Return of spectators

By James Gordon

The FA has issued updated guidelines that include a phased and limited return of spectators for clubs.

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.

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 their number 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.
* For clubs at Step 3, this means a capacity of 300. For clubs at Step 4, this means a capacity of 200.

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.
* For clubs at Step 3, this means a capacity of 600. For clubs at Step 4, this means a capacity of 400.

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.

NPL chairman, Mark Harris said: “The news that fans can be admitted is very welcome and will help clubs to start the slow recovery from the impact of the pandemic. However, the onus is on clubs and fans to follow the guidance and to comply fully with the procedures established by every club. The challenge now is to ensure that clubs keep fans safe, and ensure maximum compliance if we are to show that football can be trusted and thereby justify raising the capacity limits.”

The league is implementing a number of initiatives to help clubs mitigate the impact of reduced attendances, including options for live streaming, digital ticketing, the option to produce digital programmes and cashless payments.

Meetings are being held with all NPL clubs tonight and tomorrow.

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