After two aborted campaigns of the Midland Football League due to Covid-19, we are all looking for things to be a lot more conventional during the 2021-2022 season. As part of preparation for the season, Dave King’s Tividale will play a series of preseason friendlies during July. We will kick the series off with a trip to Stafford Town FC, and conclude with a home fixture against Worcester Raiders. The full schedule is below.

2021/22 pre-season schedule:

3rd Jul – @StaffordTown1st (A)

6th Jul – @broctonfc(A)

7th Jul –@tiptontownfc (A)

10th Jul – @HerefordPegasus(A)

13th Jul – @DudleySportsFC(A)

17th Jul – @AFCBridgnorth(A)

24th Jul – @SportingKhalsa(H)

31st Jul – @RaidersFC(H)

All Saturday afternoon games are currently scheduled to begin at 3pm, while midweek games will kick off at 7.30.  As things are subject to change though, we would advise checking for amendments closer to the games.

COVID-19 Managing risk whilst open and trading

 

Assessment ID	COVID19 main	Revision Number	2021 V1.0
Date of Assessment	10/04/2021
Description of the risk assessment	The assessment looks at how we will potentially manage the risk of COVID-19 whilst open for trade from 12/04/2021. All government guidelines currently in place will be followed along with guidance as issued by West Midlands Police and Sandwell Council (issued 31st March 2021).   From the Government roadmap we are allowed to serve people outdoors from 12th April 2021.   Note that we have based the RA on one issued by the Pub Collective. We have also incorporated information from the Government document “Keeping workers and Customers safe during COVID-19”.
Reference No of Linked Assessments
Lead Assessor	Chris Dudley.
Assessors signature
Others involved in the assessment	Sally Webb, Neil Arnold, Daniel Murray and Leon Murray Staff and customer feedback.
Club Representative
CR Signature
Date for review	Periodically during the pandemic to assure new guidelines as issued by the government and other relevant organisations are adopted. NB this is a working document

 

 

People Exposed:

 

• Colleagues: Staff, Directors, Committee and Sub Committee
• Customers: Members, visitors, guests including children
• Contractors: Brewery representatives incl delivery drivers, persons undertaking work at the club eg for maintenance etc.
• Members of the Public: as a members club general public access is denied.

 

Hazards:

 

• Spreading COVID-19 amongst staff

By having no additional controls in place then the risks of someone bringing in the disease and spread of the disease is possible.

 

• Spreading COVID-19 to the wider public community

By having no controls in place this will allow COVID-19 to enter the premises and not be controlled to employees but will spread around the local community and possibly further. This uncontrolled hazard will potentially lead to civil and criminal investigation, claims and prosecutions.

 

• Increased violence and aggression

Members / customers are not necessarily used to being told what to do in a pub environment. If restrictions are in place this may cause issues.

 

Key to risk

 

Risk values

The risk value is the severity x the probability

	1	2	3	4	5
1	1	2	3	4	5
2	2	4	6	8	10
3	3	6	9	12	15
4	4	8	12	16	20
5	5	10	15	20	25

 

Key:

		Acceptable risk
		Risk acceptable with adequate control measures
		Unacceptable risk

 

 

Without controls the risk rating is perceived to be significantly high with the severity rating of 5 and the likelihood rating of 5 giving an overall risk rating of 25.

 

 

1. Keeping Customers and visitors safe

 

1.1 The Government guidelines say –

 

• The opening up of the economy following the COVID-19 outbreak is being supported by NHS Test and Trace. You should assist this service by keeping a temporary record of your customers and visitors for 21 days, in a way that is manageable for your business, and assist NHS Test and Trace with requests for that data if needed. This could help contain clusters or outbreaks. Many businesses that take bookings already have systems for recording their customers and visitors – including restaurants, hotels, and hair salons. If you do not already do this, you should do so to help fight the virus. We have worked with industry and relevant bodies to design this system in line with data protection legislation, and further guidance can be found here. § Indoor gatherings are not currently possible given the current step of the Government roadmap. Licensed premises are allowed to serve people outdoors. This is restricted to a maximum of two households or up to six people from different households (subject to support bubbles and other exemptions that may be in place). At this time, venues should not permit live performances, including drama, comedy and music, to take place in front of a live audience. Individual businesses or venues should consider the cumulative impact of many venues re-opening in a small area. This means working with local authorities, neighbouring businesses and travel operators to assess this risk and applying additional mitigations. These could include:
• Further lowering capacity – even if it is possible to safely seat a number of people inside a venue, it may not be safe for them all to travel or enter that venue.
• Staggering entry times with other venues and taking steps to avoid queues building up in surrounding areas.
• Arranging one-way travel routes between transport hubs and venues.
• Advising patrons to avoid particular forms of transport or routes and to avoid crowded areas when in transit to the venue.
• Local authorities should avoid issuing licenses for events that could lead to larger gatherings forming and provide advice to businesses on how to manage events of this type. If appropriate, the Government has powers under schedule 22 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 to close venues hosting large gatherings or prohibit certain events (or types of event) from taking place.

 

Control Measures:

 

• Indoor and Outdoor Seating: No indoor areas are open as per Government restrictions. Outdoor areas have been created and seating placed appropriately to conform to Government guidelines.
• Outdoor area control:
  • The outdoor area is two faceted. A covered area in case of inclement weather and an external area. The covered area has lighting and heating giving a little comfort to customers.
  • There is signage indicating the one way system around the club.
  • The government has given permission to resume football at the club. We have erected new netting behind the goal to stop footballs hitting customers and drinks. Support to football is restricted. The youth team are allowed parents / guardians to attend. These will be segregated in the allocated stand to the left of the club.
  • Committee members will ensure Covid rules eg wearing of face coverings etc are adhered to.
• Customer numbers: we are limited to the number of persons we can seat while conforming to Government guidelines. Tables are strategically placed as recommended. Committee members and staff will control the numbers at tables and any excess numbers.
• Queueing: Opening hours have been revised to reduce the necessity for outdoor queueing. We have purchased an app from our EPOS system supplier that enables electronic ordering and payment negating the need for queueing to order. Persons unable to use the electronic system will be able to order and pay at table.
• Guidance: Clear guidance for customers has been issued on our Facebook page. Signage is displayed on club notice boards.
• Managing entry of customers: Staff will direct customers to appropriate seating given restrictions highlighted above to eliminate risk of overcrowding. All customers should scan onto our NHS QR site or sign in to ensure track and trace is complete. Our NHS QR posters have been updated and located at optimum positions.
• Enhanced Hand Washing: Customers are advised to use the newly installed hand sanitiser stations when entering the premises and particularly after using toilet facilities.
• Movement around the premises: A one way system around the premises has been introduced which includes separate entrance and exit.
• Children: Children are allowed in outside areas and customers are made aware that they are responsible for supervising them at all times and that they should follow social distancing guidelines.
• Play areas: the play area is “out of bounds” as per Government instructions and will not be used. Barriers have been erected to stop access to the area.

 

2. Managing service of drinks:

 

To manage interactions at the venue resulting from service of drink.

 

Control measures

 

• Ordering: Ordering will be through the Club Control (EPOS suppliers) app. Orders will be delivered to tables as is predetermined by the Government. PPE (masks and gloves) are available for all staff.
• Payment: Contactless payment is our preferred payment method through the EPOS system This includes the ability to put money on members cards which again can be scanned with minimal contact. Cash can still be used but is not recommended.
• Process to prevent customers from congregating at points of service: Along with previous “queueing” point above customers will be advised to leave empty glasses on tables. Staff will collect empties and an area by the bar has been identified to place glasses awaiting washing. We are applying a single serve on glasses thus avoiding reuse.

 

3. Customer Toilets:

 

To ensure that toilets are kept open and to ensure / promote good hygiene, social distancing and cleanliness in toilet facilities.

 

Control measures

 

• Toilets: It has been decided that only the toilets adjacent to the small bar will be open but this is dependent upon numbers.
• Signage and posters: Signs and posters are displayed promoting cleanliness and hand washing.
• Social distancing: Only two persons are to enter the toilet area. There are two urinals sufficient distant apart plus WC’s.
• Hygiene: All toilets have running water and dryers. Hand sanitising stations are also available prior to entering toilet and re-entering service areas.
• Cleaning toilets: Toilets will be deep cleaned daily and periodically checked / cleaned during opening hours.
• Ventilation of toilet areas: Where possible doors and / or windows will be fixed open where practicable to do so allowing adequate air flow..

 

4. Providing and explaining available guidance:

 

To make sure people understand what they need to do to maintain safety.

 

Control measures

 

• Signage and posters: Signage and posters are displayed on noticeboards and key points.
• Staff Communication: Staff meetings and communications online including a staff whatsapp group to keep staff informed of COVID developments and our processes.
• Risk Assessment: A RA has been completed and aired at staff and Committee meetings. This is also updated after key changes.
• Where necessary inform customers that police and Local Authority have the powers to enforce requirements in relation to social distancing.
• Contractors / deliveries: inform contractors and delivery drivers etc of our COVID processes.

 

5. Who should go to work:

 

Employers should decide in consultation with staff who should return to work and when.

 

 

5.1 Control measures

 

• Identify roles required: It is probable that serving staff and possibly waiter / waitress staff will be required at some stage. Processes have been revised for ordering, delivering and paying for beer to reduce staff interaction with staff.
• Communication of roles to staff: A staff meeting was arranged and discussion with staff regarding roles and work practises was had.

 

6. Protecting higher risk and self isolating people and equality in the workplace:

 

To protect clinically extremely vulnerable and clinically vulnerable individuals (as identified by the Government ie persons that have received a letter telling them that they are in this group (eg persons aged 70 plus or those advised by their GP with certain medical conditions))

 

To make sure individuals who are advised to stay at home under existing government guidance to stop the spread of infection do not physically come to work. This includes individuals showing symptoms of COVID-19.

 

To make sure nobody is discriminated against.

 

Control measures

 

• Providing support: We will help support staff around mental health and wellbeing by offering advice or telephone support.
• Working from home: This option has been reviewed and is not a viable option in our circumstances.
• SSP and COVID-19: We ae aware of the guidance offered relating to SSP and COVID-19 and also the guidance for people that have symptoms and / or live with people showing symptoms of COVID-19.
• Equality:
  • We are aware of our obligations to understand particular circumstances of those with different protected characteristics and staff can approach us or support services if they have an issue.
  • We have considered and applied certain changes (PPE and working arrangements etc) that will help during the pandemic period taking into account our responsibilities under the equalities legislation.

 

7. Social distancing for workers:

 

• You must maintain social distancing in the venue wherever possible.
• Where the social distancing guidelines cannot be followed in full in relation to a particular activity, businesses should consider whether that activity can be redesigned to maintain a 2m distance or 1m with risk mitigations where 2m is not viable.

 

Control measures

 

• Working practices: shifts have been reviewed and hours adjusted to avoid congestion. We have chosen to open at 12:00 mid-day Monday 12^th April to help stagger customer attendance. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we will open 17:00 to 23:00 depending upon numbers of customers. Friday again we will open from 12 mid-day. Saturday and Sunday will be open as “normal”. Staffing has been increased due to the additional processes required due to service to tables and single use of glasses. Committee members will also be in attendance to ensure Covid rules are adhered to and manage customer numbers.
• Hand sanitising: has been made available upon entering the building.
• Glass collection area: An area has been set up to place empty glasses to create a sanitary zone between the bar area and the waitress / customer area. This allows bar staff to move glasses to the glass washing area at a safe convenient time.

 

8. Moving around venues, working areas:

 

To maintain social distancing wherever possible, while moving around the venue.

 

Control measures

 

• Movement around the premises: A one way system around the premises has been introduced which includes separate entrance and exit.
• Disembarkation areas between staff and customers: There is no access for customers to the bar area. Customers are allowed access to toilet areas. The big lounge will remain closed and will be staff only for order delivery.
• No sharing of tills: to reduce risk staff will be using an allocated till. Staff will also be working side by side as recommended in guidance.

 

9. Entertainment and external meetings eg Weightwatchers:

 

To maintain social distancing when providing entertainment within or outside restaurants, pubs, bars and similar venues that serve food or drink.

• For many restaurants, pubs and bars, providing entertainment such as recorded music, live sports broadcasts, quizzes, live musicians or comedians are an important part of their business.
• At this time, venues should not permit any live performances, including drama, comedy and music, to take place in front of a live audience. Venues should not permit indoor performances, including drama, comedy and music, to take place in front of a live audience. This is important to mitigate the risks of droplets and aerosol transmission – from either the performer(s) or their audience. Venues should take account of the Performing Arts guidance in organising outdoor performances. Singing and wind and brass playing should be limited to professional contexts only.
• All venues should ensure that steps are taken to avoid people needing to unduly raise their voices to each other. This includes, but is not limited to, refraining from playing music or broadcasts that may encourage shouting, including if played at a volume that makes normal conversation difficult. This is because of the potential for increased risk of transmission, particularly from aerosol transmission. We will develop further guidance, based on scientific evidence, to enable these activities as soon as possible. You should take similar steps to prevent other close contact activities, such as communal dancing.

 

Control measures

 

• Singing Acts: All entertainment acts have been cancelled until further notice. We have however started planning events for a time we can return to normal service.
• Poker and darts: The playing of these games between non related groups has been suspended until further advice is available.
• TV: We are investigating the possibility of limited use outdoors. Again, the any coverage will be muted to discourage customer “participation”.
• Jukebox: Only to be used by staff for background music.
• Lottery machine and video machine: Not in use.
• External meetings: have been postponed until further guidance available. Groups like Weightwatchers will have to supply a risk assessment advising how they will manage the COVID-19 risk within their group to ensure it also fits in with our risk plan.

 

10. Accidents, security and other incidents:

 

To prioritise safety during an incident.

 

• In an emergency, for example, an accident, provision of first aid, fire or break-in, people do not have to comply with social distancing guidelines if it would be unsafe.
• People involved in the provision of assistance to others should pay particular attention to sanitation measures immediately afterwards, including washing hands.

 

Control measures:

 

• The directors, Committee, bar manager and relevant staff: are aware of the situation and will act accordingly if and when an incident arises in line with emergency working processes.

 

11. Before reopening:

 

To make sure that any venue that has been closed is clean and ready to restart.

 

Control measures

 

• Risk Assessment: See updated risk assessment version 2021 and previous versions for actions taken during lockdown and prior to reopening.
• Maintenance of existing property equipment (glass washers / disc washers / hot water systems): All the above systems are being maintained throughout the lockdown period. This should continue periodically when trading resumes.
• Clear process for Operators if a COVID-19 case is suspected in other staff or customers: in the event that a COVID-19 case is suspected then the NHS test and trace process will be invoked, ie person/s to return home, self isolate and identify others that may have been exposed.
• PPE considerations (masks / visors): Given the advice upon date of opening and all the other controls in place the final control to reduce personal risk is to consider the use of masks and / or visors.
• PPE considerations (gloves): Gloves are available for all staff if required, particularly when collecting glasses, cleaning tables etc.
• Minimising touch points: The pub will have enhanced cleaning during COVID-19 pandemic but consideration should be given to propping open non essential doors thus minimising the need to touch.
• Clearing of glasses and table rubbish: to reduce customer movements glasses and rubbish to be regularly cleared by staff. Customers will be discouraged from returning glasses to the bar.
• Sanitation of tables: Tables should be cleaned and sanitised with approved chemicals between customers.

 

12. Legionella Control:

 

• Control and maintenance of water sources: All water sources have regularly been maintained and run during the lockdown. This includes all toilets, hot and cold faucets and showers.

 

 

Given the controls that have been put in place we are confident that the overall risk is adequately reduced. Unfortunately, the severity rating remains at 5 (we are unable to control this while the pandemic remains), however we believe the likelihood is reduced to 3 or even 2? This gives a final overall risk rating of between 10 – 15. Although this still shows on the scale as between unacceptable to acceptable with controls in place we have to view it in line with what is happening nationally as death rates significantly reduce as do the new cases. This will all help to reduce the severity rating which in turn will significantly reduce the overall risk rating.

 

Conclusion:

 

The risk assessment is designed to identify and apply controls to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19. The assessment shows that we have applied numerous controls to help adequately safeguard our members, staff, contractors and vulnerable people.

 

The Beeches 1954 takes these responsibilities very seriously and risk assessment is part of the H&S process adopted which includes monthly Committee meetings, staff meetings which all help to identify and remedy new and changing risk.

 

 

COVID-19 Return to Football Plan and Risk Assessment

 

Assessment ID	COVID19 football	Revision Number	2021 V3
Date of Assessment	11/04/2021
Description of the risk assessment	In line with the FA Covid-19 guidance document “Covid-19 guidance on re-starting outdoor competitive grassroots football” The Beeches 1954 has created this risk assessment / plan to enable the return of football. This football risk assessment / plan should be read in conjunction with the clubs main Covid-19 RA – “COVID-19 managing risk whilst open and trading version 1, 1.1. and 2. The RA is in 3 distinct parts pre football, during football and after football. NB This update is prior to football returning w/c 12/04/2021 and part 1 of the RA is complete. The RA outlines the FA guidelines and then sets out the actions / controls that we will or have put in place. For most part 2 and 3 controls remain the same. There are a few small amendments relating to the FA stopping supporters attending.
Reference No of Linked Assessments	COVID-19 MAIN
Lead Assessor	Chris Dudley.
Assessors signature
Others involved in the assessment	Leon Murray, Neil Arnold, Daniel Murray and Dave King (football coach).
Club Representative
CR Signature
Date for review	Periodically during the pandemic and post pandemic to ensure new guidelines as issued by the government and the FA are adopted. NB this is a working document

 

 

BEFORE any football activity takes place:

 

Who	Topic	Required Action	Actionee	Target Date	Completed By
Beeches 1954	General	·       Club management and football administrators should read and understand the relevant FA and Government guidance documents regarding Covid-19. These include – ‘Providers of outdoor football facilities, including clubs’ and ‘Covid-19 guidance on restarting outdoor competitive grassroots football’.	Chris Dudley / Leon Murray	01/08/2020	CD / LM 30/07/2020
		·       Clubs / teams should ensure they are affiliated to the local County FA for the 2020/21 season ahead of any match play. Tividale FC is affiliated to Birmingham FA as W-BIR7488	Leon Murray	01/08/2020	Leon Murray 28/06/2020
		·       All clubs must identify a Covid-19 officer who will be responsible for developing a Covid-19 plan and risk assessment prior to the restart of any activity. The Covid-19 officer should continually monitor how compliance is being observed within the club. The Covid-19 officer should consider establishing a Covid-19 group to be responsible for producing and implementing the Covid-19 risk assessment and to oversee the safe return to play. ·       This is Christopher Dudley	Committee	01/08/2020	01/07/2020
		·       Clubs should also check the insurance policies they have in relation to all football activities (e.g. personal accident and public liability), specifically any changes to insurance provider’s advice and guidance on returning to competitive play, ensuring full compliance with its terms. We have checked with the FA and we are allowed to play football. (LM)	Dan Murray	01/08/2020	07/08/2020
		·       The Covid-19 officer at each club will be responsible for clearly communicating all relevant guidance to its players, coaches and volunteers.	Chris Dudley	Ongoing	30/07/2020 and ongoing
	Arrival at venues	Clubs/facilities should consider further mitigations to ensure safe arrival at venues, including: • In line with current Government guidance, all participants (players, coaches, club and match officials, volunteers, spectators etc.) should check for symptoms of Covid-19. If an individual is symptomatic and/or living in a household with a possible Covid-19 infection they should remain at home and follow Government guidance. In addition, any participants who have been asked to isolate by NHS Test and Trace because they are a contact of a known Covid-19 case, must not exercise outside their home or garden and must not exercise with others; A self assessment form has been created and advice has been issued relating to checking, self isolation and test and trace.	Committee	01/08/2020	Chris Dudley 26/07/2020
		• Clear signage (e.g. for one-way systems) to manage entry, parking arrangements, traffic flow and general movement around the venue which ensure social distancing can be maintained. We have created a guidance document that is sent to opponents prior to games explaining our matchday procedures. This explains meet and greet, restrictions re COVID-19 re changing rooms etc.	Committee	01/09/2020	Leon Murray 30/08/2020
	Changing rooms and showers	Use of changing and shower facilities must follow Government advice on the use of indoor facilities when available. If these facilities remain closed, exceptions may be made where safety and safeguarding measures require their use. For example, to supporting players with disabilities, or when a child needs a change of clothing etc. Changing rooms will only be available for storing player change of footwear etc. Toilet facilities for players and football staff will be allowed. Access will be governed by the football management. Note: this may change depending on future Government guidance.	Covid-19 officer	01/09/2020	Chris Dudley 27/07/2020 Updated 01/09/2020
	Toilets	Toilets should be open pre-match or training, during the match or training and for 30 minutes afterwards. See also main RA for actions taken re toilets. Changing room toilets will be open with access limited to players / match officials as requested. Cleaning will conform to existing RA.	Covid-19 officer	01/09/2020	Chris Dudley 27/07/2020
	NHS test and trace	Clubs and facility providers must support NHS test and trace efforts by collecting name and contact information on participants at both training and matches. This information should be stored for a minimum of 21 days in-line with the Government Recreational Team Sport Framework and collected/processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and in line with GDPR principles. It should be used only for the purpose of NHS test and trace. All teams have been informed of this and managers will identify all participants at football training / matches. We also have a full list of player signings plus management personnel details. Supporters are requested to scan in as they enter or write details at gate. We will keep details only as long as GDPR and Data Protection Act law requires.	Committee	01/09/2020	29/07/2020 And ongoing
Everyone (i.e. players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents/ carers, spectators, clubs and football facility providers)	Covid-19 self assessment	All players, officials, volunteers and spectators must undergo a self-assessment for any Covid-19- symptoms. No-one should leave home to participate in football if they, or someone they live with, has any of the following: • A high temperature (above 37.8°C); • A new, continuous cough; • A loss of, or change to, their sense of smell or taste.   Players and officials have been advised to self assess before travelling to the club or the “away” venue. The club has created a crib form to advise players and officials of the symptoms.	Committee	01/08/2020	Chris Dudley 25/07/2020
Everyone (i.e. players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents/ carers, spectators, clubs and football facility providers)	Travel to training and matches	All participants and other attendees should follow best practice for travel, including minimising use of public transport. Participants should walk or cycle if possible. People from a household or support bubble can travel together in a vehicle. TFC players, officials and supporters should travel separately to matches and training wherever possible. The guidance outlined by the FA will be adhered to where this is not possible.	Football Committee / Covid-19 officer	01/08/2020	29/07/2020 Also  to be monitored
PLAYERS, MATCH OFFICIALS AND COACHES	Changing, showering and use of toilets	• Where possible, players, match officials and coaches must arrive changed and shower at home; • Toilets should be open pre-match, during the match and for 30 minutes afterwards. In line with the FA and Government guidance players, match officials and coaches have been advised to change at home. See also main RA for actions taken re toilets. Changing room toilets will be open with access limited to players / match officials as requested. Cleaning will conform to existing main RA	Covid-19 officer	01/09/2020	Chris Dudley 27/07/2020

 

DURING all football activity:

 

Who	Topic	Required Action	Actionee	Target Date	Completed By
EVERYONE	Social distancing in training	·       Competitive training is limited to 30 persons including coaches at the moment given current guidelines. ·       2m (or 1m+) distancing is practised wherever possible during training “sets” and particularly during breaks.	Coaches	01/08/2020	29/07/2020
	Social distancing around matches	Competitive match play is now permitted, however, in all settings before and after matches all participants should practise social distancing.	N/A	N/A	N/A
EVERYONE                                                                 EVERYONE	Other Covid-19 modifications – in matches (and training where applicable)	This point is instruction from the FA that should be followed • Pre-match handshake should not happen. Instead players will be asked to hand-sanitise before kick-off; • Team talk huddles should not take place. Team talks can take place, as long as social distancing is observed and held outdoors where possible; • Warm-ups/cool-downs should always observe social distancing; • Coaches, other team staff and substitutes are allowed, but must also always observe social distancing on touchlines/dug-outs. Social-distancing must also be observed during interactions when a substitution is being made; • Match preparation meetings by officials should be held by video call; • Set plays – free kicks: referees and coaches should encourage players to get on with the game and not unnecessarily prolong set play set-up, such as defensive walls; • Set plays – corners should also be taken promptly to limit prolonged close marking and goal posts should be wiped down before matches , after matches and at half time. • Goal celebrations should be avoided; • Interactions with referees and match assistants should only happen with players observing social distancing; • Small-sided football should be modified to provide more regular hygiene breaks in activity. Players should be discouraged from touching boards at any time, with tackling against boards discouraged. Referees should consider stopping play when this happens. • Youth football coaches are encouraged to limit persistent close proximity of participants during match play (where young participants may be more likely to cluster around the ball) and provide regular hygiene breaks in activity. All guidance from the FA (as above) has been extracted and condensed into an information sheet. The sheet will be used as a discussion document for Committee and football officials. It will also be made available to players. This was discussed at meetings with players and football management. Each team has been given copies and management will ensure compliance and monitor.
			Covid-19 officer & Committee	01/08/2020	29/07/2020 And to be monitored
	Social distancing during breaks (e.g. halftime)	All participants must remain socially distanced during breaks in play, with spaced areas for equipment and refreshment storage for each individual including officials and substitutes. Coaching staff and substitutes, should, for example, spread out and avoid sharing a dug out or bench if social distancing cannot be observed. Players and officials should also observe social distancing during sin-bin instances.   Water bottles or other refreshment containers should in no circumstances be shared. Participants are advised to bring their own drinks or refreshments, in a named container.   After activity participants must maintain government mandated social distancing for social interaction. This includes in any available changing rooms, showers, and any clubhouse facilities or other venue participants congregate in afterwards.   Any payments relating to the fixture (match fees, referee fees or facility fees) should where possible, be made in a cashless manner. The FA Matchday app allows affiliated teams using Full-Time to receive cashless payments from their players.   Again information points will be extracted and made available to players and officials. See above for shower and toilet actions. Clubhouse activities are covered in the COVID-19 MAIN risk assessment. Our preference is to pay electronically depending upon the wishes of the officials.	Covid-19 officer, football director	01/08/2020	Chris Dudley / Leon Murray 29/07/2020
	Use of equipment	The sharing of equipment must be avoided where possible. Where equipment is shared, equipment must be cleaned before use by another person. Participants should take their kit home to wash it themselves, rather than have one person handling a large quantity of soiled materials. Where kit absolutely has to be shared or kept together (e.g. last-minute stand-in players, shortage of kit, or an essential club function), person handling it must wash or sanitise their hands immediately after and appropriate cleaning arrangements for the kit must be made. Players have been advised that they should turn up ready to play however, kit availability may be an issue for all players given numbers involved. If we have to wash kit ourselves then we are aware of the sanitisation actions we have to take.	Football committee	01/09/2020
	Ball transfer	The nature of football means that the ball is not frequently handled. When the ball goes out of play it should not be retrieved by non-participants and should be retrieved using the feet rather than the hands where possible. Where there are breaks in the game, or training, if throw-ins or handling has occurred the ball should be disinfected. We will allocate a volunteer to recover footballs from around the ground. When this occurs a “new” disinfected ball will be introduced. Recovered balls will be disinfected ready for reintroduction later. Disinfectant and hand sanitisation will be available by the dugout area.	Football committee	01/09/2020
	Shouting	There is an additional risk of infection in close proximity situations where people are shouting or conversing loudly. This particularly applies indoors (e.g. inside clubhouses) and when face to face. If possible, players should therefore avoid shouting or raising their voices when facing each other during, before and after games. This is included within The FA’s Code of Behaviour. Players and officials are aware of the risks caused by shouting and have been advised as above however during football play communication is necessary so players should be aware of the face to face restrictions and consequences. Match officials are critical in guiding and controlling this during the game.	Football officials and match officials	01/09/2020	LM / CD / DK 30/07/2020
	Spitting	Everyone should refrain from spitting. If you need to sneeze or cough, you are encouraged to do so into a tissue or upper sleeve and advised to avoid touching your face. Ensure any tissues are disposed of in a sealed bin as soon as possible. The FA have issued guidance to referees and players / officials may be booked / sent off if not adhered to.	Advisory only	N/A	29/07/2020
Clubs	Code of Behaviour	In Appendix 1 you will find the Code of Behaviour The FA has produced to ensure a commitment for all involved to adhere to Covid-19 adaptations. The Covid-19 officer for each club will be responsible for communicating the code of behaviour to all players, coaches and volunteers within the club. Participants must be clear that they are opting in to participating as defined in The FA’s guidance about risk and risk mitigation. This has been reproduced and made available to all players. A copy is also filed in the clubs documents.	Covid-19 officer	01/08/2020	Chris Dudley 25/07/2020
Medics	Treatment of injuries	The FA has produced a detailed First Aid Guidance document for First Aid. Injuries during play should still be treated as participant health and safety is of utmost importance. In all cases but particularly where medical treatment is needed, the best form of protection is through rigorous cleaning, personal hygiene and regular hand hygiene. PPE should be worn when treating players. Items used in treatment should be disinfected as soon as possible.	Football Committee / Covid-19 officer / physio	01/09/2020	29/07/2020
MATCH OFFICIALS	Social distancing	Match officials should observe The FA’s guidance in the same way as participants are required to. There is a pre match meeting between officials and COVID-19 officer (or representative) prior to the match to discuss matchday requirements on the day.	Match officials	N/A	N/A
NEW POINT Supporters during matches	Social distancing	The FA has stated that supporters are NOT allowed at this stage of the pandemic for adult teams. Youth football are allowed to have a parent / guardian present. Supporters are required to sign in for test and trace requirements. This will be done by scan or by leaving details at the gate on entry if supporter doesn’t have a phone. Parents should use the left hand stand. Social distancing guidelines exist (2m or 1m plus PPE) and we have been instructed by the FA to monitor this and use the PA system to control this if we observe any persons not observing the rules.	The Beeches Football officials	31/03/2021	12/04/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFTER all football activity

 

Who	Topic	Required Action	Actionee	Target Date	Completed By
PLAYERS, MATCH OFFICIALS AND COACHES	Hygiene	Hands should be washed at the earliest opportunity and personal equipment should be wiped down with a disinfectant. Individuals should take their own kit home to wash it themselves, rather than have one person handling a large quantity of soiled materials. Where kit absolutely has to be shared or kept together (e.g. last-minute stand-in players, shortage of kit, or an essential club function), each person handling it must wash or sanitise their hands immediately after and appropriate cleaning arrangements for the kit must be made. Coaches are encouraged to maintain a record of the regular cleaning of club or team equipment that players use, and review the risk assessments you undertake in between sessions, learning from any changes you need to apply After a match all participants will be advised to handwash and sanitise personal equipment. Players, match officials and coaches are welcome to use the clubs bar area but should adhere to the clubs COVID-19 MAIN risk assessment and the changes already in use. Players should not use the changing areas or showers unless absolutely necessary and in isolation. Players are asked to wash their own kit if possible.	Covid-19 officer Chris Dudley / Leon Murray / coaches	01/08/2020
EVERYONE	Social distancing	After training sessions and/or matches, participants must maintain government mandated social distancing for social interaction. This includes in any available changing rooms, showers, and any clubhouse facilities or other venue that participants may congregate in afterwards. Bars and restaurants, which includes any food or drink facilities inside a clubhouse, have been able to open since 4 July, in accordance with the latest Government guidance. Guests are welcome to use the club but must adhere to the clubs COVID-19 MAIN risk assessment and the changes we have made to ensure patrons, staff ad members remain as safe as possible.	Covid-19 officer / football committee	01/08/2020	CD / Directors / LM 23/06/2020 09/07/2020
	Departing	Please depart the building following the flow system and   maintaining social distancing.	N/A	N/A	N/A

 

Hazards:

 

• Spreading COVID-19 amongst players, officials, staff, members and supporters

By having no additional controls in place then the risks of someone bringing in the disease and spread of the disease is possible.

 

• Spreading COVID-19 to the wider public community

By having no controls in place this will allow COVID-19 to enter the premises and not be controlled to employees but will spread around the local community and possibly further. This uncontrolled hazard will potentially lead to civil and criminal investigation, claims and prosecutions.

 

Key to risk

Risk values

The risk value is the severity x the probability

 

	1	2	3	4	5
1	1	2	3	4	5
2	2	4	6	8	10
3	3	6	9	12	15
4	4	8	12	16	20
5	5	10	15	20	25

 

Key:

		Acceptable risk
		Risk acceptable with adequate control measures
		Unacceptable risk

 

 

Without controls the risk rating is perceived to be significantly high with the severity rating of 5 and the likelihood rating of 5 giving an overall risk rating of 25.

 

This document takes the points outlined by the FA and shows the controls and actions that we can take to help reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19. The document outlines discussion points and actions and names a person or persons responsible for overseeing the progress of these actions to a given target date. There is also space to close and sign the action as complete.

 

NB The controls rely significantly on persons following the controls and acting accordingly. Persons known to be at risk, “shielding” or worried in any way should avoid coming to training and / or matches.

 

We have reviewed the document (05/09/2020) following pre-season friendlies, training and further advice and guidance from the FA and league. We have added a risk relating to supporters as they will be allowed with restrictions and amended some risks given the experiences gained during friendlies.  

 

 

Given the existing controls that have been put in place plus additional updates gained from friendlies plus the extra guidance from the FA and league we are now more confident that the overall risk is adequately reduced. Unfortunately, the severity rating remains at 5 (we are unable to control this while the pandemic remains), however we believe the likelihood is reduced to 3 or even 2? This gives a final overall risk rating of between 10 – 15. Although this still shows on the scale as between unacceptable to acceptable with controls in place we have to view it in line with what is happening nationally as death rates significantly reduce as do the new cases. This will all help to reduce the severity rating which in turn will significantly reduce the overall risk rating.

 

Conclusion:

 

This risk assessment is designed to identify and apply controls to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 whilst preparing for and competing in grassroots football. The assessment shows that we have applied numerous controls to help adequately safeguard everyone involved in local football as well as our members, staff and vulnerable people. We are confident that with the completion of these actions and following the advice of the FA we are as safe as we can be to start football with limited support at The Beeches.

 

The Beeches 1954 takes these responsibilities very seriously and risk assessment is part of the H&S process adopted which includes monthly Committee meetings, staff meetings which all help to identify and remedy new and changing risk.

 

 

Press Release

The FA’s Alliance and Leagues Committees have now considered the large amount of data and information submitted by clubs across the National League System (NLS) Steps 3-6 as part of a survey to gather views on the continuation or conclusion of the 2020-21 league season, in addition to the information set out in the Government’s roadmap this week.

Submissions were made by 99.1% of clubs at Steps 3 and 4, and 95.8% of clubs at Steps 5 and 6. We would like to thank the clubs for submitting their views and the time taken in providing responses during what we appreciate is an incredibly challenging period for everyone.

The results of the survey showed that over 76% of all clubs across Steps 3-6 indicated a preference to curtail the 2020-21 league season if it could not be restarted with limited spectator numbers and hospitality before 1 April 2021.

During this process, taking into account views of clubs and leagues it was decided that extending the 2020-21 league season beyond the end of May 2021 would not be a viable option. This was due to various considerations, including the financial implications for many clubs, player contracts and the extent of the fixture scheduling issues caused by the national lockdown and various postponements which had resulted in there being 81% of matches left to complete for Steps 3 and 4, and 75% at Steps 5 and 6.

Taking into account the survey results and the ongoing impact of Covid-19, which continues to adversely affect incomes for clubs due to restrictions on both spectators and hospitality, The FA’s Alliance and Leagues Committees have reached a consensus that subject to the
approval of FA Council, the 2020-21 league season for Steps 3-6 of the NLS should be curtailed with immediate effect, with no further league matches taking place this season.

The Committees will now present their collective recommendations to The FA Council for ratification. It has also been decided that subject to FA Council’s decision regarding the curtailment of the season at Steps 3 to 6, both committees will revisit discussions around a potential restructure at Steps 4-6 of the NLS, which was previously agreed and has been on hold since the 2019-20 season. A further update on this will be provided in due course.