Tasmanian football kicks off this weekend with several game-day traditions banned for the moment

TSL games kick off this weekend, with some footy traditions in all competitions will be banned under new COVID-19 rules — here’s what players can and cannot do at the game this weekend.

AFL Tasmania has launched a video with Return to Play Protocols explained ahead of the start of the TSL season.

LIMITED fans are allowed into TSL games tomorrow when the season kicks off but gathering at the huddles at quarter-time and three quarter-time is banned as well as the traditional kick of the footy on the ground at halftime.

AFL Tasmania has released a series of short Return to Play Protocol videos on its website and Facebook feed to inform supporters of their coronavirus responsibilities.

Only 500 people in total are allowed at outdoor gatherings in Tasmania under stage three restrictions.

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Football. Tasmanian State League – gathering at huddles has been banned for the start up of all football across Tasmania. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

For TSL games and every other football competition around the state, players, support staff, umpires and officials are included in the count before the general public is allowed through the gate.

“The Return to Play Protocols are really important for a safe return of our game,” said AFL Tasmania CEO Trish Squires.

“We know football plays an important role in the community and we all need to work together and adhere to the protocols for the benefit of the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians.

“The biggest adjustment for fans may be not going out for the quarter-time huddle or a halftime kick but it is a small sacrifice for the health and safety of our community.”

Round 1 is this weekend - attendances of 500 are permitted. Please be respectful of gate staff.

Posted by Tasmanian State League on Monday, 6 July 2020

Some TSL clubs pre-sold tickets to their games.

Reigning premier North Launceston was first to launch pre-sales and sold out almost immediately its general public tickets.

It also has a full house of 250 — the maximum allowed for indoor gatherings — for its separate corporate facility at UTas Stadium for its season opener against North Hobart there tomorrow.

“We are working closely with all leagues and clubs in adhering to state government requirements and to promote good hygiene practices for players and officials,” Squires said.

Return to Play spectator protocols

Entry/Exit Gates

• Multiple gates open (where possible) to allow for consistent ingress and spreading of crowd.
• Queuing lanes implemented as required, with points marked out on the ground 1.5m apart.
• Crowd clickers used at multiple gates to ensure the maximum attendance does not exceed restriction.
• Where possible, an EFTPOS machine will be used to collect payment for entry (where applicable).

Around the Ground Crowd

• Crowds of 500 (including players, staff, and officials) permitted to attend football matches, with spectators maintaining a 1 person per 2m2 distancing.
• Societal social distancing requirements of 1.5m separation at all times.
• In country regions and some metropolitan venues, encourage spectators to remain in cars (which is generally a part of football match day culture in many regions).
• Signage / posters erected promoting social distancing and hygiene practices.

AFL community football COVID crowd guidelines

Grandstand

• Use of grandstands are to be avoided where possible to avoid any crowding of people.
• If grandstands are deemed necessary, provisions will be made to block out every second row, have prominent posters to encourage spreading out, hand sanitiser available. This will be monitored by officials and club volunteers.

Function Space

• Access to, including the maximum number of 250 people permitted into function spaces (including players, staff and officials) guided by State Government regulations on 1 person per 2 sqm at any given time. (The 250 people permitted is not included in the permitted outdoors attendance, provided there is no mixing between indoors and outdoors).
• Any match day functions will be implemented in line with social distancing practices.
• Bar queuing markers will be indicated on the floor.
• All other practices as per bar and restaurant requirements.

Toilets

• Signage to reflect maximum number of people in toilets based on 2m2 social distancing rules.
• Soap and water available in all toilets.

Food & Beverage Outlets

• Operate in line with State Government regulations.
• Marked out queuing lines to incorporate social distancing.
• Hand sanitiser available at service point.
• Where possible, canteen, bar, BBQ and coffee services will be spread and separated to help disperse the crowd.
• Where possible, an EFTPOS machine will be used to collect payments for food and beverage.