With the news of County Durham moving into Tier 4, we have received today from Kevin Hewitt, Secretary of the Ebac Northern League the following email.
“Although the LMC meeting planned for Monday 4th January 2021 will still go ahead as planned and consider what options, if any, may be available for the rest of the season I will, following the announcement by the Government earlier today of the changes which will place more than 90% of clubs in the league under Tier 4 restrictions, take this opportunity to issue the FA’s Statement of 19th December 2020 regarding such areas:”
FA STATEMENT – 19 DECEMBER
An update for ‘Non-Elite’ football in England following latest Covid-19 Tier 4 restrictions
Further to the government’s announcement this evening with regards to the introduction of Tier 4 areas and the latest information on Covid-19, football for adult participants across ‘non-elite’ football in Tier 4 areas is not permitted, including all training and fixtures.
This immediate advice in place from 20 December applies to the following aspects of ‘non-elite’ football in England in Tier 4 areas:
· Steps 3-6 of the National League System [NLS];
· Tiers 3-7 of the Women’s Football Pyramid [WFP];
· Regional NLS Feeder Leagues;
· The Barclays FA WSL Academy League;
· FA Girls Regional Talent Clubs [unless under elite status]
· Indoor and outdoor adult grassroots football.
· The Vitality Women’s FA Cup is currently classified as ‘non-elite’ at this stage in the competition.
The Government’s Tier 4 guidance states organised outdoor sport for under 18s and disabled people will be allowed. 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.
The Government’s Tier 4 guidance confirms that elite sportspeople (and their coaches if necessary, or parents/guardians if they are under 18) are able to compete and train.
It is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers, and facility providers in Tiers 1-3 (and permitted football in Tier 4) continue to strictly follow both the UK Government’s latest guidance on COVID-19 and respective bespoke guidance documents from the FA. Any incidents of non-compliance will be reported to the local County Football Association.
If there are any further updates from Government we will communicate these in due course.