AFL considering drastic measures to protect players from spread of deadly coronavirus

The AFL is considering drastic plans to protect the sport’s stars from the spread of the deadly coronavirus, including restricting the contact between players and staff at clubs. These are the measures which could be put in place.

Large-scale fans events such as Richmond’s premiership celebrations could be discouraged.

AFL clubs are already considering implementing a raft of significant measures to try and protect the game’s stars from the rapid spread of coronavirus.

AFL legal counsel Andrew Dillon has been in contact with medical experts and clubs about a range of initiatives which could be introduced immediately to try and safeguard players and club staff from the deadly virus.

While the league was still seeking feedback on the plan, the Herald Sun has confirmed clubs could soon postpone sponsorship and community engagements, conduct all media interviews over the phone or online and encourage non-football staff to work from home.

All in-person player appearances could soon be scrapped.

Football clubs are also likely to encourage players to keep their physical distance from fans, meaning autographs and photographs could be put on hold.

Players could be discouraged from signing autographs under plans being considered by the AFL.

The league is expected to finalise the guidelines this week as it braces for the likely event fans will be banned from attending games.

Large club meetings could also be eliminated to help limit the potential of direct person-to-person transfers.

Players who are enrolled in university or tafe courses will be encouraged to use online lectures rather than attend in person.

Clubs are already strongly encouraging players to practice excellent hygiene habits and all non-essential domestic travel should be reconsidered for all club staff, the AFL has warned.

The league will strongly urge clubs to make use of technology to communicate with relevant stakeholders.

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Large-scale fans events such as Richmond’s premiership celebrations could be discouraged.

In particular, interaction between players and club administration staff should be limited.

That includes board members, sponsors and media and extended family.

As part of the measures being considered, the league could urge clubs to only allow contact between players and essential football staff including coaches and medical staff.

Any other person wishing to be in any player facility must seek approval from club medical officers.

All players or club staff who show symptoms of coronavirus must be isolated immediately.

All players will be constantly monitored and screened for the virus.

The drafted document also has a blunt warning about closing training sessions to supporters to prohibit close contact between players and the public.

“Conduct training behind closed gates and doors where possible,” the AFL draft document reads.

“Where possible do not permit player interaction with supporters.”

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Originally published as AFL considering drastic measures to protect players from spread of deadly coronavirus