High fives, halftime huddle and crowd caps: AFL Victoria backflips on proposed local footy changes

A raft of proposed changes to crowd rules for community and country footy have been scrapped by AFL Victoria.

Changes to local footy crowds have been revised by AFL Victoria.

Strict rules restricting crowd sizes and fan behaviour at country and community footy are set to be relaxed in time for the start of grassroots seasons.

A raft of rules including a ban on players high fiving or shaking hands and a requirement that only a mum or dad attend their children’s games have been scrapped by AFL Victoria.

It comes as community footy chiefs continue to call for crowd caps of 1000 without special permits to be increased, while up to 50,000 people are allowed at the MCG for AFL matches.

AFL Victoria’s “Return to play and training’’ edict to non-professional leagues and clubs was updated after the Saturday Herald Sun last week revealed community angst at several rules hard to enforce.

Rules against spectators stepping onto the ground during breaks in play — such as to hear a coach’s half time address — have since been axed.

And the state government is expected to clear the way for crowd size limits to be increased at country and community games as early as Monday.

Phillip Island Football Netball president Chris Ross said it was “gut wrenching’’ his club had been told to keep crowds below 1000 when it typically attracts up to 5000 for its Easter Saturday match.

“It’s outrageous you’ve got people body-to-body with no masks on in clubs yet we’re limited to 1000 on an outdoor oval,’’ he said.

“Easter Saturday sets us up for the year and we really on it so to have that taken away leaves us with a lot of work to do.’’

Spectators will now be allowed to listen to the coach’s half-time address.

Former AFL Gippsland commissioner John White called on the league to approve crowds of at least 5000 at all games by Easter.

“There is more chance of catching Covid sitting with 50,000 at the G than standing around a footy ground at Phillip Island and other hot holiday spots over Easter,” he said.

AFL Victoria’s coronavirus safety rules last week said only players and officials would be allowed on the ground during matches, including breaks, and at training.

It said no spectators could step on grounds during breaks or after the match, making kick-to-kick off limits.

But updated rules now say: “Spectators entering the ground must adhere to gathering limits of 100 people”

Clubs will still be expected to contact police if crowds refuse to safely socially distance, with spot checks to be conducted by cops and Department of Health officers at matches.

Police can issue on the spot fines of up to $1,652 for individuals and $9,913 for businesses who fail to comply.

In a statement, the Department of Health said: “everyone must play their part by observing the chief health officer directions.

Spectators will now be allowed onto the field in between quarters.

“Our authorised officers are still doing spot checks on businesses, which may include sporting clubs, to ensure compliance and those who aren’t doing the right thing risk a substantial fine.’’

Players had also been told to shower at home rather than at the club where possible and not share fruit or lollies.

Both rules have been removed from guidelines.

State Nationals MLC Melina Bath branded the country spectator limits “illogical and inconsistent” and called on Premier Daniel Andrews to remove the 1000-person limit.

“It is unfair to cop a 1000-person spectator cap when there is sufficient space all around our country ovals to keep social-distancing requirements,’’ she said.

“Gate takings are always important for our regional communities and … really keep our clubs chugging along.’’

AFL Victoria spokesman Nick Hulett said the league was working closely with the state government on a daily basis “and the situation has been evolving quickly”.

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Originally published as High fives, halftime huddle and crowd caps: AFL Victoria backflips on proposed local footy changes