Today The FA is updating its Covid-19 guidance to reflect the Government’s move to Plan B of its Covid Autumn/Winter Plan, in response to the risks of the Omicron variant. 

Please note that there is no material impact on the playing of grassroots football currently and we want to thank you in advance for playing a vital role in helping our great game to stay safe.

By observing Government guidance and the football-specific protocols, let’s work together to ensure we can all continue to enjoy football while keeping as safe as possible. 

The FA continues to work closely with Government to monitor the ongoing impact of Covid-19 and will update guidance documents with any further changes, as and when necessary.

The Derbyshire FA Team,

17/12/2021 - 14:00pm.

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 restrictions. This means that almost all legal restrictions of social contact will be removed. However, the Government is encouraging people to act with caution. Our 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. You can read the Government guidance here.

The full guidance document 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. 1m plus rule removed

4. The definition of close contact remains the same, however the rules on self-isolation will be changing from the 16th 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 The FA 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.

The Derbyshire FA Team,

16/07/2021 - 14:00pm.

The FA has provided an update on ‘non-elite’ football in advance of Step 3 of the Government’s roadmap.

On Monday 17 May, as part of the next step of the Government’s roadmap out of national lockdown, there will be further changes to the restrictions on ‘non-elite’ football. Our guidance has therefore been updated to reflect this. The key changes to note are in relation to spectators, indoor hospitality and indoor football and futsal.

This updated guidance comes into effect on Monday 17 May and until then all participants should follow The FA’s guidance for Step 2 which can be found here.

You can read the Government guidance here.

The key changes to be aware of are:

Spectators

From Step 3, spectators will be permitted to view events on both public and private land but need to adhere to social distancing rules and social gathering limits set at groups of 30 outdoors and six people/two households indoors. Please note that multiple numbers of these group sizes are permitted as long as social distancing rules are followed.

Spectators are allowed indoors, but the total number of all participants, coaches, officials and spectators must comply with the ventilation rates permitted by the particular venue. You can find more information about this here.

At larger events, capacity limits for spectators, set by The Government will apply. For indoor events this is 1,000 or 50% of capacity and for outdoor events this is 4,000 or 50% of capacity (whichever is lower in both cases).

Indoor Hospitality

As part of Step 3 of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, both outdoor and indoor hospitality at ‘non-elite’ football is permitted. All participants must follow Government guidance on hospitality settings and specific advice for sport facility operators available on the Government’s website. People using clubhouses and hospitality facilities must adhere to legal gathering limits and wider government guidance.

Indoor Football and Futsal

From Step 3, indoor gatherings of either six people (the ‘rule of six’) or two households can take place. This means that organised indoor adult and children football can return.

For organised indoor sport and physical activity, there’s no limit on group numbers so long as people adhere to capacity restrictions on indoor facilities. The maximum occupancy of each indoor facility should be limited by providing a minimum of 100 square ft per person.

This guidance applies to all youth and adult football and futsal, including all formats of the game. If there are any further updates from the Government, we will communicate these in due course and we will continue to update our guidance as we move through the different steps of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

It is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers, and facility providers continue to strictly follow both the UK Government's latest guidance on COVID-19 and respective bespoke guidance documents from The FA. Any incidents of non-compliance should be reported to the local County Football Association.

The Derbyshire FA Team.

The FA has provided an update on grassroots football in advance of step two of the Government’s roadmap.

The Government has confirmed that on Monday 12 April we will enter step two of the roadmap. Our guidance has therefore been updated to reflect the changes to national restrictions. The key changes to note are in relation to spectators, use of changing rooms and outdoor hospitality.

Please note that this updated guidance comes into effect on Monday 12 April and until then all participants should follow The FA’s guidance for step one, apart from the updated position on spectators (below) which the Government confirmed yesterday and is effective immediately.

Travel

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. Participants should note that this guidance will be updated as we move through the different steps of the Government’s roadmap. All participants should therefore regularly review this guidance to make sure they are following up to date information.

Changing rooms

Changing rooms can be used as part of step two of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown. However, participants should minimise their use of changing facilities where possible. Toilets will be allowed to open, 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after training and/or matches.

Spectators

On 7 April the Government updated its guidance in relation to spectators, which can be found here. This confirms that at step two and step one b, spectators are not permitted to attend sporting events taking place on private land, other than adults needed to supervise under-18s that they have a responsibility for or providing care or assistance to a person with disabilities. They should maintain social distance and not mix with other households. This does not prevent people from viewing recreational or organised sport that is taking place in a public space, e.g. a park, at step one b or step two, in groups of up to 6 people or 2 households. However, sporting events that are intended to attract spectators (including ticketed football matches), or events that are likely to attract a significant number of spectators (e.g. matches that would attract a large crowd) should not take place in a public space, or on private land, until step three.

Parents/Carers

Where clubs and facilities can accommodate this safely, parents and carers are permitted to be present at football activities, although they must observe the relevant Government Covid-19 guidance, including those on gathering limits for spectators.

Indoor Football

As part of step two of the Government’s roadmap, indoor football for under 18s can take place in line with Department for Education and Out of School Setting guidance. All participants should read and follow this guidance for all indoor football activities.

Disabled people can take part in organised outdoor and indoor football without being subject to social contact limits.      

Indoor football for adults is not currently allowed. This is planned to return no earlier than Monday 17 May for adults, as part of step three of the Government’s roadmap.

Outdoor Hospitality

As part of step two of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, outdoor hospitality at grassroots football is permitted. All participants must follow government guidance on hospitality settings and the specific advice for sport facility operators available on the government’s website. People using clubhouses and hospitality facilities must adhere to legal gathering limits and wider government guidance. Please note that while outdoor hospitality is permitted, spectators are not allowed at games unless on public land.

This guidance applies to all youth and adult football and futsal, including all formats of the game. If there are any further updates from the Government, we will communicate these in due course and we will continue to update our guidance as we move through the different steps of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

It is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers, and facility providers continue to strictly follow both the UK Government's latest guidance on COVID-19 and respective bespoke guidance documents from The FA. Any incidents of non-compliance should be reported to the local County Football Association.

The Derbyshire FA Team

We can provide an update on the return of outdoor grassroots football and support available to clubs across the grassroots football community.

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.

We've now published our 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.

If there are any further updates from the Government, we'll communicate these in due course. We'll also update our guidance as we move through the different steps of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

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.

Changing rooms

Changing rooms cannot be used as part of step one in the roadmap out of lockdown and must remain shut. Toilets will be allowed to open, 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after training and/or matches. All government guidance on hygiene and social distancing measures must be followed.

Spectators

No spectators are allowed at grassroots football as part of step one of the Government’s roadmap. One parent or guardian per child is permitted, where clubs and facilities can safely accommodate this and following all appropriate guidance.

Indoor football

Indoor sport is not currently allowed. This is planned to return no earlier than 17 May, as part of step three of the Government’s roadmap, apart from disability football, which is currently allowed to take place indoors.

It's extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers, and facility providers continue to strictly follow both the UK Government's latest guidance on COVID-19 and respective bespoke guidance documents from the FA. Any incidents of non-compliance will be reported to the local County Football Association.

Further FA financial support for the game

With the assistance of Sport England, we're pleased to confirm we will be offering funding to County FAs to provide discounted 2021-22 season affiliation. This will be available across the whole of affiliated football, assisting everyone with getting back to the game they love, and especially those from under-represented areas of the game such as women and girls, lower socio-economic groups, minority groups and those with a disability.

We, alongside Sport England, strongly encourage all of those restarting in the weeks ahead to ensure that everyone is able to benefit, no matter their age or gender, from fair and equal access to playing opportunities.

In addition to this, our ‘Return to Football Fund’, made possible with Sport England funding from the National Lottery, will provide £2.1 million targeted at supporting people in low participation groups to start playing again. It will also fund initiatives aimed at bringing new players into the game and cover the cost of adapting to COVID-19 rules.

Finally, alongside our partners at the Football Foundation, we also recently announced two other new funds to provide further financial support to clubs over the longer term.

The £14 million Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund is providing six-year tapered grants to improve the quality of grass pitches, while the Small Grants fund is available to help clubs pay for essential equipment and machinery they need to start playing again.

Clubs can apply for up to £25k to refurbish their changing rooms, pay for grass pitch drainage, new goalposts, pitch maintenance equipment and portable floodlights.

For more information about the funds and how to apply, visit the Football Foundation website.

Clubs and leagues can access our online support hub and podcasts which includes up to date information, guidance and signposts as well as other useful information relating to funding and support services.

The full return to grassroots football guidance document can be downloaded below.

First Aid Guidance For Returning to Grassroots Football

Guidance for Providers of Football Activity

Covid-19 Safeguarding Risk Assessment Guidance and Template

Guidance for Restarting Grassroots Outdoor Football

We welcome the UK Government’s update regarding the COVID-19 roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions which means we can look forward to the safe return of grassroots football from March 29th for both adults and children.

With this new clarity around timings, we will continue to work with Government on plans for a safe return for grassroots football across England and will communicate updated guidance as soon as we can.

We can also confirm that the 2020/21 grassroots season has been extended until the end of June in order to provide additional flexibility and time for leagues to complete their fixtures this season if they wish to do so.

Please note, the extension does not apply to the National League System (NLS) Steps 3-6, Regional NLS Feeder Leagues and the Women’s Football Pyramid from Tier 3 and below, including County Leagues at Tier 7, as the process to determine the preferred route forward for these competitions is currently ongoing. We will provide a further update on this in due course.

The Derbyshire FA Team.

23/02/21 - 9:15am

An update for ‘non-elite’ football in England following latest COVID-19 restrictions.

Following the UK Government’s announcement yesterday evening with regards to the new national COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown, the impact on ‘non elite’ football in England will include the suspension of fixtures and training across the following, with immediate effect:

• Steps three to six of the National League System (NLS);
• Tiers three to seven of the Women’s Football Pyramid;
• Regional NLS feeder leagues;
• Barclays FA WSL Academy League (unless under elite status);
• FA Girls Regional Talent Clubs (unless under elite status);
•  All indoor and outdoor youth and adult grassroots football, including under 18s (except organised outdoor football for disabled people which is allowed to continue);
• Vitality Women’s FA Cup (which is currently classified as ‘non-elite’ at this stage in the competition).

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 lockdown restrictions and we implore everyone to follow these.

Dialogue will continue with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, leagues, competitions and County FAs and we will provide further updates for the 2020/21 Vitality Women’s FA Cup, Buildbase FA Vase and ‘non-elite’ football when relevant.

We would like to thank the football community once again for its hard work, resilience and understanding during such an incredibly challenging period for both the game and wider society.

Following today's government update, The FA have issued the following update.

As Derbyshire enters Tier 4, football for adult participants across ‘non-elite’ football is not permitted, including all training and fixtures. 

This immediate advice in place from 20 December applies to the following aspects of ‘non-elite’ football in England in Tier 4 areas:

- Steps three to six of the National League System (NLS);

- Tiers three to seven of the Women's Football Pyramid;

- Regional NLS feeder leagues;

- Barclays FA WSL Academy League (unless under elite guidance);

- Indoor and outdoor adult grassroots football;

- Vitality Women's FA Cup (which is currently classified as 'non-elite' at this stage in the competition)

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.

The government’s Tier 4 guidance confirms that elite sportspeople (and their coaches if necessary, or parents/guardians if they are under 18) are able to compete and train.

It is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers, and facility providers in Tiers 1 to 3 (and permitted football in Tier 4) continue to strictly follow both the UK Government's latest guidance on COVID-19 and respective bespoke guidance documents from The FA. Any incidents of non-compliance will be reported to the local County Football Association.

If there are any further updates from government we will communicate these in due course. 

The below statement is currently the most up-to-date information we have relating to the coronavirus.

The following information applies to Grassroots Football at NLS Feeder Leagues (Step 7) and below, and the Women’s Football Pyramid below Tier 6 and applies to all member clubs and leagues affiliated or sanctioned by County FA’s in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Sheffield.

We fully appreciate and thank everyone of our volunteers involved in the grassroots game across the East Midlands & South Yorkshire for all your continued hard work in ensuring the safe return of football, however, it is imperative that everyone involved in the grassroots game continues to be vigilant and follows the governments restrictions and the guidance set in place by the Football Association.  

For the avoidance of any doubt, any teams where it is found that players, coaches, volunteers or spectators are not adhering to the government restrictions and FA guidance will face sanctions for non-compliance, including removal of fixtures.

Grassroots football and other sporting activities are permitted despite wider restrictions because of the benefits of sport and physical activity for people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

If people act irresponsibly when participating in grassroots football (including off the pitch, and when socialising before and after activity) they jeopardise public health and undermine the case for safe sport to take place.

The Football Association and County FAs are responsible for ensuring that clubs and leagues are running their activities safely, and we will take action to address any issues, including putting in place additional measures or suspending players/teams/leagues/clubs which do not adhere to guidance.

If there are serious or consistent concerns with non-compliance of COVID guidelines at grassroots football which fail to be addressed, then the government may revoke the ability for grassroots football to take place.

The following are the collective agreements that are now in place for all football taking place in the East Midlands & South Yorkshire.

Adult Football

From the updated guidance provided adult clubs and individuals (players, coaches and spectators) cannot move in or out of a ‘Very High’, Tier 3 region to participate.

For absolute clarity the above means that travel is NOT permitted from a Tier 3 to another Tier 3 area (For example Nottinghamshire to Derbyshire and or vice-versa).

For list of Tier areas and groups click here.

Youth Football (Under 18’s), Including Disability Football

With regards to youth football (Under 18’s) and all disability football. At this present time there are no new restrictions on movement/travel of youth teams, players, coaches and or volunteers irrespective of which Tier you are in.

Match Officials

Match officials are exempt and are free to travel within the tiers.

We cannot stress enough the critical importance of all involved in the game doing their level best to allow the grassroots game to continue.

Our key guidance in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire is as follows:

• Social distancing wherever possible for players, and always in the case of spectators;

• Robust hygiene standards as per risk assessments but including the wearing of masks in toilet blocks etc;

• Effective registering of attendees primarily via the NHS Test and Trace QR code system;

• All spectators are discouraged from attending adult games;

• Strongly recommend at all youth games a maximum of one accompanying adult per child, wherever possible;

• Provide local adult fixtures within your catchment area, as detailed in the statement above.

There may also be local restrictions per local authority/City region which supersedes any provisions in the FA guidance, for example, spectators attending matches.

The below statement is currently the most up-to-date information we have relating to the coronavirus.

The FA have today issued updated guidance for ‘non-elite’ football in England following confirmation from the UK Government that organised sports can return from Wednesday 2 December.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport [DCMS] issued updated guidance last night on the return to recreational team sport which permits the return of 'non-elite' football in England from Wednesday 2nd December, and includes all fixtures and training for:

• Steps 3-6 of the National League System [NLS];
• Tiers 3-6 of the Women's Football Pyramid [WFP];
• Regional NLS Feeder Leagues;
• Barclays FA WSL Academy League;
• FA Girls Regional Talent Clubs;
• Outdoor youth and adult grassroots football.

Organised outdoor football activity is permitted at these levels across all three tiers from Wednesday 2 December but it is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers, and facility providers continue to strictly follow both the UK Government's latest guidance on Covid-19 and respective bespoke guidance documents from The FA.

Organised indoor football and Futsal is permitted in Tier 1 areas if the rule of six is followed and in Tier 2 areas if the rule of six is followed and it is possible for people to avoid mixing with others that they do not live or share a support bubble with. Indoor football is not permitted in Tier 3 areas.

In all three tiers there are exceptions for indoor disability football, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for U18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing.

Training for teams in Tier 3 must have minimal contact.

Travel

Adults can travel to play grassroots football in between Tier 1 and Tier 2. However, adults cannot travel in and out of Tier 3 to play grassroots football. There are exemptions for travel in and out of Tier 3 for U18s, disability teams, volunteers, elite players and for those travelling for work.

Players and essential club staff at steps 3-6 of the NLS, tiers 3-6 of the Women’s Football Pyramid, the Barclays FA WSL Academy and Regional Talent Clubs can travel into and out of tier 3 areas.

Spectators

Clubs at Steps 3-6 of the NLS and Tiers 3-6 of the WFP remain permitted to accommodate a phased and limited return of spectators in Tier 1 and 2 areas if they follow the UK Governments’ latest guidance on COVID-19 and The FA’s guidelines for the NLS or WFP. There are no spectators permitted in Tier 3, as set out in Government guidance.

Regional NLS Feeder Leagues, Tier 7 of the WFP and outdoor grassroots football also remain permitted to accommodate socially-distanced spectators but must follow the rule of six and Government guidance on restrictions in certain tiers.

Hospitality

Clubhouses can operate in Tier 1 but must do so by table service (ordered and consumed at the table) only and observing the rule of six. In Tier 2, Clubhouses must close unless they operate as if they were a restaurant. This means serving substantial meals, like a main lunchtime or evening meal. They may only serve alcohol as part of such a meal and all food and drink to be ordered and consumed at the table. Tables can only be same household and takeaway must be eaten or drunk off the club premises. Under UK Government guidelines, bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants in Tier 3 areas must be closed except to sell by takeaway or click-and-collect.

All clubs are required to have a designated COVID-19 officer; complete and publish bespoke risk assessments and action plans; and continue to support Test and Trace efforts.

The 2020-21 FA Youth Cup will continue to be played under the relevant ‘elite’ club protocol and the Buildbase FA Trophy and Buildbase FA Vase are set to resume in December, along with the Vitality Women's FA Cup.

We implore everyone to strictly follow the UK Government’s national COVID-19 restrictions. Any incidents of non-compliance will be reported to the local County Football Association.

We would like to thank the football community once again for its hard work, resilience and understanding during such an incredibly challenging period for both the game and wider society.

An executive summary of the latest changes and our updated guidance documents can be downloaded below:

Guidance for restarting outdoor grassroots football.

Guidance for providers of indoor and outdoor football facilities.

Summary of grassroots football for the three-tier Covid-19 system.

Women's football pyramid: Updated guidance (Tiers 3-6)

National League System: Updated guidance

The FA has provided clarification for ‘non-elite’ football in England – including school, further and higher education football activities – on the UK Government’s new national Covid-19 restrictions that are now in place until Wednesday 2 December 2020.

As a result of the UK Government’s new national Covid-19 restrictions, which have been voted in favour of by Members of Parliament, The FA can confirm that the following aspects of ‘non-elite’ football in England are to be suspended during this period:

• All fixtures and training for Steps 3-6 of the National League System [NLS];
• All fixtures and training for Tiers 3-7 of the Women’s Football Pyramid [WFP];
• All fixtures and training for the Regional NLS Feeder Leagues;
• All fixtures and training for the Barclays FA WSL Academy League [see below];
• All fixtures and training for FA Girls Regional Talent Clubs;
• All fixtures and training for indoor and outdoor youth and adult grassroots football.

The FA is liaising with the relevant leagues in the NLS and WFP and the County Football Associations with the aim to establish appropriate options to complete the 2020/21 season at these levels.

The UK Government’s new national Covid-19 restrictions permit ‘school sport’ to continue as an exemption during this period and it's Department for Education [DfE] has provided bespoke guidance to further outline their impact on education. As a result, The FA can confirm the following for school, further and higher education football activities during this period:   

• All school and further education college football activities are required to follow The FA’s latest guidance on indoor and outdoor grassroots football;
• Where schools are offering extra-curricular football activities, such as pre and after-school clubs, they should only do so in a school setting during the school day where it is reasonably necessary to support parents to work, search for work, or undertake training or education, or where the provision is being used for the purposes of respite care;
• All schools and further education colleges can work with external coaches, clubs and organisations for their football activities where they are satisfied that it is safe to do so;
• All schools and further education colleges can also use external facilities for their football activities in line with the DfE’s guidance for the use of, and travel to and from, them;
• All football fixtures or competitions between different schools and further education colleges are to be suspended;
• All Universities should follow the DfE’s guidance for higher education which provides further information on sports training and teaching.

In addition, the UK Government has confirmed that ‘elite’ football academies can continue during this period and has specified the following:

• Aged 15 and above within the ‘elite’ sport exemption;
• Other age groups if in an overarching education setting i.e. full-time educational provision, or blended training and education provision;
• Ofsted FA/PL/EFL recognised: Category 1 and Category 2 academies.

As a result, fixtures in the First and Second Round Proper of the 2020/21 FA Youth Cup involving two ‘elite’ clubs during this period can continue to be played under the relevant ‘elite’ club protocol. However, any fixtures involving one ‘non-elite’ club should not be scheduled during this period.

The FA can also confirm that the Barclays FA WSL Academies and FA Girls Regional Talent Clubs are to be suspended during this period as their resources – including finances and personnel – do not meet the necessary ‘elite’ protocols required and a number of their facilities are now closed due to the UK Government’s new national Covid-19 restrictions. Academy players within the Barclays FA Women’s Super League can continue training within either an education setting or blended training and education provision.

The FA would like to thank the football community once again for its hard work, resilience and understanding during such an incredibly challenging period for both the game and wider society and implores everyone to strictly follow the UK Government’s new national Covid-19 restrictions.

Dialogue will continue with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, leagues, competitions and CFAs and The FA will provide further updates for the 2020/21 Vitality Women’s FA Cup, Buildbase FA Trophy, Buildbase FA Vase and ‘non-elite’ football in due course.

Updated FAQs can be found here. 

06/11/20 - 15:30pm

The FA has provided an update for ‘non-elite’ football in England following the UK Government’s announcement on new national Covid-19 restrictions that will be in place from Thursday 5 November 2020 until Wednesday 2 December 2020.

As a result of the UK Government’s new national Covid-19 restrictions, and subject to Members of Parliament voting tomorrow (Wednesday 4 November 2020) and the publication of bespoke guidance from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), the impact on ‘non elite’ football in England will include the suspension of the following during this period:

• All fixtures and training for Steps 3-6 of the National League System (NLS);
• All fixtures and training for Tiers 3-7 of the Women’s Football Pyramid (WFP);
• All fixtures and training for the Regional NLS Feeder Leagues;
• All fixtures and training for The Barclays FA WSL Academy League;
• All fixtures and training for FA Girls Regional Talent Clubs;
• All fixtures and training for indoor and outdoor youth and adult grassroots football.

The FA’s aim is to ensure that the 2020/21 season is completed at these levels and will liaise with the relevant leagues in the NLS and WFP and the County Football Associations (CFAs) to provide support and establish appropriate options to do so if required.

The UK Government has confirmed that school sport can continue as an exemption during this period.

In addition, the UK Government has confirmed that all Emirates FA Cup First Round fixtures will go ahead as planned this weekend between Friday 6 and Monday 9 November 2020. The ten ‘non-elite’ clubs that remain in the competition will be able to play their fixtures under ‘elite’ protocols. In line with the new national Covid-19 restrictions, these ‘non-elite’ teams are only permitted to train together until Wednesday 4 November 2020.

Further updates on fixtures and dates for the 2020/21 Vitality Women’s FA Cup, The FA Youth Cup, Buildbase FA Trophy and Buildbase FA Vase will follow in due course.

Re-starting football at these levels 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.

The FA remains in dialogue with the DCMS, leagues, competitions and CFAs and will provide further clarification for ‘non-elite’ football in England following the debate in the House of Commons tomorrow.

Updated FAQs can be found here. 

03/11/20 - 11:30am

Following the UK Government’s latest announcement regarding the introduction of local COVID alert levels, our guidance for grassroots football, which includes NLS Feeder Leagues (Step 7) and below of the Men’s Football Pyramid and Tier 7 and below of the Women’s Football Pyramid, remains the same.

It is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers, and facility providers continue to strictly follow this guidance as well as the UK Government’s latest guidance on COVID-19.

County Football Associations continue to work closely with local authorities to determine their regional situation and, if necessary, they will issue updated information in line with respective local COVID alert levels.

The latest FAQs can be found here.

19/10/20 - 10:00am

The below statement is currently the most up-to-date information we have relating to the coronavirus.

We can confirm that some indoor formats of the game may continue from 24 September 2020 with certain restrictions – such as groups of six strictly being adhered to – following the UK Government’s latest measures in relation to Covid-19.

The rule of six will apply to all indoor organised football for anyone over the age of 18. As a result, indoor training and 3 v. 3 games can continue for adults but they must be limited to groups of no more than six people and follow The FA’s updated guidance on re-starting football [LINK]. If groups of six adults are likely to mix during either indoor training or games they must not go ahead.

Everyone under the age of 18 or living with disabilities will be exempt from the rule of six. However, while indoor training and games will not be limited for these people, they must also follow The FA’s updated guidance on re-starting indoor football [LINK].

All participants and staff involved in indoor football must also follow the UK Government’s latest Covid-19 measures in relation to face coverings; facility closing times and NHS test and trace:

• Face coverings must be worn by staff at all times and by participants when they are not taking part in training, games or seated at a table to eat or drink;
• All indoor facilities – including those with club house bars – must close at 22:00;
• All indoor facilities must also support the UK Government’s guidance on NHS test and trace and implement the use of QR codes from 24 September 2020.

The UK Government’s latest Covid-19 measures are legal requirements and failure to follow them could result in fines.

Updated FAQs can be found here.

The Derbyshire FA Team

23/09/20 - 19:00pm

The below statement is currently the most up-to-date information we have relating to the coronavirus.

The UK Government has confirmed that organised sports, which include Steps 3-6 of the National League System, Tiers 3-6 of the Women’s Football Pyramid and outdoor grassroots football, can continue as an exemption to it's latest planned measures in response to Covid-19.

Organised football activity is currently permitted at these levels but it is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers, and facility providers continue to strictly follow both the UK Governments’ latest guidance on Covid-19 and respective bespoke guidelines from The Football Association.

Re-starting the game at these levels has been a significant challenge for everyone involved and we must acknowledge the hard work, passion and commitment of the football family. However, it is vital that we all adhere to these guidelines and ensure it can continue in a safe and secure way. 

As part of this exemption, The FA can also clarify that clubs at Steps 3-6 of the NLS and Tiers 3-4 of the WFP remain permitted to accommodate a phased and limited return of spectators if they follow the UK Governments’ latest guidance on Covid-19 and The FA’s guidelines for the NLS or WFP.

Clubs in the Regional NLS Feeder Leagues, Tiers 5-7 of the WFP and outdoor grassroots football also remain permitted to accommodate socially-distanced spectators but they too must adhere to the UK Governments’ latest guidance on Covid-19 and The FA guidelines for outdoor grassroots football.

Supporters are the life force of our national sport and The FA hopes to see them return in greater numbers across the country as soon as it is safe and possible.

However, we must continue to work together and play our part by following all the relevant guidelines if this is to become a reality.

The FA remains in consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, leagues and competitions and will provide an update on the further returns of supporters – including scheduled pilot events – in due course.

Updated FAQs can be found here.

The Derbyshire FA Team.

10/09/2020 - 17:00

The below statement is currently the most up-to-date information we have relating to the coronavirus.

Yesterday, The FA issued updated guidelines for the National League System (NLS) and Women’s Football Pyramid (WFP) that include a phased and limited return of spectators for clubs at Steps 3-6 and Tiers 3-4 respectively.

The FA worked continuously alongside the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) and leagues to submit detailed proposals for a phased and limited return of spectators at these levels to the UK Government.

The DCMS has now clarified its guidance on the return to recreational team sport and clubs at Steps 3-6 of the NLS and Tiers 3-4 of the WFP are permitted to accommodate a phased and limited return of spectators to fixtures. However, they must follow the UK Government’s guidance in relation to Covid-19 and The FA’s updated guidelines for the NLS or WFP respectively.

In addition, Regional NLS Feeder League clubs and clubs at Tiers 5-6 of the WFP are permitted to accommodate socially-distanced spectators in line with The FA’s guidelines for grassroots football.

All clubs at Steps 3-6 of the NLS and Tiers 3-4 of the WFP are required to have a designated Covid-19 Officer; complete and publish bespoke risk assessments and action plans; and arrange support for Track and Trace efforts before implementing the following:

Stage One:

• From 22 August 2020 to 30 August 2020, spectators are permitted to attend fixtures at Steps 3-6 of the NLS and Tiers 3-4 of the WFP, providing that theirnumber does not exceed 15% of the minimum ground grading capacity at these levels or respective figures set out within The FA’s updated guidelines;
• If a club at these levels does not play any fixtures during this period, it must have played at least one pre-season or competitive fixture in accordance with its respective level of spectators before moving on to Stage Two.

Stage Two:

• From 31 August 2020, clubs at Steps 3-6 of the NLS and Tiers 3-4 of the WFP will be permitted to allow spectators to attend fixtures provided that their number does not exceed 30% of the minimum ground grading capacity at their level or the respective figures set out within The FA’s updated guidelines. However, they must be satisfied that they have been able to comply with the Government’s guidance on the return to recreational team sport and The FA’s updated guidelines.

The phased and limited return of spectators at these levels will be kept under constant review in line with the UK Government’s guidelines and will be amended accordingly as required.

Please see The FA’s updated guidelines for the NLS, WFP and grassroots for further information.

For club guidance, click here, or for spectator guidance, click here.

The Derbyshire FA Team.

20/08/2020 - 11:00

The FA issues guidelines for the return of outdoor competitive grassroots football

Practical guidance for players, coaches, officials, volunteers, clubs, leagues, parents/carers and facility providers undertaking outdoor competitive grassroots football activity in England. 

The FA can confirm that the UK Government approved its plan for the return of outdoor grassroots football late last night, Friday 17 July 2020. 

As a result, the grassroots football community now has the opportunity to return to football and prepare for the start of the new season. 

The FA has been working hard over recent weeks to prepare guidelines for the safe return of grassroots football and, following Government approval, these can now be published. 

Football activity can take place with necessary modifications in place to mitigate the transmission risk of COVID-19.

The FA would strongly recommend a phased return to competitive football activity as follows:

• Until 31 July – When ready, you can begin competitive training, with the overall group size (inclusive of coaches) being limited to 30 people;

• From August – Competitive matches to begin, for example pre-season fixtures, festivals and small sided football competitions; 

• From September – Grassroots leagues, men’s National League System, Women’s Football Pyramid tiers 3 to 6, and FA Competitions can commence.

Clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents/carers, spectators and football facility providers should read The FA’s full guidelines, which are accessible below, in addition to the latest Government guidance on COVID-19. 

A return to competitive football should only happen once clubs and facility providers have completed the necessary risk assessments and comprehensive plans are in place. 

A summary of key points to consider from The FA’s guidelines are listed for ease below:

• Everyone should self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms before every training session or match. If you are symptomatic or living in a household with possible or actual COVID-19 infection you must not participate or attend; 
• Clubs and facility providers should ensure that their facility is compliant with current Government legislation and guidance related to COVID-19; 
• Competitive training is now permitted, with groups limited to a maximum of 30 people, including coaches; 
• Competitive match play is permitted, with social distancing in place before and after the match, and in any breaks in play; 
• Players and officials should sanitise hands before and after a game as well as scheduled breaks throughout a game or training session; 
• Ball handling should be kept to a minimum with most contact via a boot and the ball disinfected in breaks of play; 
• Youth football coaches are encouraged to limit persistent close proximity of participants during match play and training; 
• Goal celebrations should be avoided; 
• Equipment should not be shared, and goalkeepers should ensure they disinfect their gloves regularly in breaks in training or matches and thoroughly afterwards. Where possible, coaches should only handle equipment in training;
• Where possible, players, coaches and officials should arrive changed and shower at home. Use of changing and shower facilities must follow government advice on the use of indoor facilities; 
• Participants should follow best practice for travel including minimising use of public transport and walking or cycling if possible. People from a household or support bubble can travel together in a vehicle
• Clubs should keep a record of attendees at a match or training session, including contact details, to support NHS Test and Trace; 
• Clubs should ensure they are affiliated with their County Football Association 

Separate guidance has been developed for clubs with teams competing in the men’s National League System (NLS) and the Women’s Football Pyramid tiers 3 to 6. This will support these Clubs on the safe return of paying spectators and also the applicability of the guidance to facilities under Ground Grading conditions, to ensure the safe return of competitive matches.  

Please note that at this stage, indoor football and futsal is not permitted. The FA will look to work with indoor facility providers to develop appropriate guidance for indoor formats as soon as possible. 

James Kendall, Director of Football Development at The FA, said: 

“We are delighted that the Government has given the go-ahead for competitive grassroots football to return. The past few months have been some of the most challenging times not just for football, but across society, and today’s news will be welcomed by the grassroots football community all over the country.

“Now that we are able to look ahead to the new season, it’s crucial that we continue to do all we can to follow safety measures, both as advised by the government and specifically for football. 

“I would encourage anyone returning to competitive grassroots football to take the time to read this guidance, prepare thoroughly and to adopt our recommended approach to phasing football back in. I would also like to thank you for playing your vital part in helping our great game to get going again.”

FA Guidance - 3rd July 2020

Following recent Government updates to the COVID-19 guidance, we now have updated guidance documents for adult players, coaches, facility operators, parents and carers involved in re-starting grassroots football activity from Saturday 4 July.

These are available for download below, along with some practical tips for coaches working with individuals, pairs, and in threes.

These guidelines have been produced in line with the recent Government updates to the COVID-19 guidance. Specifically, these documents have been updated to reflect changes to social distancing guidelines which will come into effect from 4 July and the introduction of support bubbles which came into effect on 10 June.

The Government guidance for the phased return of outdoor sport and recreation can be found here.

We continue to be in active discussions with other team sports, Sport England and the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport about how we can secure a safe return to competitive grassroots football as soon as is reasonably possible.

We will keep you updated as these discussions progress and provide amended guidance as and when we can.

Thank you for playing your vital part in helping our great game get going again and let’s continue to work together to ensure football’s return is as smooth and safe as possible.

The Football Association

Updated Guidance on permitted grassroots football activity during COVID-19 –1 June 2020

The FA has today issued further guidance to all grassroots football and informal football activity outside the professional game following The Government’s relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions from 1 June 2020.

Consistent with Government advice, published on Monday 1 June, the following outdoor football activity is currently permitted:

- playing football individually e.g. practice of individual skills or fitness activities;

- playing football with your family or other people living in your household;

- football training or fitness activities in groups of no more than six, keeping two metres apart at all times. Sharing of equipment should be kept to a minimum and strong hand hygiene practices should be in place before and after. Physical contact with anyone outside of your household is not permitted, therefore, playing of any games (small-sided or full) is also not permitted at this time. Avoid meeting in groups of six in busy or overcrowded areas, if it is so busy that it is not possible to maintain social distancing at all times.

- football coaches can now undertake small group sessions up to six people (including the coach) but are reminded to follow The FA safeguarding policy when coaching/working with children. This must include risk assessing the activities, gaining consent from parents/carers and ensuring you are in sight of another adult e.g. parent/carer or another coach and that the ratio of coach to different age-groups of children is appropriate – see download 5.5 .For clarity, the additional parent/carer or coach is not included as part of the group of six but must remain in sight of the activity.

- it is permissible for coaches to organise a training session that has two or more groups of six (including the coach) involved as long as the groups of six are kept separate, everyone is socially distancing, and strict hygiene measures are in place with any equipment.

- football coaches working with people with impairments must ensure they can adequately cater for any additional needs whilst still avoiding physical contact and maintaining social distancing. Individuals should follow Government guidance relevant to their own impairment or health condition.  

Please be reminded, if an individual is symptomatic, living in a household with a possible COVID-19 infection or if you are classified as extremely vulnerable on health grounds, the guidance is that you should remain at home.

The FA continues to work closely with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and Sport England in order to provide good practice guidance for those responsible for delivering different aspects of grassroots football and we will share further information as soon as possible.

This is an evolving statement, that will be updated and expanded to include new questions and answers received over the next week, so please check back regularly to see updated information.

The Derbyshire FA would like to provide you with a current update regarding the situation following the latest government guidance;

The Football Association – Guidance on permitted grassroots football activity during COVID-19

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

Consistent with Government advice, published on Friday 15th May 2020, the following outdoor football activity is currently permitted:

• playing football individually e.g. practice of individual skills or fitness activities; 
• playing football with your family or other people living in your household; 
• an individual can play football with one other person who is not from their household. 
• coaching an adult player one to one. 

All social distancing guidelines must be followed.

Additionally, maintaining a grass or artificial football pitch is permitted, as long as social distancing and appropriate hygiene practices are adopted. 

If an individual is symptomatic, living in a household with a possible COVID-19 infection or if you are classified as extremely vulnerable on health grounds, the guidance is that you should remain at home. 

The following football activity is not permitted at this time, consistent with Government guidelines:

• coaching a child (U18) from a different household one to one. In order to comply with The FA’s safeguarding policy, a child must have a parent/carer with them, which doesn’t comply with Government social distancing requirements; 
• two or more people from one household playing with one person or more from outside their household. 

The FA will continue to work with the Government and Sport England in order to provide guidance to grassroots football as the Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy moves to the next phase.

• Whilst the County FA took the difficult decision to place a number of staff on the furlough scheme, certain staff members are working remotely to provide as much support to clubs and leagues as possible. 
• Please direct any enquiries to email info@derbyshirefa.com and we will respond as swiftly as we possibly can.
• The situation regarding Covid-19 is incredibly fluid and it is impossible to say at this stage when and how football will be back. Like you we are already desperate for it to return!
• We hope that things will be back to normal next season, but it certainly remains a definite possibility that there may be a delay. The government will determine when and how the current restrictions that are in place are lifted and only once it is safe to do so will The FA permit grassroots football to start again. 

We are in a time of great uncertainty and understand that you, like us, will have concerns about how and when it will be feasible to get back to playing the game that we all love. Simply put we don’t know at this point, in reality the 2020-2021 season is likely to be different to the traditional format that we are all used to. Covid-19 represents a major challenge for all sports at all levels but the benefits that grassroots sport has on the community will never be more important. Physical and mental wellbeing will be key as it is a fact that healthy lifestyles can protect us from getting ill in the first place and reducing social isolation.
 
It is important that we face these challenges together as a football community and I can assure you that there is a great deal of hard work going on in the background by our Board and remaining staff who are working on support packages to assist our members to return to the game. We are in constant communication with the Football Association who in turn are regularly receiving guidance from the Government with regards to grassroots sport moving forward. Our plans, including the membership fees for the new season will be announced when there is more detail in regard when we can start playing again and when it is appropriate and relevant to do so.

We would encourage all clubs to review all of the financial support options being offered by various bodies such as the Government, Sport England, Local Authorities and the Football Foundation to help ease the financial burden and to contact us if we can be of any assistance 

The Derbyshire FA are working to ensure that the grassroots football community is kept as up-to-date as possible with the latest information and recommendations relating to coronavirus.

The NLS and the women’s football pyramid were able to build a consensus amongst their leagues and, where possible, aimed to create a consistent approach across all leagues, whilst taking into account the unique characteristics of each individual league.

As a result, The FA and NLS steps three to six have reached a consensus that their 2019-20 season will now be brought to an end, and all results will be expunged. This will mean no promotion or relegation of clubs between NLS steps three to six, and no promotion to NLS step two. These decisions will also apply to the leagues and clubs who play at NLS step seven.

Furthermore, we can now confirm that The FA have decided that all grassroots football is concluded for the 2019-20 season. This will allow the game to move forward and to commence planning for next season. We will be supporting grassroots leagues over the coming days to determine how they should close out their current competitions.

Further updates will be added to this page as appropriate.

Read the latest information about the situation in the UK, along with guidance for what to do if you think you’re at risk, on the government website.

The Derbyshire FA are working to ensure that the grassroots football community is kept as up-to-date as possible with the latest information and recommendations relating to coronavirus.

Following The FA’s announcement yesterday, advising that all grassroots football in England is postponed (including training), we can confirm that the DCFA office has been closed, and our staff team will be working from home for the foreseeable future. 

Throughout this period, the business will run as normal, you can still contact us via the phones, and our customers should not see a major change in our functioning.

We are also taking the action to postpone all DCFA events and activities during this time. This includes ALL COURSES AND COUNTY CUP FINALS. While the previous advice related to the postponement of finals due to be played before the 3rd April 2020, this now includes ALL nine County Cup Finals.

Further updates will be added to this page as appropriate.

Read the latest information about the situation in the UK, along with guidance for what to do if you think you’re at risk, on the government website.

The Derbyshire FA team.

17/03/20 - 11:00am

The Derbyshire FA are working to ensure that the grassroots football community is kept as up-to-date as possible with the latest information and recommendations relating to coronavirus.

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

Throughout this period, we have taken government advice with the priority being the health and wellbeing of all. The FA are in regular communication with the government and the situation within English football at all levels remains under regular review.

Further updates will be added to this page as appropriate.

Read the latest information about the situation in the UK, along with guidance for what to do if you think you’re at risk, on the government website.

The Derbyshire FA team.

16/03/20 - 18:30pm

The Derbyshire FA are working to ensure that the grassroots football community is kept as up-to-date as possible with the latest information and recommendations relating to coronavirus.

Following the release of our statement earlier today we have discussed what action we will be taking to deal with the outbreak of the virus.

Effective immediately, we have decided to postpone all County Cup fixtures due to be played before Friday 3rd April 2020. 

This includes the Senior Challenge Cup final between South Normanton Athletic and Belper Town, the Divisional North Cup final between Cromford and Wirksworth Town and Whaley Bridge Athletic, and the Divisional South Cup final between Swanwick Pentrich Road and Mickleover Sports Reserves. We will review the situation again after this date.

Further updates will be added to this page as appropriate.

Read the latest information about the situation in the UK, along with guidance for what to do if you think you’re at risk, on the government website.

The Derbyshire FA team.

The Derbyshire FA are working to ensure that the grassroots football community is kept as up-to-date as possible with the latest information and recommendations relating to coronavirus.

The latest advice from The FA is that any decision to continue playing or to postpone competitions is a matter for each league as autonomous bodies within the game. It is not felt that all grassroots fixtures need to be cancelled as a matter of course at this time, although some may need to be if teams are self-isolating and are unable to play, or if teams are concerned about playing and the league agrees to postpone. 

The FA, Premier League, EFL and FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until 3rd April 2020 at the earliest. 

This action, which will be kept under constant review, has been taken due to the increasing numbers of clubs taking steps to isolate their players and staff because of the Covid-19 virus. 

It will also apply to all England team fixtures at every level and all FA competitions including the FA Cup and the Women’s FA Cup, along with academy and youth-team matches.

Further updates will be added to this page as appropriate.

Read the latest information about the situation in the UK, along with guidance for what to do if you think you’re at risk, on the government website.

The Derbyshire FA team.