New rules for football training in Wales: No tackling, marking or groups of more than six
Monday 13th July 2020
The Football Association of Wales has released a list of new rules after the Welsh Government gave organised outdoor activities including team sports the green light to resume from Monday, July 13
The Football Association of Wales has outlined new rules for players after team sports were given the green light to resume in Wales.
First Minister Mark Drakeford announced on Friday that organised outdoor activities, including team sports and fitness classes, can resume from Monday, July 13.
He said low-level contact sports such as football were permitted to resume, although the FAW's guidance covers a return to training only at this stage.
Regulations have also been amended to allow gatherings of up to 30 people - outdoors only - where these are "organised and supervised by a responsible person for sports and other leisure activities and classes".
The FAW said it welcomes the latest Welsh Government announcement, publishing new rules which include no tackling, marking, spitting and training in groups of no more than six people.
The FAW's new rules for football training in Wales, from Monday, July 13
Players are permitted to resume low-contact training outdoors with a focus on improving skills and fitness
You are allowed to play football in groups of up to six people, including coach(es)
A maximum of five groups of six - totalling 30 people - are permitted on one training area
An outdoor training area = one football pitch (min. 90 x 45m) per 30 players and coaches. Sharing of training areas is not permitted between clubs
You must continue to stay two metres apart at all times to ensure the safety of others. No contact training will be permitted (ie. no tackling or marking)
Intra-club matches, friendly or competitive fixtures are NOT permitted
People must not not spit at any time
Do not share drinks bottles - players must clearly label their own
Players are not to take any training bibs or other items worn/used during training home to wash individually
Clip boards and pens are not to be shared
Anyone participating in training, etc. must shower at home before and after training
Are there any other hygiene practices to follow?
Yes. The FAW guidance continues:
Clubs will need to complete a Covid-19 risk assessment before returning to training
Wash your hands before and after all training. Sharing of equipment should be kept to a minimum and used only when you have to
Clubs will need to adhere to FAW 'safer return to training' protocols to resume training. Clubs should also contact their facility provider in advance of returning to train.
Make sure all surfaces and equipment is wiped down before and after each training session, including pitch entry areas and any other high touch points including balls and cones
Make sure to always use anti-bacterial disinfectant wipes or soaps when cleaning
Hand sanitiser dispensers must be provided around the venue and entry points for all players and staff
You cannot train for 14 days if:
You have been unwell and felt any symptoms of the flu or coronavirus.
You have been in contact with someone who has Covid-19 or is experiencing symptoms of it
You have had any respiratory symptoms, even mild
The FAW statement said it continues to work with Welsh Government and Sport Wales to develop a phased approach for the return of football in Wales. You can see the full statement here.
What was allowed prior to the July 13 rules?
According to the FAW, permitted activity prior to July 13 includes allowing people to practice football training skills individually or to play football with your household at home or in an open space.
Individuals were also permitted to kick a football with one member of another household in an open space if they adhered to two-metre social distancing between them at all times and if "robust hand hygiene practices" were kept up.
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