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Update on guidance ahead of COVID-19 restrictions easing

16th July, 2021

The FA has provided an update on ‘non-elite’ football in advance of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions that is due to come into effect from next week.

It reads as follows:

On Monday 19th July, 2021, England will move to Step 4 of its roadmap in easing COVID-19 restrictions.

This means that almost all legal restrictions of social contact will be removed. However, the Government is encouraging people to act with caution. Our guidance has therefore been updated to reflect this.

This updated guidance which covers Steps 3-6 of the National League System (NLS) - including the Toolstation NCEL, Tiers 3-6 of the Women’s Football Pyramid and grassroots football (including Regional NLS Feeder Leagues), comes into effect on Monday 19th July, 2021.

Until then, all participants should follow our guidance for Step 3. You can read the Government guidance here.

The full guidance documents can be downloaded from the FA's website and should be referred to for further details.

The summary key points are:

1. On field adaptions for playing football are no longer required.
2. No limits of how many people can meet.
3. One metre plus rule removed.
4. The definition of close contact remains the same, however the rules on self-isolation will be changing from 16 August.
5. Face coverings no longer required by law, but recommended in crowded indoor settings and may be mandated by some clubs or facility providers.
6. Changing rooms can be used, however participants should use their own judgement and minimise use where possible to avoid close contact in a crowded area for a prolonged time.
7. No capacity limits for spectators but good practice is encouraged.
8. Hospitality is permitted without restrictions.
9. NHS Test and Trace QR codes not required by law but encouraged.
10. Free NHS lateral flow testing is available to clubs and we encourage clubs to take this up.
11. No domestic travel restrictions. Participants should continue to follow Government advice on international travel for any fixtures/tournaments.

This guidance document applies to all youth and adult football and Futsal, including all formats of the game, both indoors and outdoors.

We would like to thank you once again for playing your part in helping to get our game going again. By observing Government guidance and the football-specific protocols, we can look forward to ensuring the transition back to enjoying football is as smooth and safe as possible.

(Story Source: The FA)

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Season 2021/22 Tables

NCEL Premier Division P Pts +/-
P 1 Grimsby Borough 38 88 59
2 Eccleshill United 38 79 42
3 Garforth Town 38 77 42
4 Winterton Rangers 38 76 47
5 Sherwood Colliery 38 73 27
6 Penistone Church 38 66 20
7 Barton Town 38 61 13
8 Handsworth 38 60 4
9 Emley AFC 38 51 8
R 10 Staveley MW 38 50 10
11 Maltby Main 38 49 -3
12 Goole AFC 38 49 -10
13 Silsden AFC 38 46 -5
14 Bottesford Town 38 46 -30
15 Thackley 38 44 -26
16 AFC Mansfield 38 41 -16
17 Knaresborough 38 40 -25
18 Hemsworth MW 38 33 -27
19 Albion Sports 38 33 -32
R 20 Athersley Rec 38 10 -98
NCEL Division One P Pts +/-
P 1 Hallam 40 102 103
P 2 North Ferriby 40 96 73
3 Brigg Town 40 86 71
4 Harrogate Railway 40 83 41
5 Rossington Main 40 81 45
6 Selby Town 40 75 38
7 Retford FC 40 68 13
8 Parkgate 40 66 15
9 Worsbrough Bridge 40 55 -19
10 Hall Road Rangers 40 54 -5
11 Dronfield Town 40 54 -10
12 Ollerton Town 40 53 0
13 Armthorpe Welfare 40 52 6
14 Nostell MW 40 50 -23
15 Shirebrook Town 40 47 -24
16 Rainworth MW 40 43 -29
17 Glasshoughton Welf 40 41 -15
18 Swallownest 40 31 -32
19 FC Humber United 40 27 -64
20 Clipstone 40 22 -75
R 21 Teversal 40 10 -109

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