League officials weigh in on the future of country footy in 2021

A return to country footy hangs in the balance as Victoria deals with a five-day lockdown, with guidelines released this month stating a cap on crowds and strict rules for canteens.

After a season off football due to the pandemic, country leagues are hopeful COVID-Safe protocols will allow them to get on the ground this year.

THE future of Victorian community sport is in doubt, with the state’s latest lockdown a concern for football league officials.

Return-to-play protocols for all Victorian clubs were released earlier this month, with a crowd cap of 1000, hospitality restrictions on canteens and strict cleaning requirements among the changes.

An AFL spokesman said they were advocating for the game to go ahead this year and would continue to monitor the situation following lockdown.

“AFL Victoria continues to work closely with the Victorian Government and comply fully with the government’s restrictions and guidance, which currently states that community sport is closed during lockdown. Like all community sport across Victoria we are waiting to find out what the next update is,” he said.

“AFL Victoria is committed to doing everything we can to support leagues and clubs returning to playing football in 2021, with the health and safety of everyone involved the top priority.”

AFL North East Border region general manager Zac Guilfoyle said they remained positive about getting to play, despite the lockdown causing some uncertainty.

“These five days are a bit of a bump in a road but the region is looking forward to starting at the end of March — nothing has changed from our perspective,” he said.

Mr Guilfoyle said there was concern around the 1000-person limit for some of the clubs, but would be able to adhere to the COVID-Safe plans if it meant the season got off the ground.

“The fact shouldn’t be lost that we are returning to playing and while there’s some negativity around the protocols that are in place, there’s lots of positivity around return to action in 2021,” he said.

RETURN-TO-PLAY PROTOCOLS

Training and games (contact and non-contact) can resume for all participants, provided:

• CLUBS/teams and umpiring groups/associations must strictly adhere to the current Victorian State Government restrictions.
• FACE coverings are recommended to be worn by all Victorians where social distancing cannot be achieved unless they have a lawful exception.
• IT IS recommended Coaches and other necessary support staff wear a face mask where social distancing cannot be achieved outdoors.

Protocols must be followed during season 2021.

• FACE masks must be worn in indoor settings unless there is a lawful exception
• IT IS recommended spectators wear a face mask where social distancing cannot be achieved.
• ALL clubs must have a COVIDSafe Plan.
• CLUBS utilising venues with a capacity of over 500 people must publish their COVIDSafe Plan on their website.
• EACH Club must nominate at least one COVID Safety Officer who must undertake the free Australian Government online COVID-19 Infection Control Training.
• A LOG, or register, which clearly identifies all participants and officials in attendance at each training session must be maintained and available upon request by the League, AFL Victoria or health authorities.
• SPORTING clubs that operate a restaurant, café or canteen within its facility should adhere to the restrictions on hospitality venues. Detailed guidelines of the requirements for cafes, restaurants and food and drink facilities to reopen are available on the Business Victoria website.
• COMMUNAL facilities, such as showers, changing rooms and toilets, can open provided participants abide by the Victorian State Government guidelines to limit close contact between individuals, relevant density quotients are met (i.e. two square metre rule). Cleaning requirements must also be adhered to.
• SIGNAGE must be displayed at the entry to each indoor space outlining the maximum number of people allowed at a single time.

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