Spanish football creeps closer and closer to its return, as the 42 teams comprising LaLiga Santander (top-flight) and LaLiga SmartBank (formerly known as Segunda Division) have stepped up their efforts with regards to training, in compliance to the Phase Three protocols the league devised alongside club health experts, as well as in consultation with the Spanish government and its health authorities.
The league still has eleven matchdays left on its 2019/20 calendar, and is targeting resumption of action by mid-June. In the process, they are slated to take every possible precaution necessary in order to reduce the potential spread of the pandemic within its parameters.
The first two protocol Phases centered on guidelines with regards to preparation and individualized training within club facilities. Phase Three, centers on the introduction of training by groups of up to ten players, in order to get the sides ready when the time comes that it is already safe to restart the season. Aside from that, there are nine other points of emphasis LaLiga wants to highlight in Phase Three:
1. Training in groups of ten
At this third stage of the protocol, players can now take part in group training. Squads are divided into three groups of ten players, which enter the club facilities at minimum 15-minute intervals. If only two training fields are available, one is split into two, with one group on either side. All players in the group can use the gym at the same time, provided they respect social distancing of at least two metres. During this third stage, a physiotherapist is assigned to each group of ten players.
2. Stay at home as much as possible
At this stage players live in their own residences and are advised to seriously limit the number of times they go anywhere other than the training ground. The biggest chance of contagion lies in trips to shops or any other public places where the environment is less controlled.
3. Personal behaviour
The health habits and social distancing rules learned during confinement remain vital. These include handwashing, taking care never to cough or sneeze without covering the mouth and nose, aiming to touch eyes, nose and mouth as little as possible, and maintaining a distance of at least two metres from team-mates and club staff.
4. Mask and gloves
Players are told to always wear a mask and gloves whenever they leave their homes, including when moving around club facilities or the team hotel. They may remove the mask and gloves during physical exercise.
4. Eating at the training ground
Players who have breakfast, lunch or an evening meal in the club canteen will always do so only in the company of their assigned training group. They each get their own container and personal bag of food and must remain at least two metres from their teammates at all times.
6. Changing rooms
Players are not permitted to use communal changing rooms. They must instead change into their training gear before arriving at club facilities, and shower at home afterwards. Only coaches and technical staff are allowed use of the changing rooms, after training and in case of inclement weather.
7. Precautions on returning home
When entering their home, players must remove their shoes and take off all outdoor clothes for washing, then carefully remove their gloves and throw them away safely. They should try not to touch anything and shower immediately. Anything brought in from outside, including keys, mobile phone and glasses, should be cleaned with soap and water or alcohol solution.
8. Precautions when leaving the house
When leaving home for any reason other than training, players are advised to wear long sleeves, avoid using public transport and never pay in cash. They are reminded that when visiting a shop, hairdresser, café/terrace or supermarket they could come into close contact with people who may be carriers of COVID-19.
9. Contact club immediately if any potential symptoms appear
Any player who believes they may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a high temperature, dry cough, sore throat, headache, difficulty in breathing, or even tiredness, must call their coach immediately. They must stay away from the training facility and instead self-isolate until they receive further instructions.
10. Quarantine/self-isolating protocol
Players who are self-isolating at home are in constant contact with medical staff. They are advised to sleep in separate bedrooms and use separate bathrooms where possible, to not share cutlery or kitchenware, clean all surfaces regularly, and wash clothes, towels and bedding as often as possible.
At this third stage of the protocol, players can now take part in group training. Squads are divided into three groups of ten players, which enter the club facilities at minimum 15-minute intervals. If only two training fields are available, one is split into two, with one group on either side. All players in the group can use the gym at the same time, provided they respect social distancing of at least two metres. During this third stage, a physiotherapist is assigned to each group of ten players.
2. Stay at home as much as possible
At this stage players live in their own residences and are advised to seriously limit the number of times they go anywhere other than the training ground. The biggest chance of contagion lies in trips to shops or any other public places where the environment is less controlled.
3. Personal behaviour
The health habits and social distancing rules learned during confinement remain vital. These include handwashing, taking care never to cough or sneeze without covering the mouth and nose, aiming to touch eyes, nose and mouth as little as possible, and maintaining a distance of at least two metres from team-mates and club staff.
4. Mask and gloves
Players are told to always wear a mask and gloves whenever they leave their homes, including when moving around club facilities or the team hotel. They may remove the mask and gloves during physical exercise.
4. Eating at the training ground
Players who have breakfast, lunch or an evening meal in the club canteen will always do so only in the company of their assigned training group. They each get their own container and personal bag of food and must remain at least two metres from their teammates at all times.
6. Changing rooms
Players are not permitted to use communal changing rooms. They must instead change into their training gear before arriving at club facilities, and shower at home afterwards. Only coaches and technical staff are allowed use of the changing rooms, after training and in case of inclement weather.
7. Precautions on returning home
When entering their home, players must remove their shoes and take off all outdoor clothes for washing, then carefully remove their gloves and throw them away safely. They should try not to touch anything and shower immediately. Anything brought in from outside, including keys, mobile phone and glasses, should be cleaned with soap and water or alcohol solution.
8. Precautions when leaving the house
When leaving home for any reason other than training, players are advised to wear long sleeves, avoid using public transport and never pay in cash. They are reminded that when visiting a shop, hairdresser, café/terrace or supermarket they could come into close contact with people who may be carriers of COVID-19.
9. Contact club immediately if any potential symptoms appear
Any player who believes they may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a high temperature, dry cough, sore throat, headache, difficulty in breathing, or even tiredness, must call their coach immediately. They must stay away from the training facility and instead self-isolate until they receive further instructions.
10. Quarantine/self-isolating protocol
Players who are self-isolating at home are in constant contact with medical staff. They are advised to sleep in separate bedrooms and use separate bathrooms where possible, to not share cutlery or kitchenware, clean all surfaces regularly, and wash clothes, towels and bedding as often as possible.
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