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Players are returning to training, but games seem a long way off

Players are set to hit ovals, courts and fields around the state to resume training in coming days, but have no clear picture yet about when they can compete again. Here’s what we know so far.

Soccer is the only sport that has set a date for the start of competition. Picture: Hamish Blair
Soccer is the only sport that has set a date for the start of competition. Picture: Hamish Blair

Local sports remain in limbo about when they will return to competition, with a number of key hurdles to overcome before leagues and associations can breathe life into their seasons again.

Most community sports have announced they will return to training over the next two weeks, with strict rules around social distancing and the number of people who can train together.

But so far only Football Victoria has announced proposed dates for resumption of competitive play.

On Tuesday night soccer’s governing body announced they hope to have community clubs back on pitches playing for points on June 28, and National Premier League junior clubs back on June 20.

NPL senior clubs would return to action in early July, under the proposal.

Football Victoria said the dates were targets only and are subject to any further advice from federal and state chief health officers.

Morgan Doyle, Bree-Elle Crompton, Ash Burke and Elen Doyle are looking forward to getting back to training. Picture: Glenn Ferguson
Morgan Doyle, Bree-Elle Crompton, Ash Burke and Elen Doyle are looking forward to getting back to training. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

“Our decision to go public with these dates is indicative of our commitment to ensure that competitive football at all levels returns as soon as possible,” a release said.

“Football Victoria will continue to keep the football community informed and updated in the coming weeks with regard to any developments, especially in regard to the resumption of increased training numbers and, ultimately, the return of competition play.”

While no other governing would release dates, the Associated Public Schools yesterday (20/5/20) said they would look to go ahead with a truncated winter season at the start of term three which begins on July 13.

The APS confirmed to the Leader that includes indoor sports, such as basketball.

That gives hope to local basketball competitions, meaning a return to the court could be on the cards in just under two months.

Basketballers are allowed to start training, but only outdoors. Picture: Jason Edwards
Basketballers are allowed to start training, but only outdoors. Picture: Jason Edwards

AFL Victoria announced on Tuesday night players can return to training on Monday, but wouldn’t offer any tentative dates around its return to competition.

It did announce each club must appoint a COVID safety officer.

On Monday night Netball Victoria released a plan to get players back competing on the court.

It outlined a further two steps that must be taken before leagues and associations can start games again, which is step three of its plan.

It didn’t offer any dates on when each step would be taken.

Basketball Victoria has advised teams and players they can resume training, but only outdoors.

It will look at potentially returning to indoor training after a state government review of restrictions on May 31.

MORE NEWS:

SOCCER SETS RETURN DATE FOR MATCHES

THE NEW ROLE WITH THE MOST POWER IN FOOTY

NETBALL TRAINING RETURNS – BUT NOT AS YOU KNEW IT

WHAT’S BACK

SOCCER

NPL Juniors: June 20

Community clubs: June 28

NPL Seniors: Early July

AUSSIE RULES

Training resumes May 25

No competition dates set yet

NETBALL

Training resumes May 21

No competition dates set yet

BASKETBALL

Training has resumed

No competition dates set yet

SCHOOL SPORT

APS Winter Sport: July 13

AGSV: Releasing info June 1

james.mottershead@news.com.au

@mottersjames

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/sport/players-are-returning-to-training-but-games-seem-a-long-way-off/news-story/d6bc34cab3fb0ceb377a7241cc51c37d