FAI SAFER RETURN TO TRAINING & PLAY PROTOCOL GRASSROOTS UNDERAGE, YOUTH & ADULT FOOTBALL

11th Edition - Update 25h January

2022 INTRODUCTION

· This Protocol applies to all training sessions and matches from Tuesday 25th January 2022

· The primary aim of this Protocol is to support the clubs affiliated to the FAI and to protect the health & safety of their players, coaches, all essential personnel, and volunteers in a safer return to training and matches.

· This Protocol will be in line with Department of Health and Public Health Policy at all times.

· This Protocol will follow all Government updates on the Return to Sport.

· The Protocol will be utilised in line with all other FAI policy documents including Child Welfare & Safeguarding Policy.

CONTENT

1) Key Dates

2) Key Items

3) Symptomatic

4) Transport

5) Additional Guidance

6) Next Steps

1 - Key Dates

· This Protocol applies to all training sessions and matches from Tuesday 25th January 2022 and must be adhered to for all training sessions and matches under the jurisdiction of the FAI and its Affiliates

2 - Key Items

· Formal requirements for physical distancing (2m) removed

· 8pm closing time for football events removed

· Capacity restrictions for outdoor football events removed

· Capacity restrictions for indoor football events removed

· Seated only spectators at indoor football events removed

· Use of pods for indoor football activities removed

· Use of a COVID pass to access indoor events removed

3 – Symptomatic

· If you are symptomatic, the following guidelines should be followed: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/symptoms.html

· Guidelines on when and how to restrict movements can be found here - https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/managing-coronavirus-at-home/if-you-live-with- someone-who-has-coronavirus.html

4 – Transport

· Teams should arrive as close to kick off as possible.

· All players and staff should travel to games in line with HSE Guidelines

· Football clubs organising transport to/from events should implement protective measures such as mask wearing etc. as appropriate.

· Protective measures such as physical distancing, mask wearing etc. should also be implemented.

5 – Additional Guidance

· Since the emergence of COVID 19 football has developed and implemented a wide range of protocols and protective measures to limit the transmission of COVID 19 and ensure the safety of participants, volunteers, staff, and spectators.

· All stakeholders, including players, match officials, coaches, administrators and parents and spectators have a responsibility in ensuring the above guidelines are adhered to at all times. In turn, this will ensure that our players can continue to participate safely in sport.

· The Government have reiterated the need for ongoing close monitoring of the virus. You should continue to risk assess individual activities and events. This includes the continued implementation of good hygiene practices along with recommending symptomatic individuals do not participate in or attend football activities.

· Mask Wearing: The requirements for mask wearing in settings where currently regulated for will continue until February 28th 2021.

· Close Contacts: This continues to follow the current advice for those with symptoms, cases and close contacts as announced by the government on 12 January 2022

· International Travel: Clubs & Leagues partaking in international football activity should continue to monitor the travel requirements both in Ireland and the destination country. You should also note that the use of the Digital Certificate and/or Recovery Certificate will continue for international travel for the immediate future.

6 – Next Steps

· The FAI will continue to update this FAI Safer Return to Training & Play Protocol based on the advice of Government and Health agencies.

· All FAI Safer Return to Training and Play Protocols updated will be posted on FAI.ie

· All enquiries can be emailed to covidchecklist@fai.ie