Preparing To Play
Phase 2 of the Strategy to Restart Football
Last updated: 23 July 2020
Cumberland FA's 3 Phase Strategy For The Re-Commencement Of Football When It Is Safe To Do So....
Phase 1 – Planning To Play
Phase 2 – Preparing To Play
Phase 3 –Progressing To Playing
Phase 2 - Preparing To Play
Following The FA's updated guidance published on 18 July, Cumberland FA are now supporting the grassroots football community to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2.
If your Club are not in the position to 'Prepare' and you're still in the planning phase, please visit our 'Planning To Play' page with information on affiliation, player registration, First Aid guidance and insurance as well as our CFA Partner offers.
Cumberland FA are working with our key strategic and delivery partners to ensure that they are in a position to be able to support the phased return of football.
We will also continue to advise and promote good practice around the current restrictions and how they can be best implemented by the grassroots game to ensure the safeguarding, safety and well -being of all those involved.
The FA’s plan for a phased return to competitive grassroots football:
• Until 31 July – When ready, you can begin competitive training, with the overall group size (inclusive of coaches) being limited to 30 people
• From August – Competitive matches to begin, for example pre-season fixtures, festivals and small sided football competitions
• From September – Grassroots leagues, men’s National League System, Women’s Football Pyramid tiers 3 to 6, and FA Competitions can commence
CLUBS
Due to the stipulations of the latest guidance all clubs will need to:
• Have completed their affiliation by 5pm on Friday 31 July (remember affiliation and insurance is all free this year). For support with this please visit our Planning To Play page or email: development@cumberlandfa.com
• Checked their Whole Game System dashboard to ensure that they have no outstanding discipline money. If Clubs do this will need to be settled in full before 5pm on Friday 31 July. Please note that if there are any late fees attached please contact the CFA (discipline@CumberlandFA.com) so that we can remove these.
• Remember that any disciplinary sanctions/suspensions remaining from the 2019/20 season remain in place. Clubs should therefore check their Whole Game System to ensure that they are up to date with this information. Any questions can be directed to discipline@cumberlandFA.com
• Clubs are also reminded of their Safeguarding responsibilities; Regardless of the age of the children a minimum of two FA-DBS checked coaches/adults must always be present. If your club needs any assistance with these checks then please contact the CFA office via Safeguarding@CumberlandFA.com as we will be able to offer face-to-face verification at certain times (and venues around the county/at the CFA office) via a booking system.
REFEREE
Due to the stipulations of the latest guidance all referees will need to be registered by Friday 31 July in order to officiate any friendly matches.
For support with this please visit our #ReadyToRef page or email refsupport@cumberlandfa.com
Insurance
Provided by the National Game Insurance Scheme, delivered by The FA appointed broker Bluefin Sport
County Cover Liability policy for Cumberland FA affiliated Clubs for the 2020/21 football season.
Please read the document ahead of the commencement of football activity.
For those Clubs who opted for the additional 'County Cover Plus', the relevant document will be emailed to the Club Secretary.
Bluefin Sport have provided a number of statements and further information during the previous few months. These can be viewed in the 'Insurance' section on our 'Planning To Play page. The brochure and information for public liability and personal accident insurance can also be viewed.