NO STONE WAS LEFT UNTURNED

IT WAS only when Boreham Wood’s 118page matchday protocol document landed in my email inbox last week did I realise the true scale of the mission to restart Non-League.

- David Richardson

From staggered arrival times to having ten balls placed on cones around the pitch at all times – not a stone was left unturned to ensure football could be safely played again.

The execution of the comprehensive matchday protocol was flawless at Meadow Park when Wood took on FC Halifax Town in the opening fixture of the National League play-off schedule, as it was when I also visited Yeovil Town and Slough Town last weekend.

Many of the clubs who have staged these games have been able to do so by the outstanding efforts of volunteers, who deserve immense credit for carrying out such a thorough and clear process.

For every fixture, each stadium is divided into three zones – green, amber and red – with protocols specific to them and individuals are not permitted in an area they are not accredited for.

Written press are allowed in amber and green zones which is essentially areas outside and surrounding the stadium and certain stands or terraces. There is then a one-way system to follow once inside. Media are required to fill in and submit a symptom questionnaire on the day of the game – for the Boreham Wood fixture this was required before 9 am.

Arrival times vary depending on the individual and entry won’t be granted should you have a temperature of more than 37.7°C.