Late last week we had a Zoom call with the National League and other member clubs looking at the steps and measures that will need to be put in place and observed in order for football to return as scheduled on 3 October.
A quick round-up from that meeting:-
- The firm intention is to start back on 3October with crowds in stadia
- No guidance has been given on capacity limits yet, but proposed capacities must be calculated in line with the published methodology and agreed with the local authority
- At this point in time the admission of away fans is still permitted in principle, but every club will need to assess this for its own circumstances
- Live-streaming of league matches is currently prohibited by the FA
- Drinking within the stadium (i.e. within sight of the game) is still contrary to legislation for the National League and above
- There are a number of aspects where a relaxation in legislation or regulations might help clubs in these difficult times and they will be looked at, but for the time being we will need to work within existing parameters
From the draft fixture schedule:-
- Fourth qualifying round of FA Cup Saturday 24 October
- First round proper Saturday 7 November
- Our XMAS fixture dates 26 & 28 Dec and January 2 2021
- FA Trophy Final Saturday 8 May
- Closing league game 29 May 2021
- Play-offs over 3 Saturdays in June
We’ll bring you more information on the ground capacity, our plans to return to the Shay and next season’s fixtures as and when we have it over the next few weeks.
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