SPECTATORS TO RETURN TO FOOTBALL STADIUMS
Following the updated guidance from the FA for the return of spectators to clubs from Step 3 and below, the Millers have today published our Covid-19 Risk Assessment on this website as we prepare for the safe return of spectators to the Artic Stadium.
Between 22 and 30 August, fixtures hosted by Step 4 clubs can have an attendance at 15% of the minimum capacity for that level – which works out to being 200 spectators. From 30 August onwards, this can increase to 30%, which equates to 400 spectators, provided the club has held a fixture with the capacity limited to 200.
At present, we have no scheduled Home fixtures until our Emirates FA Cup tie on Saturday 12 September against VCD Athletic so as things stand, this fixture will be played with a capacity of 200, with subsequent games being able to be played with a capacity of 400.
We are trying to arrange a test fixture at the Artic Stadium for the week beginning Monday 31 August which, if successful, will allow us to accommodate 400 spectators at the FA Cup tie and beyond.
As a club, we are currently working hard on plans to be able to keep everybody safe, including players, officials and supporters, so as to be able to admit as many fans as we can.
Supporters are advised that when we do host a game with fans, whenever that may be, match days will be very different from what they would have been used to – further information on this will be posted when confirmed.
The full FA statement on the return of fans is available here –
https://www.thefa.com/news/2020/aug/19/updated-guidelines-for-return-of-spectators-190820

The Football Association has today issued updated guidelines for the National League System [NLS] and Women’s Football Pyramid [WFP] that include a phased and limited return of spectators for clubs at Steps 3-6 and Tiers 3-4 respectively.

The FA worked continuously alongside the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport [DCMS], the Sports Grounds Safety Authority [SGSA] and leagues to submit detailed proposals for a phased and limited return of spectators at these levels to the UK Government.

The DCMS has now clarified its guidance on the return to recreational team sport and clubs at Steps 3-6 of the NLS and Tiers 3-4 of the WFP are permitted to accommodate a phased and limited return of spectators to fixtures. However, they must follow the UK Government’s guidance in relation to Covid-19 and The FA’s updated guidelines for the NLS or WFP respectively.

In addition, Regional NLS Feeder League clubs and clubs at Tiers 5-6 of the WFP are permitted to accommodate socially-distanced spectators in line with The FA’s guidelines for grassroots football.

All clubs at Steps 3-6 of the NLS and Tiers 3-4 of the WFP are required to have a designated Covid-19 Officer; complete and publish bespoke risk assessments and action plans; and arrange support for Track and Trace efforts before implementing the following:

Stage One:
• From 22 August 2020 to 30 August 2020, spectators are permitted to attend fixtures at Steps 3-6 of the NLS and Tiers 3-4 of the WFP, providing that their number does not exceed 15% of the minimum ground grading capacity at these levels or respective figures set out within The FA’s updated guidelines;
• If a club at these levels does not play any fixtures during this period, it must have played at least one pre-season or competitive fixture in accordance with its respective level of spectators before moving on to Stage Two.
Stage Two:
• From 31 August 2020, clubs at Steps 3-6 of the NLS and Tiers 3-4 of the WFP will be permitted to allow spectators to attend fixtures provided that their number does not exceed 30% of the minimum ground grading capacity at their level or the respective figures set out within The FA’s updated guidelines. However, they must be satisfied that they have been able to comply with the Government’s guidance on the return to recreational team sport and The FA’s updated guidelines.

The phased and limited return of spectators at these levels will be kept under constant review in line with the UK Government’s guidelines and will be amended accordingly as required.