As you will know the Coronavirus is affecting everyone both inside and outside of sport. Any position taken today is likely to be continually reviewed as time goes on and things could change. However, as it stands this evening tomorrow’s game is ON.
Please see the guidance below issued from the NWCFL after their meeting this evening. This guidance relates only to tomorrow’s game and any future games will be reviewed again by the League, FA and Public Health England referencing Government advice.
As it stands, provided we follow the sensible guidelines from these bodies and take appropriate cleaning and hygiene precautions games can go ahead.
Please come and support us at tomorrow’s game versus Barnoldswick FC providing you are healthy, showing no signs or symptoms, and have no underlying health conditions. If you are in any doubt please do not attend the game err on the side of caution.
We will take necessary precautions regarding hygiene and cleanliness, whether it be with catering or money handling etc. The premises WC’s clubrooms etc will be cleaned thoroughly in the morning before the game and extra soap and tissues, disinfectant etc will be available.
If you have any concerns or issues please contact any board member for further advice.
Statement from The North West Counties League re: Corona Virus
Following a meeting of the Directors and Management Committee of The North West Counties Football League the decision has been taken to continue to play matches on Saturday 14th March, subject to clubs being in a position to stage the games. The priority should be the safety of all staff members, players, match officials and spectators ahead of any game being played.
The Board has considered the Government’s approach to the Coronavirus outbreak that was announced yesterday, with the United Kingdom moving out of the ‘Containment’ phase and into the ‘Delay’ phase, but stopped short of banning sporting events at this stage.
After consultation with the Board, Management Committee, Officers and several Clubs, we have therefore agreed to strengthen our guidance to clubs and spectators as follows:
The North West Counties Football League strongly advises that those in high-risk groups, as defined by Public Health England, no longer attend matches for the foreseeable future.
The North West Counties Football League strongly advises that matches with projected attendances of over 500 spectators should not take place.
Clubs are being asked to increase hygiene provisions at all grounds for staff, players, match officials and spectators and to display Public Health England posters at all games.
We are aware of the fragile financial state of some Member Clubs and their reliance on income from home matches. We encourage Clubs to consider their Clubs ongoing viability when cancelling matches and advise, where possible, that arrangements are made to re-arrange such games. The League Management Committee will support any club requesting a postponement, although we would expect both clubs to act in a responsible manner and mutually agree.
There will no doubt be difficult times ahead and the League Management Committee will consider all options but will be led by guidance from The Football Association. The Board will meet again on Monday 16th March to review this position.
