AFL to review tight restriction and no-golf ban after Round 2
Players are getting somewhat restless, asking clubs how long they will effectively be house-bound — in particular when they can play golf and go surfing. And they might get their wish soon.
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THE AFL has agreed to a review of strict player restrictions after Round 2 as players continue to push to be allowed to surf and play golf in their free time.
The Victorian state government’s new provisions announced on Sunday allow up to 20 people in houses and a range of new activities that were previously banned.
Players across the competition are aware they must sacrifice if Australia’s state governments and health authorities are to allow them exemptions to play professional sport.
But the Herald Sun understands they continue to ask clubs how long they will effectively be house-bound and in particular be prevented from golfing and surfing.
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The AFL and player union have agreed to a review of the biosecurity protocols after Round 2, which could see players allowed more interactions with friends and out onto golf courses and surf beaches.
The AFL’s current protocols allow footballers only to leave their houses to play and train, go to the shops for food and necessities, go to the doctors, move house, attend funerals or seek medical help.
They are unable to surf, play golf, go to cafes, go to playgrounds or picnic areas, go fishing or boating, go to a friend’s house, go to uni or work another job other than football.
Some players have asked why they will in essence be two levels of restrictions behind the general public within weeks.
The majority of players are also aware they must live with tighter restrictions than the general community and that their lives will not mirror friends and family if they are to play football.
In its dossier to players the AFL agreed it would try to quickly relax restrictions around players in hubs housed on golf courses actually playing golf.
But the league has been unapologetic about its restrictions because it believes it must do everything to lessen the chance of any players contracting coronavirus.
In that memo to players the league told them it needed unrivalled restrictions for state governments to agree to its requests to return to football.
“For the season to restart, exceptions have been provided by all Governments to allow the AFL to do many activities which are currently banned in all States – such as gathering in groups of more than 10 people, having close physical contact, using gym facilities, and travelling interstate.
“All these activities increase risk of transmission and spread of COVID-19. Therefore, to obtain all Governments approval to do these things and to protect the health of players, staff and the community, further restrictions are required in the day-to-day
environment outside Clubs and games.
“The restrictions are subject to change and will be constantly reviewed throughout the season.”
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan revealed recently that over 1200 coronavirus tests for players, officials and coaches had come back negative, an outstanding number that has allowed the league to forge ahead with return-to-play plans.
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