Phased and Limited Return of Spectators - What it means for Hendon in the short-term

Greensnet Editor
Wed 19 Aug 2020, 18:14

The revised guidelines received from the FA and Government will allow Step 3 clubs to admit up to 300 spectators from 22 August to 31 August (Stage 1) and up to 600 from 1 September onwards (Stage 2). This is dependent on all other COVID-19 guidelines (such as the appointment of a COVID-19 officer, the completion and publication on the club website of a COVID-19 Risk Assessment, Social Distancing and Track & Trace) being complied with.

It will only be possible to arrange a Stage 2 match once at least one Stage 1 match has been arranged.

In terms of upcoming fixtures:

Chalfont has told us that they will allow spectators for this Saturday's friendly. There will be an admission cost of £5 for adults (free to under-18s) and the bar will not be open.

With regard to the London Senior Cup semi-final against Wingate on Tuesday 25th, both SJP and Hendon FC take the threat of COVID-19 very seriously and, in view of the fact that our COVID-19 operating model is untested, we have decided to restrict the number of people who can attend this game. The current intention is to use this as a test event to train staff and volunteers in how to operate safely with a view to being able to allow more supporters to attend the home friendly against St Albans.

Exact details are currently being discussed/agreed between Daz and Rob but it's looking like a total of 40 spectators will be allowed in (excluding both sides officials and our matchday staff).

First refusal for spectators (i.e. those who are not officials or matchday staff on the night) will be given to other Trust Board members, Supporters Association Committee members, our other regular volunteers and then to season ticket holders.

Admission will be £5. We hope to be able to arrange pre-payment for tickets via PayPal and we'll be using a card reader on the night. There will be no cash payments on the night.

The bar will not be open.

We know that this is not an ideal solution but it's part and parcel of making sure that we're able to allow up to 600 spectators safely and in full compliance with the FA and Government guidelines when the season commences.