CRICKET and football's governing bodies have released updated guidance for grassroots players, following the latest government advice (published June 1).

Training in groups of six people is now permitted, but other restrictions remain in place - social distancing and good hygiene must be maintained, and use of indoor facilities is still prohibited.

The Football Association (FA) has said that the following outdoor football activity is now allowed:

  • Playing football individually - skills, fitness, etc
  • Playing football with your family or other people in your household
  • Football training or fitness work in groups of no more than six people, who must keep two metres apart at all times

The FA statement adds: “Sharing of equipment should be kept to a minimum and strong hand hygiene practices should be in place before and after.

“Physical contact with anyone outside of your household is not permitted, therefore playing of any games (small-sided or full) is also not permitted at this time.

“Avoid meeting in groups of six in busy or overcrowded areas if it is so busy that it is not possible to maintain social distancing at all times.

“Football coaches can now undertake small group sessions up to six people (including the coach) but are reminded to follow FA safeguarding policy when coaching/working with children.

“This must include risk assessing the activities, gaining consent from parents/carers and ensuring you are in sight of another adult.

“It is permissible for coaches to organise a training session that has two or more groups of six (including the coach) involved in the session, as long as the groups of six are kept separate, everyone is socially distancing and strict hygiene measures are in place with any equipment.

“Football coaches working with people with impairments must ensure they can adequately cater for any additional needs while still avoiding physical contact and maintaining social distancing.

“Please be reminded, if an individual is symptomatic, living in a household with a possible COVID-19 infection or if you’re classified as extremely vulnerable on health grounds, the guidance is that you should remain at home.”

READ MORE: Guidance for rugby clubs updated

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THE England & Wales Cricket Board has provided the following guidelines:

  • For all activity, social distancing of at least two metres must be maintained at all times (except between members of the same household)
  • Playing cricket individually is permitted, eg. practice of individual cricket skills or fitness activities
  • Playing cricket with people living in your household is permitted
  • Small group cricket activity, training or fitness in groups of no more than six is permitted, keeping two metres apart at all times
  • Cricket coaches, can now undertake small group sessions of up to six people including the coach (so a 1:5 ratio) and they must comply with ECB safeguarding policies (as well as being able to conduct one-to-one coaching)
  • Nets should be used on an ‘every other’ basis, leaving one net free between nets.
  • It is permissible for two or more groups of six to train at the same time, provided they are kept separate, and social distancing and strict hygiene measures are observed; clubs should carry out a risk assessment to determine the maximum capacity for their facility that can be achieved safely
  • Clubhouses can be reopened in a limited way for operational reasons (eg. for access to first aid equipment) or for toilet access, but all communal areas including bar and changing rooms are to remain closed
  • No indoor cricket activity at all
  • Use your own equipment if possible; if equipment is being shared, please follow government’s guidance on the sharing of equipment
  • No saliva or sweat should be applied to the ball at any time
  • Wash hands at home before and after using the outdoor facilities
  • No club should reopen their outdoor facilities if they feel unable to meet the safety requirements