COVID 19 Statement from the Management Committee

COVID 19 STATEMENT FROM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
30/11/2020

As you may have read on social media, the FA held a meeting on Thursday evening, which myself and the League Secretary attended, where the proposed restart of competitive football at our level on 2nd December was discussed.

The FA reiterated that their object remains "to conclude the 20/21 season and achieve promotion and relegation as a result, either by completing all fixtures or rely on a mathematical equation."

They also reported that at Steps 5 & 6 players/teams can travel between tiers, however for our level of football no spectators are allowed for those clubs situated in tier 3. In addition, we were also informed that clubs in tier 2 cannot open their clubhouses, other than to provide a takeaway service, which must be consumed off the premises ie outside of the ground.

Finance - As previously reported in the press, there is a sum of £14 million made available to clubs at steps 3 to 6, however 80% of that sum will be classed as loans, the remainder in grants, the terms regarding the loans have not yet been made public.

They closed by informing us that the FA Vase matches arranged for the next few Saturdays will go ahead, irrespective of which tier the competing clubs are in.

In June, it was stated that it would not be sustainable for member clubs to play matches 'behind closed doors' for an undetermined length of time and that clubs also need the revenue from clubhouses and food sales, this view has not changed. The Management Committee have met to discuss the current situation and agreed that, all clubs in our Division have been placed in Tier 3, it is still unsustainable to expect clubs to play without any supporters.

Therefore, the decision has reluctantly made to suspend the restart of all League fixtures until 19th December, We will then review the decision again after 16th December once the government has reviewed their tier levels.

Though clubs wishing/agreeing to play fixtures during this period (2nd - 18h December may do so.

In addition, if fixtures do resume on 19th December clubs can agree to switch their Boxing Day fixtures to 28th, 29th or 30th December to allow everyone to take advantage for the relaxation in the rules

In closing, we have not taken this decision lightly, however we feel that it is the only practical and fair decision for all member clubs.

Stay safe and hopefully we may soon return to a form of normality.

David Holland
Chair