AFL Victoria releases its small group training guidelines
Forget the president or senior coach, once local footy players get back to training next week there’s one person they are going to have to impress.
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Footy is a step closer to a long-awaited return to the park with AFL Victoria announcing return to training protocols that will come into effect this Monday.
In announcing the guidelines, AFL Victoria said that following last week’s State Government advice around the return of community sport, football clubs will be able to commence small-group outdoor training beginning on Monday, May 25.
In a six-page document, AFL Victoria listed guidelines and responsibilities that must be adhered to including:
■ Clubs can undertake training in groups of no larger than 10, though the group of 10 does not include a coach/support staff reasonably required to manage the activity. Two groups of 10 can use the same oval, provided they do not operate closely together, and the oval must be split into two zones. No more than two training groups can use the oval at any one time, with groups not permitted to interact.
■ All training must strictly observe social distancing requirements of 1.5m and must be non-contact. Tackling, bumping and marking contests will not be permitted.
■ Footballs can be used, however only limited additional equipment is permitted like marker cones.
■ All clubrooms, changerooms and wet areas are not to be used.
■ Clubs must implement hygiene protocols as per the State Government guidelines, including washing hands, avoiding facial touching, staying at home if sick, covering mouth and elbow to cough or sneeze.
■ Clubs must nominate an official or officials to undertake the Australian Government online COVID-19 infection control training prior to recommencement of club activity.
■ Clubs to implement a log or register to keep a track of the participants in attendance at all training sessions.
The COVID safety officer is likely to become the most important position in a club with a long list of responsibilities including:
● Ensuring all players, coaches and officials are aware of the return to training protocols.
● Ensuring clubs adhere to these protocols and take immediate steps to correct any identified breaches of the protocols.
● Developing any processes or initiatives that will aid a club’s adherence to the protocols.
● Implementing and maintaining training logs/registers
● Keeping up to date with any changes to the protocols implemented by AFL Victoria and communicating these to all at the club.
● Being the contact point for any questions from club members (players, coaches, officials, spectators) relating to the protocols.
AFL Victoria has encouraged clubs to have a number of people take ownership of the role to share the responsibility.
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The AFL’s head of community football Victoria, Stephen O’Donohue, said AFL Victoria is looking forward to clubs being able to return to training in a safe environment and in a well-prepared and educated manner.
“This is a significant step for community football in Victoria and we are pleased clubs can return to small outdoor group training next week,” he said.
“Returning to train in a safe, hygienic and controlled manner is paramount to AFL Victoria and the safety and wellbeing of all participants remains our No.1 priority.
“We encourage all Victorian leagues, clubs and volunteers to familiarise themselves with the training guide and to formulate an education and implementation plan to prepare their respective clubs to return to train safely.”
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