St. Helens Town Association Football Club
FA Charter Standard Adult Club
Website;www.sthelenstownafc.com E-mail;sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk
St Helens Town Limited - Company No: 04592840 - Private Limited Company, Date of Incorporation 12/05/2002

Covid-19 Risk Assessment
ST HELENS TOWN AFC RISK ASSESSMENT
RUSKIN DRIVE SPORTS GROUND,
ST HELENS.

OVERVIEW:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in line with government and The Football Association guidelines all clubs will need to complete a risk assessment in line with social distancing measures and the continued safety of players, officials and spectators. This covers the ground and playing staff including match officials.

1. BUILD UP TO MATCHDAY.
• Ticketing options to include the option of cashless systems I.e contactless Payment Machines. Also the option of pre-paid tickets via Eventbrite enabling spectators to show their tickets via a smart phone at the pay box.
• The visiting club to be sent a copy of the home clubs risk assessment and any other information they may need in advance of the game to save unnecessary contact on matchday.
2. CAR PARKING.
• The car park at Ruskin Drive sportsground is substantial so gives the possibility of using every other space to enable social distancing should the driver and passengers of vehicles wish to get in or out at the same time.
• The main route from the car park is past the function rooms on the left hand side and over the bridge. More details on the next section.
3. GROUND ACCESSABILITY.
• Prior to Entry there will be a facility Notice and a Club notice advising patrons not to enter the facility if they: Have any symptoms associated with Covid-19 such as a new cough, loss of taste or sense of smell or high temperature. Patrons will also be advised on the same notice not to enter if they are awaiting the results of a Covid test or have been in the vicinity of anyone who has had symptoms over the previous 14 days.
• Social Distancing reminders to be placed at a practical opportunity.
• Every person will be asked for name and telephone number for the track and trace system. These details will be kept securely for 21 days unless required by the NHS.
• Once inside the complex there are three routes from the main entrance to the complex leading to the main part of the ground including changing room areas and pay box.
• These are from the main car park past the function rooms to the right then over the bridge. There is a short path past the bowling green leading directly to the ground.
• Second option is the Ruskin leisure car park which leads past the front of the sticky wicket bar and restaurant.
• For non-drivers there is an entrance from Ruskin Drive which leads to the Ruskin leisure gym, this then takes the same route as option 2.
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4. STICKY WICKET BAR & RESTAURANT.
• This is where home and away players plus match officials are catered for after the game. Sticky wicket will have their own Covid-19 risk assessment in place.
• Players and club officials will be encouraged not to congregate longer than needed after the game.

5. INSIDE THE GROUND.
• Turnstile / pay box - only 1 person allowed at any one time. For cash payments gloves must be worn and cash placed into a plastic tub and change returned the same way.
• Walkway from pay box to ground entrance - 1 way arrows and 2 metre distance markers to be laid. Hard standing areas - as above plus possibility of standing markers on ground.
• Hand Sanitization stations will be provided for all visitors/fans/officials alike to use and these will be regularly checked and sanitized.
• Main stand – Social distancing to be advised in this area.
• Hospitality area - possibility of visiting officials being given a packed lunch style option. Any seating to be placed 2 metres apart.
• Toilets - Strictly one in and one out unless there are more than 1 member of the same household. This to be stewarded along with players pitch entrance.
• Also encourage regular hand washing as per government guidelines.
6. PLAYERS PITCH ENTRANCE.
From changing room block through players gate leading to the main playing area. Hand Sanitization facility will be provided at this pinch-point.

7. CLUB MATCHDAY EQUIPMENT.
• Any items used by St Helens Town club officials to be cleaned before and after use and only used by 1 designated person. This includes matchday merchandise that is on sale on matchday which will be on display but only presented to the buyer when a commitment to purchase is agreed, thus reducing a further risk of contamination.
8. ON FIELD.
• Goalposts and footballs including warm up balls to be disinfected prior to the game, at half time and full-time. Any ball that goes out of play to be retrieved by a participating player or official where possible. Water bottles not to shared under any circumstances.
• Physio to wear appropriate PPE at all times.
• Dug-outs to have 2 metre seat markers placed on them,
• Social distancing measures to be adhered to on the touch line also so 2 metre markers to be in place.
• Two ball personnel will be trained to retrieve match-balls, disinfect, then place back on pitchside markers.

9. HAND SANITISER STATIONS.
Hand sanitiser stations at the pay box. Additional hand sanitiser to be placed in front of the main stand, in the hospitality area and in the toilets.

10. PAYMENTS.
• Match officials be paid by BACS transfer wherever possible, to eradicate the need for cash handling.

11. PLAYER AND OFFICIALS ARRIVAL.
• All players and match officials to arrive at staggered times maybe 5 minute intervals dependent of course on traffic etc. This will be agreed with the away club when the fixtures are confirmed.
• Players and officials requested to bring their own sanitizer and water bottle but club alternatives will be available if requested..

12. CAPACITY/NUMBERS
• As per government guidelines and set out by St Helens Council.

ANDREW LANGLEY
COVID OFFICER, St Helens Town AFC