AFL Outer East: League to release its road map back to competitive footy, players can start training
The COVID-19 fog will start to get a little clearer for AFL Outer East clubs on June 2 with the league set to release its road map for a return to footy.
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June 2 looms as D-Day for AFL Outer East clubs with the league set to announce its road map for a return to competitive footy at noon before players are allowed back out on the training track that night.
AFL Outer East region general manager Aaron Bailey met with clubs via zoom last night to keep them up to date with developments in the wake of AFL Victoria’s release of guidelines for a return to small group training on Monday.
That document greenlighted a return to training in groups of 10 (two per oval) — with hygiene requirements and the appointment of a COVID safety officer at each club — as early as May 25.
AFL Outer East, however, maintained its suspension of all club sanctioned training to allow clubs time to process the guidelines and be better prepared to meet the requirements.
“We need time to go through it, the clubs need time to go through it, even ourselves at the AFL Outer East need time to understand the measures and implications,” Bailey said.
“I believe they (the guidelines) are achievable but we are mindful that it takes some time to go through it all.
“We will be putting some steps in place to support our clubs to return. But we don't all have to rush back at once.”
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The league boss said the June 2 announcement will provide more clarity in what has been an uncertain time.
“We will be setting dates and protocols for a return,” Bailey said. “We’ll provide our clubs with a road map back and we’ll be announcing our intentions on what that is going to look like.
“The best thing to do is say ‘this is our plan’.”
Bailey said the crowd restriction numbers set by the state government would continue to be a hurdle to any resumption of competitive footy and the league remains steadfast that there will be no return if it puts the future of clubs at risk.
“It has to be viable for clubs, it has to be financially sustainable,” he said.
Any steps towards a return will be carefully considered and taken cautiously.
“It’s like being late for work,” Bailey said. “You need every green light to make it on time. If we get one red light, then you’re not going to get to work.”
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