Full vaccination policy to be implemented for all SANFL players and staff ahead of season 2022

South Australia’s top tier football league has announced its “no jab, no play” plan ahead of season 2022. See what it means for players, staff and officials.

South Australia’s governing football body will introduce a mandatory Covid-19 vaccination policy for all staff and players.

SANFL chief executive Darren Chandler announced the policy, approved and adopted by the South Australian Football Commission, would require full vaccination by January 28, 2022 on Tuesday.

Players and football staff, which includes employees, contractors and volunteers, will need full vaccination and will need to maintain fully vaccinated status by receiving any necessary booster shots.

LISTED: THE LOCAL SA SPORTS WHERE PLAYERS MUST BE VAXXED

Chandler said the policy was in line with the SANFL’s goal of protecting the league and the football community in SA.

“We’ve been taking a strong stance on vaccination and this policy delivers on our commitment to protect players, staff, volunteers and the broader community,” he said.

SANFL chief executive Darren Chandler has announced a mandatory Covid-19 vaccination plan for SANFL staff and players. Picture: Supplied

“Our priority is to create the safest environment possible for our players, staff and volunteers while also doing everything we possibly can to keep all South Australians safe and minimise any risk of Covid transmission.”

The competitions impacted include SANFL League and Reserves, SANFLW and Development League, SANFL U18 Torrens University Cup, SANFL U16 Torrens University Cup, SANFL U16 Girls, Male and Female Talent Pathway Programs and the SANFL Wheelchair Football League.

The new policy comes after the SANFL introduced its workplace policy last month which requires umpires to be fully vaccinated by January 10, 2022.

Chandler said the league’s staff were all for the vaccination mandates.

“We expect close to 90 per cent of our staff are currently vaccinated and that will increase in coming weeks,” he said.

“Everyone seems on-board.”

Community football will not be a part of the SANFL’s policy and individual leagues have been left to decide on their vaccine approaches ahead of the 2022 season.

2021 Magarey Medallist James Tsitas tussles against Central District. All players in SANFL competitions will need to be fully vaccinated ahead of next season. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Chandler said the SANFL would continue to work with community leagues regarding vaccination.

“We will continue to work with community football and encourage as many people to get vaccinated as possible,” he said.

“We’ve said for a long time that we’re encouraging it. We’re a leading sport in this state and we need to set an example and work with the government to increase vaccination.”

Chandler also said the SANFL was continuing to consult with SA Health in regards to patrons with an announcement set to be made early next year as part of the league’s Covid management plan.