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SEASON 2019/20 RESTART GUIDE

Version 01 Introduction

The 2019/20 Premier League COVID-19 testing Return to will resume on Wednesday 17 June, programme matches with matches taking place behind The Premier League’s COVID-19 testing On 28 May, Premier League Shareholders closed doors. programme commenced on 17 May, with agreed to the new provisional restart date tests of players and staff at all 20 clubs of Wednesday 17 June, provided all safety conducted twice weekly. Anybody who requirements are in place. This was followed has tested positive has self-isolated by the Government giving the go-ahead Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, for a period of seven days. for competitive to resume in behind closed doors from 1 June. the overriding priority of the Premier The testing programme is managed by League has been the health and biotechnology company Prenetics, which The protocols established have been has considerable experience in COVID-19 developed in consultation with clubs, wellbeing of everyone. The safety testing, both in a clinical and community players, managers and in line with the setting. Testing will continue twice weekly guidelines set out by Government. The Return of players, coaches and club staff once matches resume and only those who to Training Protocol, testing programmes have recorded a negative test in the five and risk assessments all remain in place has been paramount in the phased days leading up to the match can enter with additional requirements relevant to the Red Zone in any . matchdays being added. Among the core return to training and this will continue principles are maintaining social distancing, to be the case when fixtures return. following Public Health England guidance and minimising support from public services.

Strict protocols have been put in place Returning Broadcast to ensure that are as safe as to training information possible for everybody present. The Premier League introduced a phased All 92 matches will be televised live in the UK This document provides an overview return to training in line with the latest by Sky , BT Sport, Amazon Prime and Government advice. Stage One permitted the BBC. A total of 33 fixtures will be free-to-air, of all the official guidelines, as well as small-group training while maintaining social shown on Sky Pick, Amazon Prime and BBC Sport. distancing from 19 May. Stage Two was Live commentary of every fixture is available in explaining how the broadcast experience approved on 27 May, allowing a resumption the UK on BBC Radio 5 Live and . will differ for fans following at home. of contact training, while minimising any unnecessary close contact. At all times and BT Sport are also providing throughout this period, the safety of offers for season ticket holders who do not training environments was of paramount have an existing subscription. importance, with a series of protocols put in place to mitigate risk to all players, International fans should continue staff and their families. to visit premierleague.com for country-specific scheduling information.

Premier League Season 2019/20 Restart Guide 2 Matchday Protocols

How will clubs ensure How are teams Stadium zoning stadia are safe travelling to matches? Maps of stadia clearly define the zones and areas where on a matchday? particular people are permitted. Stadia are divided into Team travel can be via car, coach, plane or three zones – Red, Amber and Green – and each zone has train, but social distancing must be applied unique protocols and procedures related to them. Premier League clubs have worked with in all of these transport modes, ensuring local authorities and other partners appropriate space between occupied seats to develop venue operation plans and and that full hygiene measures are observed. COVID-19 stadium risk assessments, Those driving their own vehicle should travel minimising both the risk to public health alone. In line with Government legislations, and reliance on local health and other hotels should be for essential use only. emergency services. If hotels are used, risk assessments should be Clubs have to establish a security plan to conducted and mitigating measures applied. ensure access to the stadium is only granted to accredited individuals. The of people who will be present at each stadium for the remainder of the 2019/20 season is approximately 300.

Testing Training Ground/Home Stadium

All players continue to adhere Upon Arrival to the Premier League testing Sterile route from drop off to relaxation programme. area and dressing rooms Before Departure Players complete relevant Positive Negative Dressing Rooms checks and report test test Social distancing strictly observed. and any symptoms. Travel Additional changing area facilities required. Player travel via flight/team Pre-match warm-ups Self Isolation coach/own car Minimise close contact between all persons. Red Zone Amber Zone Green Zone in sterile Restricted pitch access. environments Only individuals who have undergone This covers all areas of the stadium The area outside the stadium where Any players displaying symptoms Match with social tests in the five days prior to a match can interior with the exception of the Red access control points, vehicle parking must isolate at home for 7 days Walk-outs will be staggered. distancing. enter the Red Zone in any stadium, which Zone, including stands, concourses and and OB compounds and units are located. prior to their return to training Back Home/ Training Ground Minimise close contact with match officials. includes the pitch, technical area, tunnel pitchside interview areas. Entry and exit Access will be granted in accordance or matches. All recovery strategies completed and dressing rooms. Those individuals points are strictly managed. To gain with the club’s COVID-19 policy. individually back at home. Post-match must have a Clinical Passport – a bar code access, individuals must have completed Restrict interaction with the other team. Minimal No they have printed out or on their mobile a medical questionnaire, as well as having therapy at max 15 mins. Contracted broadcast Symptoms phone, which is scanned to check that their temperature checked upon arrival. requirements only conducted pitchside. their most recent test result is negative – before being granted access to stadium.

Premier League Season 2019/20 Restart Guide 3 Matchday Protocols

What differences will there be to matchday facilities and procedures?

Dressing rooms Players’ tunnel Technical area Medical treatment

Adequate space must be made available Players and match officials will stagger Team benches will be expanded to enable Any member of staff performing in the team and match officials’ dressing their entry onto and off the pitch. social-distancing measures during the match. physiotherapy or soft tissue treatment rooms to allow for suitable social-distancing There should be no congregation in This can include using seats next to the must wear appropriate PPE, including measures, meaning additional rooms will or around the tunnel area at any time, bench or reallocating seats to provide the a surgical face mask, disposable gloves be used if necessary. This will differ from club and there will be no handshakes. In some required distance between people. Those and a disposable plastic apron. Paramedic to club. Staggered use of changing facilities stadia, teams will use different tunnels. in the technical area must adhere to social numbers will be determined by each club is encouraged and use of showers is distancing measures, with zones clearly and clubs should nominate two members permitted as long as individuals are marked out. of Red Zone staff to act as stretcher bearers. socially distanced.

Disinfection Hygiene Media interviews Anti-doping tests

Clubs will apply strict cleaning measures Each home club must ensure that hand Post-match broadcast interviews will take Doping control will still be in operation, at stadia, with widespread disinfection sanitiser dispensers are freely available place pitchside with social distancing with social distancing observed. taking place. This will include, but is not throughout the stadium, as well as clearly exercised. Boom microphones must be used All anti-doping officials will be limited to, changing facilities, dugouts, signposting handwashing facilities. and cleaned between interviews. Huddle tested for COVID-19 before being the matchball, goal posts, corner flags Attendees with the exception of players interviews are not permitted. Post-match allowed to attend the Red Zone. and substitution boards. and coaching staff on team benches must press conferences will be conducted virtually. wear face coverings. This will also be waived at certain times for broadcast presenters and commentators, under social-distancing guidelines.

Premier League Season 2019/20 Restart Guide 4 On-field Protocols

The following guidelines have been issued to players and managers to reduce risk and maximise personal safety:

Social distancing whenever possible Walkout procedure Drinks breaks

Maintain distance during Restrict post-match interaction After a staggered exit from the tunnel, Drinks breaks will be taken midway through goal celebrations. with opposition team. teams will line up for the Premier League each half, lasting no longer than one minute, anthem, observing social distancing. with players drinking from their own water There will be no handshake. bottles. Time will be added on at the end of each half. Hygiene

No handshakes. No spitting or nose clearing. Warm-ups and Replacement warm-downs match balls Hand sanitisers should be used Players should use their before and after every match. own water bottles. Warm-ups are risk-assessed and modified In the absence of ball assistants, spare match where required to minimise unnecessary balls will be placed at intervals around the close contact. Match officials require a pitch, in case one can’t be retrieved from the designated warm-up area. Warm-downs stands without causing a delay to the game. should last no more than 25 minutes and Referees will offer guidance in managing Conduct are likely to be staggered for each team. the process.

No surrounding match officials. No mass confrontations.

Premier League Season 2019/20 Restart Guide 5 Health and Safety Measures

Match officials Substitutes VAR Hub Premier League match officials The number of substitutes that can VAR will continue to be in operation have been isolating throughout be used during a match is increasing at IMG Studios, Stockley Park. There this period, but have kept in regular from three to five, in line with the will be a different configuration to contact via video conference calls. temporary law amendment made the usual VAR Hub set-up in order They have been training regularly by the International Football to allow for social distancing, with and their fitness has been monitored. Association Board. Teams will also additional rooms also being used They are now being tested at the be able to have nine players on the when required. same regularity as Premier League bench rather than seven, and will players, and will follow the exact have three opportunities to make same protocols. substitutions during the match (not including half-time).

Premier League Season 2019/20 Restart Guide 6 Broadcast Enhancements

One of the most recognisable and Matchday features important features of Premier League • As a show of recognition for the incredible • For the first 12 matches of the restarted football is the atmosphere created work of NHS workers during the COVID-19 campaign, all player names on the back of crisis, an NHS badge will feature on player shirts will be replaced by . by home and away fans. Working in and match official shirts for the remainder A Black Lives Matter sleeve patch will also conjunction with our broadcast of the 2019/20 season. feature on shirts for the remainder of the season. The Premier League will support players who partners, a number of innovations • A moment’s silence will be held before ‘take a knee’ before or during matches and will the opening 12 matches to recognise those restate its No Room For Racism messaging on have been developed to enhance whose lives have been affected by COVID-19 LED boards and in communications. the broadcast experience in the • ‘We Are One Team’ will feature on a patch absence of supporters in the stadium. on the match balls and on Premier League branding in stadia, reflecting how the League, clubs, fans and players have come together to support the NHS, their communities and society as a whole during the pandemic.

• Stadium dressing will include a wrap • Live video feeds featuring 16 supporters covering seats in the lower tiers at all 20 from each club will be made available to stadia. The stadium wraps are designed broadcasters and to clubs for use on big by each club and aim to improve the screens during matches. environment both visually and acoustically, as well as creating consistency across the • Where feasible, broadcasters will identify competition. a celebration camera which players can head to after scoring. • Clubs can use music at key trigger moments such as kick-off, goals and • Tunnel cameras to help fans see the build- substitutions by the home club. up to the match (this will not include sound).

• Fans watching from home can choose • Audio from the coin toss to select EA Sports Atmospheric Audio, will now be captured live. but crowd noise will not be played inside the stadium.

Premier League Season 2019/20 Restart Guide 7 Further Information Upcoming Fixtures

Public health messaging Wednesday 17 June Monday 22 June Match Round 32 Saturday 27 June Previously postponed 20:00  City vs. due to participation in 12:30 Aston Villa vs. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Both the league and clubs will continue to the Carabao Cup Final (live on Sky Sports) Wanderers the Premier League and clubs have communicate these messages with fans. (live on BT Sport) 18:00 Aston Villa vs. Match Round 31 consistently emphasised the latest health As we approach the return of football, United Tuesday 23 June Sunday 28 June and safety advice from Government and and for as long as it is in line with Government (live on Sky Sports) Public Health England. advice, supporters will be urged to stay 18:00  City vs. 16:30 vs. 20:15 Manchester City vs. Brighton & Hove Albion at home to watch matches, not congregate Arsenal (live on Sky Sports) (live on Sky Sports at stadia and not watch matches at other (live on Sky Sports) and live on Sky Pick) people’s houses. 20:15 Hotspur vs. Match Round 30 West Ham United Monday 29 June Friday 19 June (live on Sky Sports) 20:00 Crystal Palace vs. 18:00 City vs. Wednesday 24 June Burnley Support for the NHS and communities Southampton (live on ) (live on Sky Sports 18:00 Manchester United vs. and live on Sky Pick) Sheffield United Tuesday 30 June During the coronavirus pandemic, • Supporting those in need – With donations (live on Sky Sports the Premier League committed £20million to food banks and food parcel deliveries for 20:15 Tottenham Hotspur vs. and live on Sky Pick) 20:15 Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Manchester United Manchester United to support the NHS, communities, vulnerable groups (live on Sky Sports) 18:00 Newcastle United vs. (live on Sky Sports families and vulnerable groups. Aston Villa and live on Sky Pick) • Supporting mental and physical health – Saturday 20 June (live on BT Sport) This included a direct financial contribution Providing free resources to support Wednesday 01 July 12:30 Watford vs. 18:00 Norwich City vs. to NHS Charities Together, to support the wellbeing and education Leicester City Everton 18:00 AFC Bournemouth vs. mental health of NHS workers and their (live on BT Sport) (live on BBC) Newcastle United Clubs also offered a range of support (live on Sky Sports families affected by the situation. 15:00 Brighton & Hove Albion vs. 18:00 Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. and live on Sky Pick) to the NHS, including: Arsenal AFC Bournemouth This funding also allowed clubs to refocus (live on BT Sport) (live on BT Sport) 18:00 Arsenal vs. efforts and develop significant outreach • Provision of facilities for medical use Norwich City 17:30 West Ham United vs. 20:15  vs. (live on BT Sport) programmes for those needing support locally. and accommodation for NHS staff. Wolverhampton Wanderers Crystal Palace (live on Sky Sports) (live on Sky Sports) 18:00 Everton vs. Some of the ways clubs have • Parking for NHS staff and transport provided Leicester City for NHS workers, medicine and food 19:45 AFC Bournemouth vs. Thursday 25 June (live on Sky Sports) supported communities include: Crystal Palace (live on BBC) 18:00 Burnley vs. 20:15 West Ham United vs. • Staying connected – Making calls to older • Club medical staff supporting Watford Chelsea or redeployed to the NHS Sunday 21 June (live on Sky Sports (live on Sky Sports) and vulnerable supporters, as well as and live on Sky Pick) community programme participants who 14:00 Newcastle United vs. Thursday 02 July may have been isolated Premier League players have independently Sheffield United 18:00 Southampton vs. supported the NHS in a number of ways, as (live on Sky Sports Arsenal 18:00 Sheffield United vs. (live on Sky Sports) well as raising significant funds for the NHS and live on Sky Pick) Tottenham Hotspur (live on Sky Sports) through the #PlayersTogether initiative. 16:15 Aston Villa vs. 20:15 Chelsea vs. Chelsea Manchester City 20:15 Manchester City vs. (live on Sky Sports) (live on BT Sport) Liverpool (live on Sky Sports) 19:00 Everton vs. For all the latest updates, Contact [email protected] Liverpool visit premierleague.com for more information. (live on Sky Sports and live on Sky Pick) For the latest fixture information, visit premierleague.com/fixtures Premier League Season 2019/20 Restart Guide 8