You will have heard the announcement yesterday (Friday 13th March) by professional game bodies to postpone all elite level football until 3rd April 2020 at the earliest.

At the time of writing, the government guidance has not changed and no restrictions have been placed on public gatherings (which would include playing grassroots football). The FA’s advice has not changed either. Any decision to continue playing or to postpone fixtures is a matter for each League/Competition as autonomous bodies within the game.

We continue to keep a close eye on the latest government guidance on protecting against COVID-19. In advance of any further strategies from the government (which may include school closures and banning of large public gatherings), it is important that we take what steps we can to reduce the risks to our players, coaches, referees, parents and spectators. We will be complying with government advice on COVID-19, so training and matches continue unless the government advice changes or unless coaches have to self-isolate.

Caversham AFC continues to urge people to take a common sense approach to the guidance provided. The FA continues to follow Government advice, which at the time of writing, continues to highlight and emphasise the need for good hand hygiene at all times but does not currently offer any directive to say that people should not be shaking hands. If teams or individuals feel happier not shaking hands, then that is absolutely their choice and we would encourage coaches and referees to discuss this before games. Should teams decide not to shake hands or opt for an alternative method this must be conveyed to the match referee before the teams enter the field of play. Alternatively, some Leagues may choose to issue a policy to remove the procedural pre/post match handshake, however this would be solely at the discretion of the Leagues. Please contact the coach of your team for specific advice here.

If any players, coaches, referees, parents and spectators have any symptoms of COVID-19 infection, however mild, do not leave your home for 7 days from when your symptoms started. Do not attend any training sessions or matches. Similarly if you have had close contact with somebody with a confirmed case of COVID-19, then please do not attend any training sessions or matches. If your children have a fever or a persistent cough please don’t bring them to games or training. Please let your coach know.

We are asking everyone to continue to be mindful of the guidance coming from the government and the NHS to help contain the spread of the virus and protect everyone.

Caversham AFC Executive Committee
Saturday 14 March 2020