Fans make their return: FA sets out its rules in full

THE Football Association has set out in full its Covid guidelines for the National League System [NLS] include a phased and limited return of spectators for Burscough, Skelmersdale United, and other clubs at Steps 3-6.

The FA worked continuously alongside the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport which has now clarified its guidance on the return to recreational team sport.

However, they must follow the UK Government’s guidance in relation to Covid-19 and The FA’s updated guidelines.

All clubs at Steps 3-6 of the NLS are required to have a designated Covid-19 Officer; complete and publish bespoke risk assessments and action plans; and arrange support for Track and Trace efforts before implementing the following:

During stage one, from August 22 to 30 2020, spectators are permitted to attend providing that their number does not exceed 15% of the minimum ground grading capacity at these levels or respective figures set out within The FA’s updated guidelines.

In stage two, from August 31, 2020, clubs will be permitted to allow spectators to attend fixtures provided that their number does not exceed 30% of the minimum ground grading capacity at their level or the respective figures set out within The FA’s updated guidelines.

However, they must be satisfied that they have been able to meet the Government’s guidance on the return to recreational team sport and The FA’s updated guidelines.

The phased and limited return of spectators at these levels will be kept under constant review in line with the UK Government’s guidelines and will be amended accordingly as required.

THE Macron Cup will play out the 2020 semi-finals and final in the coming weeks – but it will not be staged during 2020-21.

However, it may return in May featuring one-off ties. This is to accommodate the North West Counties Football League schedule, the NWCFL has said. League fixtures are yet to be confirmed.