Coronavirus Joint Response Group Update

The Joint Response Group has committed to beginning the initial planning phase for the resumption of football by creating new sub-groups to support the Scottish Football Restart.

It is important to stress that this will be done in line with current Scottish Government and Chief Medical Officer advice – as updated in the First Minister’s publication of Looking Beyond Lockdown – and in cognisance of the current suspension of Scottish football until June 10.

We also note the announcement today from Joe FitzPatrick, Minister for Public Health, Sport, and Wellbeing, regarding the creation of a virtual roundtable to discuss practicalities for the safe emergence from lockdown for sports bodies.

The sub-groups will be integral to that process and are formed under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA Board.

Each group has been assigned a rolling two-week update period in which to undertake research in order of priorities outlined by the chair. The sub-groups will provide recommendations in key operational, logistical and commercial areas to ensure the safe and efficient return to Scottish football for all stakeholders, in line with the Scottish Government’s Framework for Decisions.

The sub-groups are comprised of subject matter experts from across Scottish football are as follows:

Medical and Player Welfare (co-chaired by Dr John MacLean and Duncan Fraser)

Terms of reference:

1. 1. Emerging from lockdown and Scottish Government interaction
   2. Risk assessment
   3. Returning to training from individual to group including biosecure environment
   4. Returning to matches both behind closed doors and with spectators including biosecure environment
   5. Player welfare including protocols for sick players and avoidance of injury
   6. Testing
      
      Club and Stadium Operations  (Co-chaired by Ian Maxwell/Mike Mulraney)

Terms of reference                                                                                     

Club Operations

1. 1. Daily operational logistics
   2. Supporter/partner interaction
   3. Stadium/pitch maintenance

Matchday Operations

1. 1. Stadium operations and set-up
   2. Safety, policing, stewarding and first aid provision
   3. Team related matters – access, egress, changing rooms, kit, technical areas,
   4. Media and broadcast logistics
   5. Pre-Match Operations and Communication

Supporter Welfare (Co-chaired by Mike Mulraney/Ian Maxwell)

Terms of reference:

1. 1. Supporter journey
   2. Access and egress at stadiums
   3. Facilities within stadiums
   4. First aid provision
   5. Supporter and player interaction

Broadcasting and Innovation (Chaired by Neil Doncaster)

Terms of reference:

1. 1. Production
   2. Transmission methods
   3. Broadcast and content opportunities: online streaming (UK and overseas); associated payment platform(s)
   4. Virtual season tickets and other innovations
   5. Radio
   6. Club channels/broadcast partner interaction
   7. Blocked hours
      
      Regulation (Chair Calum Beattie)

Terms of Reference:

1. Player contracts (including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme)
2. FIFA Registration Periods
3. Any necessary updates to SPFL and Scottish FA Rules & Regulations as a result of FIFA and/or UEFA circulars
4. Government legislation – including the impact on football of any actual or potential lifting of current restrictions
5. Any potential amendments to the competition rules and regulations of the Scottish FA and SPFL; for example, in relation to possible modified competition formats for Season 2020/21
6. Any regulatory implications arising from proposals or recommendations from other sub-groups
   
   Grassroots (chaired by Thomas McKeown)

Rod Petrie, Scottish FA President and Chair of the Joint Response Group: “I am pleased by the response among members to assist the Joint Response Group in planning for the safe and expedient return of Scottish football when it is deemed safe to do so by the government and medical experts.

“The First Minister published a framework to assist in the country’s recovery from COVID-19, including preparing for the transition from lockdown or any easing thereof and adjusting to a ‘new normal’.

“We will continue to adhere to the government advice but equally we have an obligation to undertake the necessary preparatory work to ensure the national game is ready to return at the appropriate time.

“We are also mindful of the crucial role football can play as the national sport during the recovery period and have noted the proposed return of the Premier League in England by the Department of Culture Media and Sport in England ‘to raise the spirit of the nation’.

“We look forward to the opportunity to discuss football’s timeframe in Scotland in early course as part of the Scottish Government’s virtual roundtable for sporting bodies announced today.”