AFL Victoria unveils plans for local football to hit the training track
The state body will announce its training guidelines early next week for local footy and it has a date in mind for a return to grounds.
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Local footballers will soon be back on the training track.
AFL Victoria said today it would release early next week the protocols for clubs to train and was endorsing a return from Monday, May 25.
It’s the first significant step towards local football playing in the second half of the year.
“This timing will provide the opportunity to communicate our protocols with leagues and allow volunteers and clubs time to digest the protocols, go through an education period and prepare themselves ahead of returning to club sanctioned training,’’ head of community football Stephen O’Donohue said in a memo to leagues.
Key points for the return-to-play plan include:
● Training to resume in groups of up to 10 people. That does not include a coach or the minimum number of 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 is split into two zones.
“We will continue to work with the State Government to ensure alignment with their advice, and in the event of further easing of restrictions, we hope to be able to return to full training and competition later in the year, with hygiene and safety protocols firmly in place,’’ O’Donohue said.
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“Our primary focus is preparing to return to train in a safe environment in a well prepared and educated manner. In order for this return to play to be successful, and in line with Government advice, it is essential that clubs and individuals work within the timelines and protocols and do not move ahead of the level and restrictions in place.’’
He said a return to play “in a safe, hygienic and controlled manner is paramount to the AFL’’.
“The safety and wellbeing of our participants is our number one priority.
“As such, our return to play strategy has been focused on ensuring we have the clear endorsement of State Government and public health officials at every phase of return.
“Each State Government is responsible for determining what level Australian football is in their state and approving when we can transition into the next stage.
“Following Victorian Government advice around the return of community sport this week, AFL Victoria will release its return to train protocols early next week and is endorsing a return to club sanctioned training from Monday, May 25.’’
Senior and junior leagues will link up with AFL Victoria again on Tuesday as they work towards competitions in the second half of the season.