AFL COVID-19 Bible: What players can and can’t do as footy restarts

Life for AFL players will be very different from the rest of us as the AFL imposes strict rules to limit exposure to coronavirus. See the full list sent to every player plus the biggest hub FAQs.

Geelong Cats champion and fishing enthusiast Patrick Dangerfield7. Picture: David Caird

You can go to the supermarket, drop your kids at school or move house. But golf, surfing and fishing are all out — if you’re an AFL player.

The AFL has sent a memo to every player outlining what they can and can’t do as the league aims to restart the 2020 season on June 11.

While fears of being confined to a hub for five months have passed, players will have very restricted lives compared to the rest of us.

The AFL has threatened serious penalties — including being deregistered — for players caught breaking the rules and potentially exposing themselves, and their teammates, to coronavirus.

Here are the rules handed to players plus the most frequently asked questions about players confined to hubs in Queensland.

WHAT CAN I DO?

— Exercise outdoors by yourself or with household members (eg running, walking)

— Go to the supermarket

— Go to the pharmacy

— Go to the petrol station

— Go for a drive

— Pick up takeaway food or drink (eg takeaway coffee or food from a cafe)

Essendon coach John Worsfold can go to the shop for a coffee.

— Seek medical care

— Take kids to school or daycare

— Pick up kids from another person’s house

— See someone you are in an intimate relationship with (eg partner that you don’t live with) – at their house or yours

— Provide care to others (eg a parent that needs your help)

— Visit a close friend or family member in hospital

— Move house (including house inspections if selling)

— Maintain other properties you own but don’t live in (by yourself or with household members)

Exercising outside is OK, so Giants Lachie Whitfield and Nick Haynes are in the clear.

— Go to the vet

— Go to a wedding (within Government restrictions)

— Go to a funeral (within Government restrictions)

WHAT CAN’T I DO?

— Surf

— Play golf

— Let any social visitors into your home (your home includes your garage or yard)

— Sit down in a cafe for a meal or coffee

— Go for a picnic in the park

— Take kids to a playground

— Go fishing or boating

Geelong champion Patrick Dangerfield will have to put fishing on hold. Picture: David Caird

— Go over to a friend’s house for a meal

— Have people, including your family if they don’t live with you, over to your house (even if

someone else invited them)

— Go to work at another job outside football

— Go to uni in person

— Do volunteering or community work

* Your family, housemates, or whoever else you live with, are not strictly bound by these rules.

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

If medical experts identify concerns with a player or staff member’s living arrangements, they will work on a plan to minimise any COVID-19 risks such as additional testing, increased hygiene oradjustments to the household environment. If ‘high risks’ cannot be solved, a player or staff member might be asked to live somewhere else.

HUB RULES

Rules for players from West Australian and South Australian clubs who are relocating to hubs in Queensland.

Can players leave hub grounds to exercise?

Yes.

Can they play golf at the resort?

Not at this stage, but the AFL will work with the resorts and relevant health authorities to seek a change to this as soon as possible.

Can they go to the beach or get a takeaway coffee?

Players can go to the beach for exercise, and attend cafes and restaurants for takeaway coffee and food.

Can we eat meals and hang out together in the hub?

Yes, as long as social distancing guidelines are met.

Nathan Jones is one of many players who will miss his surfing escapes.

Do we get single rooms?

Yes.

Does the whole squad go?

There are no restrictions on player numbers.

What are the rules around family members?

The AFL will pay for the costs of family travelling to, and staying in, the hub. They will need to return a negative test before entering but won’t continue to be tested. There is no minimum or maximum time for families to be there.

How long will players be in hubs?

It is uncertain at this stage.

Can players leave for a family emergency?

Yes, you can leave for compassionate reasons at any time. It’s important to note that you will be subject to any quarantine restrictions put in place by your state government.

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Originally published as AFL COVID-19 Bible: What players can and can’t do as footy restarts