Lindfield Juniors Football Club is delighted to announce that training and matches are to resume from 30th March 2021 following the lifting of restrictions on grassroots sport this week.

Our Covid Committee have been working through the guidance released by the FA last week, regarding the procedure and policy updates that are required prior to the re-start. Whilst in essence a lot of what we are doing is the same as our previous return, there are some changes and you should familiarise yourselves with all the protocols below.

Arrival/Departure

Please ensure that no player travels to training/match if they or anyone in their household has any symptoms of COVID-19. Before leaving your home, the Club requests that each participant undertakes the following self-screen checklist before travelling to a training session or other football activity:
High temperature

Shortness of breath

Loss of taste or smell

Been in contact with somebody who has tested positive for Covid-19 within the last 2 weeks

If they answer ‘yes’ to any one of these then please do not travel to training/matches. It is important to remember some people can pass on the virus before they develop symptoms, or never have symptoms despite being infectious.

Toilets

Toilets will be open in the clubhouse. Please see signage at the clubhouse – the existing one way system will be in operation with entry from the front door, but then turning right when leaving the toilets and exiting through the rear door.
Please maintain full social distancing when entering the clubhouse, and ensure a face covering is worn.
Toilets will have been sanitised before arrival, and will be regularly cleaned. Handwashing facilities are available, and flushable cleaning wipes in toilet cubicles for your own personal use.
Hand sanitising stations are positioned at all entrance/exit points to further encourage important hand hygiene.
PARENTS AND SPECTATORS

Under the latest guidance, spectators are not permitted at grassroots football unless for child welfare reasons, in which case ONE parent or carer for each child is allowed to be in attendance. As Limekiln is a public space, we cannot stop anyone entering the ground but we would ask for your co-operation in minimising the number of spectators

Social gathering – The “Rule of 6” comes back into force on 29th March (maximum of 6 people in any one group/gathering) and spectators are asked to maintain social distancing & to only congregate in groups of a maximum of 6 persons.

TRAINING/MATCHES

A briefing will be given by managers to players before each session/match to remind them of the precautions in place during play. This includes things such as avoiding handshakes, team huddles and goal celebrations.
Goalposts will have been sanitised prior to a match. This will be repeated at half time & at the end of the match, likewise with corner flags. Match footballs will be sanitised prior to the match & changed or sanitised at regular intervals during the game.

All players must bring their own water bottle and hand sanitiser with their name on it.
If a player requires treatment during the game then the First Aid attendant will wear PPE in accordance with FA Guidance (face mask & gloves) before entering the field. A record of every person treated will be kept by each team for their players treated for Track & Trace purposes.

Each age group has its own set of cones, bibs, and balls. All equipment will be sanitised after us

Our coaches are busy planning training sessions to take us through the summer and they will communicate session information with you directly via the normal channels. Should you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your coach, any of our committee members, or our welfare officers, Caroline Blackledge and Lorna Harris.
It is essential that we all adhere to the new guidelines in order that football can continue in a safe and controlled manner, and we look to you all to help in this process by following the guidelines.

Whilst a return to football is exciting and shows some further steps back to normality, a return is not compulsory. Some children may feel anxious about returning, and some parents may also have concerns. If you have any concerns then please speak to your Team Manager, and we will welcome you back at a time that is right for you. Our main aim at Lindfield Juniors FC is to provide a fun and safe environment for our players to flourish.

All of us at Lindfield Juniors Football Club look forward to welcoming you to the club again shortly. Thank you for playing your vital part in helping our great game to get going again and let’s continue to work together to ensure football’s return is as smooth and safe as possible.