The restart of the competitions is on February 5 and 6 with a number of make-up matches from the first half of the competition. – Photo: KNVB Media
The KNVB has made a decision about the continuation of the competitions in the category A senior field football. The scenario has been chosen not to adjust the set-up and to play the competitions completely, including the post-competition. The restart is on February 5 and 6 with a number of make-up matches from the first half of the competition. The second half of the competition will follow in mid-March.
The decision taken is in line with the decision for the other competitions in amateur football (category B), which will be restarted next weekend after the coronalockdown. After two years of experience with corona, it is clear that there is always uncertainty about its future development. So the worries for the rest of the season are not gone.
However, the chosen scenario has a positive approach, whereby a risk is deliberately taken, just as happens in other sectors in society. In case of new or unforeseen developments that endanger the intended course of the competitions, the board can still intervene. The main goal is and remains to finish the competition and the wish is not to mess it up too much. This has not been possible in the past two seasons because of corona and that makes promotion / relegation extra important to be able to classify all teams at the right level again.
The main goal is and remains to finish the competition and the wish is not to mess it up too much.
Mitigating risk
The risk that matches cannot be played due to corona infections in teams is somewhat limited with a number of new rules. For example, a team in category A (youth and seniors) may request a maximum postponement once due to corona infections after consultation with the KNVB. A possible second request for postponement due to corona will be assessed by the KNVB and may not harm the course of the competition. It is not possible to get a postponement for the last four rounds.
For a midweek game, the home club must provide an approved playing field. If there is no light installation, although it is necessary to be able to play football, then one must move to another location, for example a neighboring association or the opponent’s terrain (subject to agreement of the KNVB). If a grass field is not playable, then football must be played on an artificial grass field if the club has one. The match must be played on or before the date specified by the KNVB.
Coronavirus
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