Community sports awaiting news on a return to training, games as Football Victoria, Netball Victoria move forward
Netball Victoria has announced a set of strict new rules to allow players back onto courts around the state this week. And as all grassroots clubs finalise back-to-training decisions, here’s where your local sport is at.
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Netballers around Victoria can return to training on Thursday but strict protocols are to be adopted by clubs, Netball Victoria warns.
Only outdoor training venues can be used by clubs and associations, and players can train in groups of up to 10 people per zone, not including coaching staff.
A court is considered to be a zone.
Groups must remain constant and where there are multiple courts with groups of 10 on each, players cannot swap between groups.
There is also a push for staggering training times with 20 minute intervals so players and staff don’t come into contact with other users of courts.
No spectators, including parents, are permitted to attend training sessions.
Netball Victoria says it will hold three free webinars to help clubs, associations and leagues make a smooth transition to the resumption of netball around the state.
It comes after an announcement by Football Victoria that soccer players around the state can return to training after the easing of stage three restrictions.
But there are strict guidelines they need to adhere to including no heading of the ball, no throw-ins or tackling.
FV Chief Executive Peter Filopoulos said he was delighted to see the state’s footballers return to the field.
“We’ve got many thousands of footballers who’ve been patiently waiting to return to the field and we know it’s going to be a thrill for them to get back out there,” he said.
“We remind all clubs and all participants to read the rules and to understand exactly how they will implement the return to training conditions“.
Local soccer club East Kew FC’s president Vange Sirianos said he was excited to get the junior and senior sides back on the field.
“We are looking forward to it,” Mr Sirianos said.
“We want to make sure it’s all safe to do so and we are following the advice of the federation and the state government and participate according to their requirements.”
A big part of community sport has been connecting with friends on a weekly basis at training sessions and game day.
Mr Sirianos said a lot of the players were looking forward to doing all that once it’s all systems go on play again.
“We are just keen to get back up and going again,” Mr Sirianos said.
“We know a lot of the kids and players are all excited and looking forward to getting out there and reconnecting with friends.”
Heard any rumours about your league or team returning to training or playing? Email james.mottershead@news.com.au
SOCCER
Can return to training but clubs who are leaseholders at their training venues must seek clarification and approval from the landlord (e.g. council) regarding access to venues and any conditions they may have in relation to that access.
A strict set of guidelines have been released that players and officials must adhere to.
AUSSIE RULES
Teams can resume training in two groups of 10 at footy ovals around the state on May 25.
But the two groups must be on separate sides or ends of the oval, which has to be split into two zones.
“In addition, an important part of this return to play process is the requirement of each club to appoint a COVID safety officer that is responsible for ensuring these protocols are adhered to and participants can return to a prepared and safe environment,” head of community football Victoria Stephen O’Donohue said.
AFL Victoria will release a more comprehensive set of guidelines early this week.
HOCKEY
Hockey Victoria CEO Andrew Skillern said it could take more than a week to clarify and confirm how the eased restrictions will apply to hockey.
“For example, can a hockey pitch be divided into 4 zones, with 10 people training in each zone while still maintaining the social distancing rules, does a coach count as one of the 10 people, can players access toilets,” he said.
“There are numerous details yet to be confirmed and finalised. We will now work with the relevant authorities to finalise these details and communicate the first draft of Hockey Victoria’s return to hockey guidelines.
“Until then, Hockey Victoria strongly recommends that clubs hold off on organising any formal training sessions under the eased restrictions.”
Mr Skillern said he expects to release the guidelines in the next week.
NETBALL
Training can resume on May 21 with one group of 10 people per netball court. If the facility has multiple courts more than one group of 10 can train.
■ A netball court will be considered a zone, and as such, each group must train on their designated court.
■ Groups of 10 should not mix with each other and should remain constant (i.e. no swapping between groups).
■ Ensure that multiple groups do not congregate.
■ Consider staggering training times to reduce contact between groups. Allow 20 minutes between each group’s scheduled training time.
TENNIS
Tennis players and clubs are getting back into the swing of things and Tennis Victoria has released a “return to tennis toolkit” to provide guidelines.
Both singles and doubles can be played with players keeping 1.5 metres apart.
Lessons for kids have also returned, with groups of no more than 10 taking to the court, while social tennis and competitive tennis making a return at most venues this weekend.
Guidelines stipulate bookings for courts should be staggered, while clubrooms are to be kept closed unless someone needs to go to the toilet.
ATHLETICS
Athletic competitions and meets (including Little Aths) remain in the lurch with Athletics Victoria releasing a set of three guidelines for members, clubs and associated to adhere to.
The executive team is encouraging people to engage in exercise and physical activity in small groups of no more than 10 people, while adhering to social distancing.
The executive team also warned no one can set up or engage in a competition or event of any kind, and anyone who does can be fined and won’t be covered by insurance.
“We must continue to be patient. The great work people are doing at this point in time is helping to further decrease the spread of COVID-19, but this does not mean we can suddenly shift the needle and host events,” Athletics Victoria president Allison Robison said.