FAI Publish Safe Training Protocols For Amateur & Underage Game

With both the Limerick Desmond and District Leagues cancelling their competitions a few weeks back, attention locally and across the county has turned to sorting out management teams and players for the upcoming season.

To facilitate a safe return to group training in the amateur and underage ranks, the Football Association of Ireland has today launched a Safer Return to Training Protocol including underage National League clubs, ahead of a return to training from Monday, June 15th.

You can find all the relevant documentation on the FAI website by clicking on the following link: FAI Safer Training Protocol.

A Safer Return to Training document has also been produced for SSE Airtricity League and Women’s National League clubs who will return next Monday, with the exception of Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Bohemian FC and Derry City all of whom are currently part of a pilot programme and have just resumed collective training.

The primary aim of the Protocol is to support clubs affiliated with the FAI in protecting the health and safety of the players, coaches and essential personnel within the clubs as they return to the training ground. Department of Health guidelines and Public Health Policy will be followed at all times. A match officials’ protocol document is also being prepared. 

Today’s Protocol publication provides a thorough and comprehensive step-by-step explanation to the Pathway that permits all adult amateur and underage football, including underage National League clubs, to return to training on or after next Monday, June 15th. All clubs must appoint a COVID-19 Compliance Officer and carry out a risk assessment before any return is authorised.

Subject to Government guidelines, no matches – competitive or friendly – are allowed until further notice under the jurisdiction of the FAI.

Further specific information will be available to clubs and groups within Football For All through the FAI’s Football for All Department. 

The FAI Safer Return to Training Protocol and supporting documents are available below.