance!
If you have any questions or concerns then please do not hesitate to contact the clubs COVID Officer (Sam Laing - SamL@owtfc.org) or the Chairman, Stephen Hall (StephenH@owtfc.org)
Thank you and KEEP SAFE.
Old Windsor Tigers Football Club Committee
Updated - 6th September 2021
The full guidance documents can be downloaded here 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.
Updated - 16th May 2021
Please click here to find the latest COVID guidance commencing 17th May 2021.
Updated - 8 April 2021
On 8th April, updated guidance was issued by the Football Association which can be found by clicking here.
Main change is that where sport is being played in a public space there are no limits on spectator numbers as long as COVID protocols are being adhered to. (groups of up to six people or two households, social distancing, etc.)
Update - 24 March 2021
On Monday 29 March, as part of the next stage of the Government’s roadmap out of national lockdown, outdoor sports facilities can open, and organised outdoor football can take place.
The FA has now published their updated guidance, based on the latest Government advice available, which applies to all outdoor youth and adult football and Futsal, including all formats of the game.
Please click here to download and read the latest guidance! It is a requirement that all Coaches/Managers, Parents and Carers will need to have read and understood the guidance before their child is permitted to take part. A message will be sent using Teamer asking you to confirm that you have done this.
Spectators - No spectators are allowed at grassroots football as part of step one of the Government’s roadmap. However one parent or guardian per child is permitted, where clubs and facilities can safely accommodate this and following all appropriate guidance.
Travel - The Government guidance on travel is that the ‘stay at home’ rule will end on Monday 29 March, but many restrictions will remain in place. As organised sport can resume, all participants may travel to games but should avoid travel at the busiest times and routes, as well as minimising any unnecessary journeys where possible. All participants must follow the Government’s guidance on safer travel.
Update - 4th January 2021
Following on from the Government's latest announcement all football is suspended with immediate effect until further notice.
You can find the latest announcement from Berks & Bucks FA here:
https://www.berks-bucksfa.com/news/2021/jan/04/non-elite-football-suspended-following-latest-covid-19-restrictions
Update - 19th December 2020
From Sunday 20th December 2020, a number of areas, in which EBFA member Clubs operate, have moved to Tier 4, now the tightest the COVID-19 restrictions.The current Football Association update on COVID Tier 4 states:“The government’s Tier 4 guidance states organised outdoor sport for under-18s and disabled people will be allowed, while there are exemptions for FA Girls' Regional Talent Clubs. The government’s guidelines on travel between tiers should be adhered to. These players cannot move in or out of Tier 4 to train or play.”https://www.thefa.com/news/2020/dec/19/covid-19-tier-4-update-191220Currently the League is waiting for the full HMG regulations on Tier 4.
However, based on the current released documents from HMG and theFA:
Players that live in Tier 4 cannot play or train for teams in tier 1, 2 or 3. They are not allowed to cross their tier or county boundary.
EBFA covers 6 COVID Areas – Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Greater London, Surrey, and Oxfordshire, all of which are now Tier 4. Thus, EBFA is of the opinion that under the current HMG rules and regulations: Berkshire is in Tier 4, EBFA teams can ONLY play fixtures and train within Berkshire, with Players who live in Berkshire ONLY.
As soon as we get more clarification from HMG and the Football Association, we will provide an update.
Please always check and follow the latest Government and Football Association requirements.
Update - 18th December 2020
The current Government and Football Association conditions for Youth Grassroots Football, for players who are U18 remains the same as those put in place on 02-Dec-2020.
Grassroots football for players who are U18 year of age on 31/08/2020, can be played in tier 1, 2 and 3.
Spectator taking a player as a guardian to the fixture, team officials and referees can travel across tier 1,2 and 3 boundaries for Grassroots football for U7s to U18 Matches in all tiers.
Therefore, to confirm EBFA fixtures can be played across all COVID-19 restrictions tier areas.
Update - 2nd December 2020
Wednesday 2nd December sees a welcome return to football for grassroots football with fixtures resuming on Saturday 5th December!
Re-starting football at this level has taken substantial determination and commitment from stakeholders across the game and The FA would like to thank everyone for their vital contributions. However, health and wellbeing remain the priority, so it is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers and facility providers adhere to the UK Government’s new national Covid-19 restrictions during this period.
Please take a few minutes to read and understand the latest guidance, issued by the FA on 26th November by clicking this link
The Guidelines issued on 22nd of September 2020 by The Government, The FA and EBFA meant we set up QR Codes to 'track and trace' each attendee to every OWTFC training session and home game played on The Rec and this remains in place. See tab on OWTFC website titled "COVID19 - track and trace" for more detailed instructions and guidelines.
On arrival at any home game or training session please check-in with the Coach to make sure you have scanned the QR Code before participating. If you can not get the QR code to work or do not have a smart phone - please input your details on the attendance form held by the coach. Thank you.
Latest FA/BBFA Guidance on Re-Starting Outdoor Competitive Grassroots Football
Updated 17 Sep 2020
1. RE-STARTING INDOOR AND OUTDOOR COMPETITIVE GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL - SUMMARY - COVID19 Guidance Published: 17 September 2020
https://www.thefa.com/-/media/thefacom-new/files/get-involved/2020/grassroots-football-activity-guidance-summary.ashx
2. COVID-19 SAFEGUARDING RISK ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE Version: 1.2 Published: 17 September 2020
https://www.thefa.com/-/media/thefacom-new/files/get-involved/2020/covid-19-safeguarding-risk-assessment-guidance-and-template---september-2020.ashx
3. COVID-19 GUIDANCE ON RE-STARTING INDOOR AND OUTDOOR GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL Version: 1.3 Published: 17 September 2020
https://www.thefa.com/-/media/thefacom-new/files/get-involved/2020/football-activity-guidance---re-starting-outdoor-football.ashx
4. COVID-19 GUIDANCE ON RESTARTING GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL providers of indoor and outdoor football facilities For Version: 1.3 Published: 17 September 2020
https://www.thefa.com/-/media/thefacom-new/files/get-involved/2020/football-activity-guidance-for-providers-of-outdoor-football-facilities-lo-res.ashx
5. FIRST AID GUIDANCE FOR RETURNING TO OUTDOOR COMPETITIVE GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL Version: 1.0 Published: 18 July 2020
https://www.thefa.com/-/media/thefacom-new/files/get-involved/2020/clubs-and-coaches---covid-19-first-aid-guidance-for-returning-to-competitive-grassroots-football.ashx
Latest EBFA Guidance (local affiliated league organisation)
Updated 4 Sep 2020
- Please click here to view/download the latest guidance
OWTFC COVID-19 Risk Assessment
Updated 15 Sep 2020
- Please click here to view/download the latest Risk Assessment
OWTFC Match Day planning and positioning on the Rec during COVID-19
Due to the proximity of other facilities in the public area we have our pitches (The Old Windsor Recreation Ground - called The Rec); we have carried out our own Risk Assessment at OWTFC and have proposed the below Layout and Plan to use on Match days where we have Home fixtures.
Old Windsor Rec pitch layout - Updated 9 Sep 2020
(OWTFC Managers, please print a copy and give it to the away team manager to show his supporters).
We ask all players, coaches, parents, guardians and any other spectators to adhere to these guidelines!
COVID-19 Symptoms to check BEFORE attending any OWTFC training session or game:-
If you have any of the symptoms listed below PLEASE do not attend any training session or game held by OWTFC. Call or text your OWTFC Coach/Manager and let them know and keep them updated on your progress.
The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:
To protect others, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital if you have any of these symptoms. Get a test to check if you have Coronavirus and stay at home until you get your result.
Travelling to Training, or games (Home or Away)
We strongly recommend players do NOT car share on the way to training or games and keep their family bubble intact.
If a player cannot attend a game or training session due to travel issues - please advise your coach in the normal way (and decline the Teamer invite) to allow the Coach/Manager to re-schedule the game if there are not enough players available for that fixture.
We appreciate that in some cases people may give another player a lift to a game, as they may be part of your extended 'bubble'. We leave it up to the judgement of the driver and the other players parent/guardian to make the call (but again we stress that your health is more important to us than playing a game). If this happens please take extra precautions and an idea may be to have all people in the car wear a mask!
ALL COACHES
PLEASE TAKE YOUR OWN SANITISER, GLOVES, MASKS AND LINEMANS FLAG TO GAMES (home or away), in case you need it. If anyone enters the field of play during the game (ie. for first aid) - please take sensible procedures and use gloves and face covering if appropriate.
Other useful links:-
Click here to access the Government's website on Coronavirus (COVID19) offering the latest guidance and advice
It is vital that everyone reads and understands all of the below. Unfortunately it is a long but very necessary read and will be updated on a regular basis, as and when we receive further guidance!
If you have any questions or concerns then please do not hesitate to contact the clubs COVID Officer (Sam Laing - SamL@owtfc.org) or the Chairman, Stephen Hall (StephenH@owtfc.org)
Thank you and KEEP SAFE.
Old Windsor Tigers Football Club Committee
Updated - 6th September 2021
The full guidance documents can be downloaded here 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.
Updated - 16th May 2021
Please click here to find the latest COVID guidance commencing 17th May 2021.
Updated - 8 April 2021
On 8th April, updated guidance was issued by the Football Association which can be found by clicking here.
Main change is that where sport is being played in a public space there are no limits on spectator numbers as long as COVID protocols are being adhered to. (groups of up to six people or two households, social distancing, etc.)
Update - 24 March 2021
On Monday 29 March, as part of the next stage of the Government’s roadmap out of national lockdown, outdoor sports facilities can open, and organised outdoor football can take place.
The FA has now published their updated guidance, based on the latest Government advice available, which applies to all outdoor youth and adult football and Futsal, including all formats of the game.
Please click here to download and read the latest guidance! It is a requirement that all Coaches/Managers, Parents and Carers will need to have read and understood the guidance before their child is permitted to take part. A message will be sent using Teamer asking you to confirm that you have done this.
Spectators - No spectators are allowed at grassroots football as part of step one of the Government’s roadmap. However one parent or guardian per child is permitted, where clubs and facilities can safely accommodate this and following all appropriate guidance.
Travel - The Government guidance on travel is that the ‘stay at home’ rule will end on Monday 29 March, but many restrictions will remain in place. As organised sport can resume, all participants may travel to games but should avoid travel at the busiest times and routes, as well as minimising any unnecessary journeys where possible. All participants must follow the Government’s guidance on safer travel.
Update - 4th January 2021
Following on from the Government's latest announcement all football is suspended with immediate effect until further notice.
You can find the latest announcement from Berks & Bucks FA here:
https://www.berks-bucksfa.com/news/2021/jan/04/non-elite-football-suspended-following-latest-covid-19-restrictions
Update - 19th December 2020
From Sunday 20th December 2020, a number of areas, in which EBFA member Clubs operate, have moved to Tier 4, now the tightest the COVID-19 restrictions.The current Football Association update on COVID Tier 4 states:“The government’s Tier 4 guidance states organised outdoor sport for under-18s and disabled people will be allowed, while there are exemptions for FA Girls' Regional Talent Clubs. The government’s guidelines on travel between tiers should be adhered to. These players cannot move in or out of Tier 4 to train or play.”https://www.thefa.com/news/2020/dec/19/covid-19-tier-4-update-191220Currently the League is waiting for the full HMG regulations on Tier 4.
However, based on the current released documents from HMG and theFA:
Players that live in Tier 4 cannot play or train for teams in tier 1, 2 or 3. They are not allowed to cross their tier or county boundary.
EBFA covers 6 COVID Areas – Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Greater London, Surrey, and Oxfordshire, all of which are now Tier 4. Thus, EBFA is of the opinion that under the current HMG rules and regulations: Berkshire is in Tier 4, EBFA teams can ONLY play fixtures and train within Berkshire, with Players who live in Berkshire ONLY.
As soon as we get more clarification from HMG and the Football Association, we will provide an update.
Please always check and follow the latest Government and Football Association requirements.
Update - 18th December 2020
The current Government and Football Association conditions for Youth Grassroots Football, for players who are U18 remains the same as those put in place on 02-Dec-2020.
Grassroots football for players who are U18 year of age on 31/08/2020, can be played in tier 1, 2 and 3.
Spectator taking a player as a guardian to the fixture, team officials and referees can travel across tier 1,2 and 3 boundaries for Grassroots football for U7s to U18 Matches in all tiers.
Therefore, to confirm EBFA fixtures can be played across all COVID-19 restrictions tier areas.
Update - 2nd December 2020
Wednesday 2nd December sees a welcome return to football for grassroots football with fixtures resuming on Saturday 5th December!
Re-starting football at this level has taken substantial determination and commitment from stakeholders across the game and The FA would like to thank everyone for their vital contributions. However, health and wellbeing remain the priority, so it is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers and facility providers adhere to the UK Government’s new national Covid-19 restrictions during this period.
Please take a few minutes to read and understand the latest guidance, issued by the FA on 26th November by clicking this link
The Guidelines issued on 22nd of September 2020 by The Government, The FA and EBFA meant we set up QR Codes to 'track and trace' each attendee to every OWTFC training session and home game played on The Rec and this remains in place. See tab on OWTFC website titled "COVID19 - track and trace" for more detailed instructions and guidelines.
On arrival at any home game or training session please check-in with the Coach to make sure you have scanned the QR Code before participating. If you can not get the QR code to work or do not have a smart phone - please input your details on the attendance form held by the coach. Thank you.
Latest FA/BBFA Guidance on Re-Starting Outdoor Competitive Grassroots Football
Updated 17 Sep 2020
1. RE-STARTING INDOOR AND OUTDOOR COMPETITIVE GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL - SUMMARY - COVID19 Guidance Published: 17 September 2020
https://www.thefa.com/-/media/thefacom-new/files/get-involved/2020/grassroots-football-activity-guidance-summary.ashx
2. COVID-19 SAFEGUARDING RISK ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE Version: 1.2 Published: 17 September 2020
https://www.thefa.com/-/media/thefacom-new/files/get-involved/2020/covid-19-safeguarding-risk-assessment-guidance-and-template---september-2020.ashx
3. COVID-19 GUIDANCE ON RE-STARTING INDOOR AND OUTDOOR GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL Version: 1.3 Published: 17 September 2020
https://www.thefa.com/-/media/thefacom-new/files/get-involved/2020/football-activity-guidance---re-starting-outdoor-football.ashx
4. COVID-19 GUIDANCE ON RESTARTING GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL providers of indoor and outdoor football facilities For Version: 1.3 Published: 17 September 2020
https://www.thefa.com/-/media/thefacom-new/files/get-involved/2020/football-activity-guidance-for-providers-of-outdoor-football-facilities-lo-res.ashx
5. FIRST AID GUIDANCE FOR RETURNING TO OUTDOOR COMPETITIVE GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL Version: 1.0 Published: 18 July 2020
https://www.thefa.com/-/media/thefacom-new/files/get-involved/2020/clubs-and-coaches---covid-19-first-aid-guidance-for-returning-to-competitive-grassroots-football.ashx
Latest EBFA Guidance (local affiliated league organisation)
Updated 4 Sep 2020
- Please click here to view/download the latest guidance
OWTFC COVID-19 Risk Assessment
Updated 15 Sep 2020
- Please click here to view/download the latest Risk Assessment
OWTFC Match Day planning and positioning on the Rec during COVID-19
Due to the proximity of other facilities in the public area we have our pitches (The Old Windsor Recreation Ground - called The Rec); we have carried out our own Risk Assessment at OWTFC and have proposed the below Layout and Plan to use on Match days where we have Home fixtures.
Old Windsor Rec pitch layout - Updated 9 Sep 2020
(OWTFC Managers, please print a copy and give it to the away team manager to show his supporters).
We ask all players, coaches, parents, guardians and any other spectators to adhere to these guidelines!
COVID-19 Symptoms to check BEFORE attending any OWTFC training session or game:-
If you have any of the symptoms listed below PLEASE do not attend any training session or game held by OWTFC. Call or text your OWTFC Coach/Manager and let them know and keep them updated on your progress.
The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:
- High temperature - this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- Continuous cough - this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
To protect others, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital if you have any of these symptoms. Get a test to check if you have Coronavirus and stay at home until you get your result.
Travelling to Training, or games (Home or Away)
We strongly recommend players do NOT car share on the way to training or games and keep their family bubble intact.
If a player cannot attend a game or training session due to travel issues - please advise your coach in the normal way (and decline the Teamer invite) to allow the Coach/Manager to re-schedule the game if there are not enough players available for that fixture.
We appreciate that in some cases people may give another player a lift to a game, as they may be part of your extended 'bubble'. We leave it up to the judgement of the driver and the other players parent/guardian to make the call (but again we stress that your health is more important to us than playing a game). If this happens please take extra precautions and an idea may be to have all people in the car wear a mask!
ALL COACHES
PLEASE TAKE YOUR OWN SANITISER, GLOVES, MASKS AND LINEMANS FLAG TO GAMES (home or away), in case you need it. If anyone enters the field of play during the game (ie. for first aid) - please take sensible procedures and use gloves and face covering if appropriate.
Other useful links:-
Click here to access the Government's website on Coronavirus (COVID19) offering the latest guidance and advice
