CORONAVIRUS: INFO, ADVICE AND NOTTINGHAMSHIRE FA'S STANCE

Following the Government’s announcement today, for people to avoid social contact and gatherings where possible, we 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. We will continue to work closely with the grassroots game during this time.

We are in regular communication with the Government and the situation within English football at all levels remains under regular review. Further updates will follow as needed.

Update 16th March 2020

Nottinghamshire FA have reviewed the current situation and we have decided that any new coach education and Referee course’s due to take place between now and the 30^th April will be postponed.

This decision has been made with the safety and well being of our tutors and learners the priority but will also allow for minimal disruption as opposed to a course cancelled part way through. With this in mind any courses that have already started will continue as planned unless we receive further guidance. If however you have any concerns in attending your final days of a course please get in touch with us ASAP.

If you are feeling unwell please do not attend the course and contact coacheducation@nottinghamshirefa.com

We will continue to monitor the situation and update you with further information when we have this.   

Update 13th March 2020

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

The FA is currently liaising with the National League pyramids (Men & Women) and will continue to offer guidance and support. Any decision to continue playing or to postpone their respective competitions is a matter for each league.

Please note there is currently no directive from the FA to suspend grassroots or children’s football.

Further information will provided as and when we receive it.

 Update 9th March 2020 

With the increasing cases of coronavirus globally and in the UK, the government has moved our threat level from low to moderate.

What is coronavirus?

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a type of coronavirus that can cause a range of symptoms but can also lead to severe chest infections/pneumonias. In older adults, those with weakened immune systems and those with cancer, diabetes and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) the risk of having severe symptoms is much higher.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The symptoms include cough, shortness of breath and a high temperature. Given these are common symptoms with other illness, this makes identifying coronavirus difficult.

How do we reduce the spread?

• To reduce spread, ensuring regular washing of hands with soap and water is key.
• Hand sanitiser could be used if soap and water is not available.
• If coughing or sneezing, do this into a tissue and dispose of immediately following by re-washing hands.
• Do not get too close to people who appear unwell.
• Consider avoiding travelling to countries that are high risk due to high incidence of the infection.

More information on high risk countries can be found from the button below.

https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/current-risk-assessment-novel-coronavirus-situation

If an individual suspects coronavirus what should be done?

If an individual suspect that they may have coronavirus, they should avoid going to hospital or a clinic to avoid possible spread. They should self-isolate for 14 days. If you need to self-isolate then click the button below for further advice.

They should also contact 111 to discuss their concerns and to ensure that appropriate testing can be carried out if required.

https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/02/20/what-is-self-isolation-and-why-is-it-important/

What should you as a club/organisation do?

• We would advise you to pass this advice along with the resources to your members. If members of the club or visitors have been to a high-risk country then ensure they have self-isolated to prevent passing the possible virus to the remainder of the club.
• Try and ensure an appropriate number and location of hand sanitisers and hand washing options are available.
• Provide education to all members of the club to ensure good principles of hygiene and prevention are followed.
• Displaying posters such as this can support the messages shared: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5e35b25740f0b609169cb52a/coronavirus-public-info-poster-2.pdf

What is Nottinghamshire FA’s stance right now?

Based on current advice Nottinghamshire FA is providing the same guidance the NHS is providing as outlined, however we are aware that some players, coaches, clubs and parents will be concerned about unnecessary contact and guidance on the pre/post-match handshakes in order to control the spread of Coronavirus

The NFA is following Government advice which at the time of writing, does not offer any advice to say that we should not be shaking hands, but highlights and always emphasises the need for good hand hygiene.

However, if teams feel happier not to shake hands (or to try an alternative method like fist bumping) then that is absolutely their choice and players, parents, coaches, clubs and  Leagues are encouraged to be understanding of teams making this choice. Should teams decide not to shake hands or opt for an alternative method this must be conveyed to the match referee before the teams enter the field of play.

Alternatively a League may chose to issue a policy to remove the procedural pre/post match handshake, but this would be solely at the discretion of the League.

The FA is actively monitoring and adopting Government advice, and as a matter of good practice would recommend that Leagues and Clubs adopt the same approach. This stance may change should new information and advice come to light, and we will update.

For further information on coronavirus, please click the link below to access the NHS's dedicated website.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/