State Government announces crowds of up to 500 allowed at SA local footy matches from July 3
In the most significant step yet towards the return of local footy, crowds of up to 500 will be able to attend SANFL and community league matches from early next month.
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Crowds will be able to attend SANFL and local football matches in South Australia from early next month after the State Government gave the green light on Tuesday.
In the most significant step yet towards the return of grassroots competitions, Premier Steven Marshall announced up to 500 spectators would be able to attend matches from July 3.
It is a significant boost for the SANFL and community football leagues across the state, which rely heavily on revenue from crowds to hold games.
The decision came ahead of a key meeting on Tuesday night to between the SANFL and SA metropolitan and country league bosses to discuss their seasons.
Community league leaders have said they would not be able to play this year unless crowds were allowed to attend games.
“We can now confirm that 500 will be available for those matches,” Mr Marshall said.
“I know people are very keen to have spectators back at sport right across South Australia.”
SANFL chief executive Jake Parkinson said the league would await further detail and advice from SA Health and SAPOL before moving to the next stage of its return to play plan.
“SANFL will continue to be committed to ensuring leagues and clubs are prepared and educated to deliver COVID-safe environments and a return to competition with spectators in a safe and healthy manner,” Parkinson said.
Contact sport matches without spectators are permitted from June 26 and the SANFL has scheduled a Saturday, June 27 start at Adelaide Oval for the opening two rounds.
Reserves, under 18s and women’s league will also be in action from the same date.
However Parkinson said he was also hopeful of increasing spectator numbers in rounds one and two for the matches at Adelaide Oval pending the success of 2000 fans attending this weekend’s AFL Showdown.
The Adelaide Footy League last week released fixtures for a nine-round season beginning on July 4 for all seven divisions.
League chief executive John Kernahan said the announcement was a significant step towards the competition returning.
“This is great news,” Kernahan said.
“The longer we went without any clear view of light at the end of the tunnel, the more likely volunteer and player disengagement was going to be a threat for a decline in participation.”
Country competitions including the Great Southern and Hills football leagues had also planned to get matches underway early next month.
However at least two associations – the Great Flinders and Mallee football leagues – have cancelled their 2020 seasons, while some individual clubs have pulled out.