Updated club statement regarding COVID-19 – 13 March 2019

March 13th, 2020

In line with the announcement released today from our National Governing Body, the British American Football Association, we regret to inform everyone across the club that all East Kilbride Pirates and Hamilton Buccaneers activity is now immediately suspended until further notice.

Although this is very tough news to share, above all, the health and wellbeing of everyone in the Pirates family has to be our number one priority.

This suspension will be kept under daily review as the situation with COVID-19 evolves.

What does this mean?
All face-to-face practices and team meetings for all the teams in our club at all practice venues are immediately suspended.

All planned friendlies, including our planned senior scrimmage against Sandwell Steelers on Sunday, our youth scrimmages against Edinburgh Napier Knights and our friendly tournament with Chorley Buccaneers are cancelled.

Our junior training camp on Sat 21-Sun 22 March and our senior training camp on Sat 27-29 March at Strathallan School in Perthshire are also regrettably cancelled.

The start of the BAFA National Leagues season for all levels is also suspended until further notice.

What does this mean for the money I’ve paid for camp?
At the moment we’re reviewing the situation with our host venue Strathallen School and once we understand more about our financial liability for such a late cancellation, we will update you.

Can I still participate in team gym sessions?
We encourage all our members to stay active and healthy during this difficult time.  Please follow the latest government guidance relating activity, and all our members under 18 should ensure they discuss this with their parents or guardians.

If you have any questions, please contact Club Chair, Amanda McDonald – amanda@piratesfootball.co.uk

In the meantime, we ask players and staff to take these sensible precautions to reduce their risk of getting and spreading respiratory infections by:

  • maintaining good hand hygiene – regularly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol hand sanitiser – especially before eating, drinking or handling food and after coughing, sneezing and going to the toilet
  • avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
  • avoiding direct contact with people who are unwell and avoiding using their personal items such as their mobile phone
  • covering their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with disposable tissues and disposing of them in the nearest waste bin after use. If no tissues are available, use a sleeve

More information
You can find more guidance and information from the UK government here – https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/
A free helpline has also been set up for people who do not have symptoms but are looking for general advice: 0800 028 2816
BAFA statement on Coronavirus –https://www.britishamericanfootball.org/news/bafa-statement-from-chief-executive-pete-ackerley-on-covid-19-13-march#.XmuTG3LgqUk

 

 

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