Respect Handshake Guidance
respect handshake & coronavirus
A number of Clubs have contacted Gloucestershire FA seeking guidance on the Respect Handshakes used prior to the start of GFA Cup matches.
Gloucestershire FA is following current Government and FA advice on the spread of Coronavirus which, at the time of writing, does not offer any guidance to say that players should not be shaking hands but highlights and emphasises the need for good hand hygiene at all times.
It is our recommendation that Respect Handshakes are not completed before the start of GFA Cup matches. If teams and match officials want to use an alternate of recognising Respect, such as fist-bumping or toe-tapping, this can be done.
The FA is actively monitoring and adopting Government advice, and as a matter of good practice, Gloucestershire FA recommends that Players, Referees, Clubs and Leagues adopt the same approach.