HI All,

Can I please bring your attention to the email received today from Midlothian Council, can I also add to it a reminder that no bicycles are allowed in the Beeslack astro surface, not even just to leave them there whilst training/playing:-

Dear Club Representative,

It has come to my attention that there have been a number of unacceptable behaviour incidents since the restart after Covid lockdown.

On a number of occasions staff at the Leisure Centres have been subject to verbal abuse from parents when asking them to abide by the guidance set down by the SFA, namely that they should not be at the facility while the children are training.

1. Incident: Players are arriving too early and accessing the pitch before they permitted to do so while other teams are still playing. These are in breach of SFA guidelines and guidelines set down by the Leisure Centre staff to ensure smooth and safe transitions in and out of the facility.

2. Incident: there were too many adult players on the pitch at one time, again in breach of SFA Covid Guidance.

I have attached the SFA Guidance to this email. Please take the time to read and absorb this information thoroughly. You must make all coaches aware of what their responsibilities are to the club, themselves, the children and to Sport and Leisure staff. You must also give all relevant information to the parents of children at the club re training and match day protocols to avoid any misunderstanding when staff approach them to ask to follow protocols. (PAYFC NOTE, THESE ARE AVAILABLE IN OUR DOCUMENTS SECTION ON THE APP AND NOTIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO ALL)

The SFA stipulates that:

“parents remain in their cars or at specified waiting areas until the pitch is clear.” page 18

“Ensure parent/carers are aware of the drop off and pick up times for training in advance” page 30 “During organised training Children & Young People can participate in groups of up to: -15 players and 2 coaches within a 1/4 size pitch area or indoor 5v5 sided court*
-20 players and 3 coaches within a 1/3 size pitch area or indoor 7v7 sided court*
-30 players and 4 coaches within a 1/2 size pitch area

*Indoor training –All activity for players aged 12 years + is currently non contact” page 31

“Groups of parents from different households MUST not congregate before, during or after the activity.” “Parent/carers who DO NOT need to supervise their children or young people are not permitted to stay during training sessions.

This person must however observe the applicable protocol, e.g. remain in the car or close to the facility whilst maintaining physical distance from others.

If your child would not be able to do this, discuss with your club how you can safely stay close by to the training venue so you can come and assist if your child was to be injured.” Page 35

While we are all working hard to deliver services, facilities and football to all we must all be patient, understanding and kind to each other as we negotiate through this difficult time.

If you have issues or lack understanding in any areas please don’t hesitate to contact myself or the Leisure Centre Duty Officers to help with your queries.

What we will not accept is a blatant disregard of the guidance issued by the SFA to help us through this difficult time.

Disregarding any of the guidance will result in sanctions to the club, and ultimately may result in the extended let being withdrawn completely.