Author: Jon Burns

All of us at The Colchester & District Sunday League hope that you had a good Christmas, or certainly as good as it could have been given the circumstances we find ourselves in.

As I am sure you can appreciate, the announcement of Colchester being moved to Tier 4 just before Christmas has changed many things, with one of those being the planned re-start of our League fixtures.

Please be informed that at this time, our planned re-start is Sunday 10^th January, however this will only be possible subject to changes in the Tier for Colchester reducing from Tier 4.

For your reference, please see below the latest update / guidance from Essex County FA following the change to Tier 4:

We have noted the Government’s announcement today (Wednesday 23rd December) that the Colchester, Tendring and Uttlesford council areas will come under Tier 4 Covid-19 restrictions from 12:01am on Boxing Day.

Football for adult participants across ‘non-elite’ football in Tier 4 areas is not permitted, including all training and fixtures. The Government’s Tier 4 guidance states organised outdoor sport for under 18s and disabled people will be allowed, while there are exemptions for FA Girls’ Regional Talent Clubs. The Government’s guidelines on travel between tiers should be adhered to. These players cannot move in or out of Tier 4 to train or play.

As and when we have further information to share, we of course will do so.

Please continue to be sensible and stay safe.

We have noted the Government’s announcement today (Wednesday 23rd December) that the Colchester, Tendring and Uttlesford council areas will come under Tier 4 Covid-19 restrictions from 12:01am on Boxing Day.

Football for adult participants across ‘non-elite’ football in Tier 4 areas is not permitted, including all training and fixtures. The Government’s Tier 4 guidance states organised outdoor sport for under 18s and disabled people will be allowed, while there are exemptions for FA Girls’ Regional Talent Clubs. The Government’s guidelines on travel between tiers should be adhered to. These players cannot move in or out of Tier 4 to train or play.

Are spectators still permitted as a result of the new Local Restriction Tiers?
Yes. Spectators are permitted in all Tiers but must adhere to legal gathering limits and following social distancing guidelines relevant to each tier.

What happens if people do not follow the rules?
Sporting activities are permitted despite wider restrictions because of the benefits of sport and physical activity for people’s physical and mental wellbeing. If people act irresponsibly when participating in sport (including off the pitch, and when socialising before and after activity) they jeopardise public health and undermine the case for safe sport to take place.

The FA have agreed a process for reporting any incidents of non-compliance to your local CFA. CFAs will then follow up on these reports. If there are serious or consistent concerns Government will remove our approval to play football. It is imperative that everyone strictly follows all guidance.

What happens if a player tests positive for Covid-19?
If there is a player who has tested positive, they must from that point self-isolate (or if they have symptoms, from the moment of symptoms) and NHS Test and Trace will pick up from this point. The player should contact NHS 111. The club can carry on, but be mindful to ensure all the guidelines are strictly followed on social distancing, hand washing etc. If Test and Trace contact them, they must provide the details and then if deemed anyone needs to isolate on their instruction, do so.

What happens if I have played an opposition team and one of their players has tested positive for Covid-19?
Match play is not considered ‘close contact’ so no action is needed unless individuals experience symptoms, in which case they must self-isolate from that point as per Government guidance.

A player has had Covid-19 but is now recovered – can they play? Do they need a negative test?
As long as the player is no longer symptomatic and has fully recovered then it would be fine for them to play, without a negative test, as long as they have finished the specified quarantine period. However, the player should follow advice from a medical professional on when is best to return to exercise. They should also not rush back if they do not feel well enough.

What happens if a player, parent, match official or coach shows Covid-19 symptoms before, during or after a match?
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 37.8⁰C);

• A new, continuous cough;

• A loss of, or change to, their sense of smell or taste.

If a participant becomes Covid-19 symptomatic during the activity, they should immediately remove themselves from the session and return home as soon as possible. NHS guidance on further management of symptoms should be followed. If an individual becomes symptomatic post an activity they must follow the NHS Test and Trace guidance found here.