So far as we are aware, there is no change to guidance issued by the Authorities as a result of today’s move of Berkshire into tier 3 that we would briefly summarise as follows:

Government Guidance for Recreational Outdoor Sports (within tier 3 areas):
“Organised outdoor sport is exempt from legal gathering limits across all levels but modifications to high risk activities should be made in tier 3 areas.

This means that organised outdoor team sports…can happen with any number of participants, mas long as undertaken in line with published COVID-secure guidance. Participants should adhere to social distancing when not actively participating (e.g. during breaks in play, or when awaiting substitutions.”

The full guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-grassroots-sports-guidance-for-the-public-and-sport-providers

Berks & Bucks Guidance:
“Organised outdoor football activity is permitted…across all three tiers…but it is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers, and facility providers continue to strictly follow both the UK Governments latest guidance on COVID-19 and respective bespoke guidance documents from The FA.”

The full guidance (as well as links to the FA’s guidance) can be found here: https://www.berks-bucksfa.com/about/covid19

So, todays news has made little change to football activity at our level, and fixtures may continue where scheduled, however it is vitally important that all our teams continue to follow social distancing guidelines and controls published by the FA, and to avoid close physical contact (includes goal celebrations, hand-shakes, etc.). You must also continue to keep records for track & trace purposes. May I also ask that you all review your Covid risk assessments and be prepared to provide your opposition with a copy when requested. This document should be available at all games.

Should any of you have any concerns about continuing with football following today’s news, please feel free to contact me (07976376136) or Ian Bradshaw (07939 258718).

Otherwise please continue to play whilst, at all times, employing good Covid-secure practice.

Should circumstances change, or we receive contrary advice from the authorities, we shall let you all know immediately this comes to light.

Stay safe and continue to enjoy your football.

For and on behalf of Bracknell Athletic FC Committee