AFL players told ‘love’ in the time of coronavirus is allowed, but serial hook-ups are out of bounds
New dad Jake Lever isn’t worried by the AFL’s tough stance on sexual relationships, but says a few of his single teammates are annoyed by a key protocol for footy’s return.
AFL News
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Players have been urged to act responsibly in regards to their sexual relationships to help avoid contracting coronavirus.
The AFL’s return to play protocols prohibit players from having visitors in their own homes other than their partner or a friend or family member who is providing care or support for their wellbeing.
The league has had to take a strong stance on the matter of players having multiple friends at their house and banning parties to help keep the game alive this season.
But the issue of sexual partners has been tricky as the game’s stars seek clarity around who they can have relations with.
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The AFL’s official guidelines for the coming months stipulate only that players can see “a person they are in an intimate relationship with”.
When pressed on Monday, the AFL said it would not ban one-night stands, but it is understood the league would deem a series of hook-ups out of bounds.
Players have been told they may face penalties if they catch COVID-19 after having casual hook-ups.
Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said the protocols require players to show restraint.
“I think what it is saying is calm down a bit guys, and just keep the visitors down to a minimum,” McGuire said on Triple M.
“There’s no point going through this if randoms (sexual partners) are coming from everywhere.”
Melbourne defender Jake Lever said the new guidelines had got some of the Demons’ younger players quite “disappointed”.
Lever is married and has a young child but said he hoped for the sake of other players some restrictions around who players could and couldn’t see would be wound back.
“It doesn’t really affect me. I’ve got a little baby at home and a wife so lucky for me, I’m pretty happy,” Lever said.
“But the single boys, there have been a few murmurs around that they’re really disappointed.
“But it’s really important to make sure that the whole industry’s really safe.
“I think it’s just really important that we follow these rules and whenever the AFLPA and AFL look at these rules again, if we can restrict them or get rid of some of them that would be great.”
Essendon coach John Worsfold said players and staff needed to be selfless to ensure their safety and the health of others.
“They all understand that if they get infected through not taking the appropriate measures, they put everyone else (firstly) at our club at risk — the playing group and the other staff - but (also) the competition as a whole,” Worsfold said.
“So, being smart about where the risks lie and weighing those risks up and making the good decisions around that.”
Questions have also been raised about how any indiscretions would be policed or punished.
AFL boss Gillon McLachlan said last week it had created a grading system — “intentional, reckless or careless” — for any breaches of coronavirus protocols.
Players have been privately urged to avoid any irresponsible sexual behaviour which could put them and their teammates at heightened risk of contracting COVID-19.
While those expectations have not been officially documented, the AFL wants players to be sensible about their activities away from the club.
The AFL has made clear players must limit their direct contact with the general public to be able to complete the season in the face of the public health crisis.
As part of the strict measures players are banned from dining in cafes, bars or restaurants.
Players cannot “let any social visitors into your home” (including their garage or yard).
Any player who is suspected of a breach will be investigated and will face sanctions if they have acted inappropriately. The offences will be graded in-line with their seriousness.
The AFL said the strict measures and potential punishments were necessary to help keep the game afloat.
“The protocols include a process for investigating breaches, and particular sanctions for different types and levels of breach,” the guidelines state.
“Breaches of the protocols jeopardise your own health, the health of your teammates and opponents, and the health of club staff, as well as jeopardising the continuation of the competition in 2020.”
Each club has a COVID compliance officer to discuss each player’s personal circumstances and relationship queries, while the AFL Players’ Association is also supporting its members.
The AFL is in the process of completing the first phase of its fixture taking the first five or six rounds.
The mid-season and pre-finals byes have been scrapped but the league will attempt to give every team an eight-day break around “the middle of the season”.
Players will have three days off in that eight-day break.
The league is trying to minimise the number of five-day breaks between games for clubs.