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COVID-19 Update

WFA Executive update for powerchair football in England

Today, the Wheelchair Football Association has published its Return to Play Guidance, which will enable the game to restart its Return to Play plans from Monday 29th March 2021.

Current government guidance means that, theoretically, we can permit activity up to Stage 3 of our roadmap at this time. This is due to the current government exemption on the number of people able to participate in an indoor disability sporting activity and exemption on social contact limits. However, at this initial return, we are advising clubs to deliver activity at Stage 1 of our roadmap. This is due to the following reasons:

  • The is our first return to activity since March 2020
  • Understanding the needs of our community
  • Listening to the feedback provided from members on an initial return to play

Guidance has been produced for all members of WFA affiliated powerchair football clubs – club officials, coaches, players, parents and personal assistants concerning powerchair football activities. FA guidance should be used alongside this for further detail on non-powerchair specific football and club best practice.

It is also important to note that whilst Government guidance regarding COVID-19 is continuously evolving and being published; The WFA will only move steps in our roadmap following careful consideration and professional counsel with specific reference to our sport and its participants.

Return to Powerchair Football Roadmap

We have developed this Roadmap to provide the community with an insight into the phased return to powerchair football. 

The Roadmap has been developed with anticipated changes in social distancing and relaxation in regulations of indoor facilities. Therefore it is constantly under review and is subject to change.

Although Government guidance permits Steps 2 & 3 of our Roadmap to commence, The WFA are strongly advising against these at the initial return stage for the reasons listed above. Return dates for steps 4-6 are in line with government guidance timelines only. 

WFA Risk Assesement Guidance

Before re-starting playing/training, clubs must carry out a risk assessment and record the procedures and checks put in place. It’s essential everyone is clear about the restrictions and works together to manage social distancing and strict hygiene protocols.

Clubs should review and update the template (provided below) in line with the specific situation and circumstances of your club/venue. This may mean adding or removing items from this risk assessment – ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that this is comprehensive and correct for your club/venue.

Download our COVID-19 Risk Assessment Template below:

COVID-19 Risk Assessment (WORD)

Download our COVID-19 Guidance below:

COVID-19 GUIDANCE (PDF)

Affiliation

Both WFA & FA affiliation are needed before any activity taking place. WFA affiliation will open from Tuesday, April 6th.

The Football Association’s guidance on the return of grassroots football:

Every participant must follow all FA and Government advice. This is crucial to ensure everyone’s safety involved in the game, and so we can continue to play. Any incidents of non-compliance will be reported to the relevant County FA for action. 

Please remember anyone who is deemed vulnerable in respect of COVID-19 is reminded to follow the Government’s specific guidance, only returning to football when it’s right for them to do so. There is no pressure to return. Everyone’s health, wellbeing and safety are the priorities.

Download the full FA Guidance below:

The Football Association Guidance

COVID-19 Awareness Training

As well as the above, there is also free COVID-19 awareness training available for coaches, team staff, COVID-19 officers and club volunteers. 

The ReActivate training platform, funded by Sport England and CIMPSA accredited, provides you with the skills and knowledge to return to activity.

The training can be accessed via the link below:

ReActivate Awareness Training