TSL champion North Launceston warned after some players allegedly breached COVID-19 rules

Members of the public saw them. Launceston City Council council warned them. Now, we can reveal which club allegedly breached compulsory coronavirus regulations.

Tasmanian State League Grand Final 2019. North Launceston winning team picture. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

THE TSL’s reigning champion is the northern sports club warned by authorities not to breach COVID-19 regulations on the comeback from the pandemic shutdown.

The Launceston City Council revealed it had spoken to a club in its jurisdiction after complaints were made against players who used one of its sports grounds while allegedly not observing protocols.

Council CEO Michael Stretton did not reveal exact details of the breach.

He said a club had been spoken to this week.

It is believed the breach was of a minor nature, in that some North Launceston players had gathered for an “informal kick”.

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It happened away from UTas Stadium, the home ground of North Launceton, coached by Taylor Whitford — believed to be at Youngtown Oval on Launceston’s south side.

The council owns various facilities in its jurisdiction, including football, rugby and cricket grounds, as well as basketball and netball venues.

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In a statement to the Mercury, Mr Stretton said:

“All users of Council facilities are required to implement COVID-19 Safety and Return to Play Plans before resuming activities on our sports grounds and facilities.

“These are a compulsory requirement outlined by the State Government on the advice of health authorities.

“If any clubs or groups have questions, we’d encourage them to contact us so that we can guide them through the process.

“We are aware of a sports club that resumed training without these plans in place, and that matter has been addressed with the club involved.

“The City of Launceston now considers this matter closed.”