Football Guidance Update – 31 March, 2021

In line with Scottish Government and sportscotland guidance, we have set out Guidance for All for the period 5 - 25 April only, as well as age-related guidance for Under-12s, 12-17 year-olds and 18 years and older.

We have released a Return To Football route-map from 5 April - 17 May, however please be advised that this content is subject to Scottish Government guidance and may be subject to change.

Please note, only Under-12s and 12-17 year-olds are permitted to engage in contact training from 5 April.

If you do not live on mainland Scotland, you can follow the guidance for your area here.

Guidance for Level Three areas is available here.

Guidance for All

  • All activity for all age groups must take place outdoors.
  • A reminder that information on the Level 4 travel restrictions can be found here.
  • All activity must take place in an appropriately risk assessed venue.
  • All activity must only be arranged by Scottish FA registered clubs (i.e. clubs registered with an appropriate Affiliated National Association).
  • All activity should avoid inter-club training, competition or events.
  • Parents/carers are reminded that spectating is not permitted at any time and they should not congregate at the facility or nearby.
  • At no stage should groups mix and appropriate one way systems should be in place.
  • Please ensure that hygiene measures are implemented at all times.

All players, participants over the age of 13 and parents and carers are advised to undertake a COVID-19 eLearning course if they or their children are to participate in sports training, competitions and other events.   

Under-12s

Scottish Government and sportscotland guidance for children under the age of 12 permits participation in outdoor contact group activity.  Scottish Government Level 4 guidance can be found here.

We would urge everyone to adhere to the following guidance:

  • Contact activity for this age group is permitted, however we recommend that physical distancing should be in place before and after activity.
  • Parents/carers can take a young person under the age of 18 out of their Local Authority area for their organised activity.
  • Physical distancing is necessary for coaches at all times.
  • All group activity can consist of a maximum of 26 players and 4 officials per 1/3 of a pitch (the officials must be PVG certified and contain a COVID Officer, First Aider and an appropriately qualified coach).
  • No inter-club, competition, matches or events are permitted.

12-17 years

Scottish Government and sportscotland guidance for children aged 12-17 permits participation in outdoor contact group activity. Scottish Government Level 4 guidance can be found here.

We would urge everyone to adhere to the following guidance:

  • Contact activity for this age group is permitted, however physical distancing should be in place before and after activity.
  • Parents/carers can take a young person under the age of 18 out of their Local Authority area for their organised activity.
  • Physical distancing is necessary for coaches.
  • All group activity must consist of a maximum of 13 players and 2 officials per 1/4 of a pitch (the two officials must be PVG certified and contain a COVID Officer, First Aider, and an appropriately qualified coach).
  • No inter club, competition, matches or events are permitted.

18 years and above

The Scottish Government and sportscotland guidance regarding 18 years and above who are permitted to participate in outdoor non-contact group activity with full Level 4 guidance can be found here.

We would urge everyone to adhere to the following guidance:

  • All activity must be non-contact, ensuring physical distancing is in place at all times before, during and after activity takes place.
  • All activity must be organised within your own Local Authority area and players are not permitted to travel to neighbouring authorities to participate, as per Scottish Government travel restrictions.
  • It is recommended that activity is limited to twice a week and for a maximum of 60 minutes per session.
  • All group activity must consist of a maximum of 15 players and officials (two appropriate PVG officials for SYFA) and all activity must contain a COVID Officer and First Aider per 1/4 of a pitch.

At this time, we would encourage everyone to maintain daily physical activity within their own household or by following the Scottish Government ‘meeting others outdoors’ guidance.