AFL Victoria gives training green light to local footy clubs (K-rock)

[one-eyed]

AFL Vic gives training green light

K rock Football
By Tom King
16 May 2020

LOCAL football clubs have been given the go-ahead to return to training on May 25 – but with conditions.

AFL Victoria confirmed on Saturday clubs can return to training in groups of ten players, with a coach or support staff “who are reasonably required to manage the activity” not included in that number.

Two groups can use the same ground, as long as they maintain distance and the oval is split into two zones.

“The safety and wellbeing of our participants is our number one priority,” a statement from AFL Victoria said.

“As such, our return to play strategy has been focused on ensuring we have the clear endorsement of State Government and public health officials at every phase of return.

“Each State Government is responsible for determining what level Australian football is in their State and approving when we can transition into the next stage.

“Following Victorian Government advice around the return of community sport this week, AFL Victoria will release its return to train protocols early next week and is endorsing a return to club sanctioned training from Monday, May 25.

“This timing will provide the opportunity to communicate our protocols with Leagues and allow volunteers and clubs time to digest the protocols, go through an education period and prepare themselves ahead of returning to club sanctioned training.

AFL Victoria is hopeful of a return to full training and games being played “later in the year”.

“Our primary focus is preparing to return to train in a safe environment in a well prepared and educated manner,” the statement continued.

“In order for this return to play to be successful, and in line with Government advice, it is essential that clubs and individuals work within the timelines and protocols and do not move ahead of the level and restrictions in place.”

http://www.krockfootball.com.au/local-football/afl-vic-gives-training-green-light/

[Loui Tufga]

This just won’t work.
My local club alone has over 80 players between the U19’s, Reserves and Seniors ontop of over 350 junior kids.
There is no way known we’re going to get them all back on the park under these conditions.
Just call the local season off and let everyone re group on hope we can get a season started next year.

[one-eyed]

Gil's view:

Speaking on Saturday, McLachlan said the League was still working with relevant state and federal governments to ensure that community football could be played again in some form later this year.

"If everyone keeps doing their bit – and I'll do my plug here for the COVIDSafe App – and we keep transmission at a manageable level, I've got a level of optimism in community footy," McLachlan told Fox Footy.

"There will be some sort, whether it'll be just for kids or whatever. I know the government wants to do that. It's a bit back to all of us about how we stick to the rules. If we've got an environment where everyone feels we can do that, we'll do it.

"We're obviously working with governments and from the federal government down, they want a level where our kids are playing sport.

"Whether we can do it or not is another thing, but there's certainly an appetite and we're working with all of the appropriate authorities to see if we can."

https://www.afl.com.au/news/434005/afl-federal-government-still-working-towards-community-footy-return

[one-eyed]

AFL VICTORIA – RETURN TO SMALL OUTDOOR GROUP TRAINING GUIDE

The following guide was established to support teams in the 'Returning to Small Outdoor Group Training' phase, under the current Victorian Government COVID-19 restrictions. Community clubs and teams have an obligation to strictly adhere to these protocols at every training session. The key principle for training must be 'Get in, Train, Get out'.

Small Outdoor Group Training of up to 10 People

Clubs can undertake training in groups no larger than 10 people. The group of 10 does not include a coach / support staff who are reasonably required to manage the activity. Two groups of 10 can utilise the same oval provided they do not operate closely together, and the oval is split into two zones. No more than two small training groups per oval at any one time with groups not permitted to interact.

1.5m Social Distancing and Strictly No Contact

All training must strictly observe social distancing requirements of 1.5m and must be non-contact (i.e. no tackling, no bumping, no marking contests, etc.).

Footballs Allowed, but no Other Equipment

Footballs can be used for small outdoor group training, however only limited additional equipment is permitted (i.e. field marking cones are permitted).

No Access to Changerooms

All club rooms, changerooms and wet areas are not to be used as part of the return to small outdoor group training.

Hygiene Protocols in Place

Clubs to implement hygiene protocols as per the Victorian State Government guidelines (i.e. washing hands, avoiding facial touching, staying at home if sick, covering mouth and elbow to cough or sneeze etc).

At Least One Covid Safe Officer

Clubs to nominate an official(s) to undertake the Australian Government online COVID-19 Infection Control Training prior to recommencement of club activity.

A Register of Participants

Club to implement a log, or register, to keep a track of which participants are in attendance at all training sessions.

COVIDSafe App

The club to encourage all players, volunteers and families to download the COVIDSafe App to help in tracing the spread of COVID-19.

Local Government Approval

The club has received approval from the Local Government to access the oval for small outdoor group training.

Follow Directions

The club and training groups understand that they must follow the direction and advice of local and state authorities at all times.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/435033/community-football-gets-green-light-training-rules-revealed

[one-eyed]

Heathcote District Football Netball League has cancelled its 2020 season because of COVID-19.

https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/6765745/hdfnl-cancels-2020-season-because-of-covid-19/

Word is it won't be the only local league to do so.

[one-eyed]

Word is it won't be the only local league to do so.

'Miracle' needed for local footy to get underway in 2020

Most leagues, including the surrounding Bendigo and Ballarat Football Leagues, will wait for further guidance from the state government as to whether restrictions on outdoor gatherings will be eased, however one metropolitan league official told The Age it would take a "miracle" for local footy to return in 2020.

Full article: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/miracle-needed-for-local-footy-to-get-underway-in-2020-20200522-p54vja.html

[one-eyed]

The Eastern Football League and Northern Football League have informed clubs there will be no games this season. This applies to men’s and women’s football. Junior footy is still set to run.

The Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA), which is less reliant on gate-takings, is expected to make a call as early as June 22. It is being guided by state government authorities and many of its clubs are back at training in smaller groups and under strict protocols. Foxfooty.com.au understands some of the biggest clubs in the VAFA are hesitant to pursue a season, but the league has not shut the door and could realistically begin as late as Saturday July 25.

In the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League, both grand finalists from 2019 are understood to have told headquarters they are out. Sorrento and Dromana are just two of several clubs around the state to do so.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-news-2020-round-2-teams-latest-updates-coronavirus-shutdown-giants-stadium-home-fans/news-story/798053b0ccae27df0a2acd4c51b0d6ab

[one-eyed]

Local footy receives biggest boost yet for 2020 return hopes

June 14, 2020
Fox Sports

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Sunday that local competitions could resume from July 20, with contact training to begin from as early as July 13.

The positive news was part of a broader announcement regarding the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

“Local footy teams, soccer clubs and other contact sports will be able to resume training for over 18s from 13 July. And from 20 July, full competition can begin too,’’ Mr Andrews said in a statement.

“Supporting this gradual return to sport, clubs and community facilities will also be able to reopen their changerooms.’’

It remains to be seen whether clubs will be able to host crowds or functions to help regenerate their revenue streams.

The operation of canteens, bars and other local footy facilities will need to be worked through, along with the format of seasons, which could also undergo significant change to deal with the lengthy hiatus.

Southern Football League chief executive Lee Hartman told the Herald Sun the news was “fantastic” for local leagues and players.

“It’s great the State Government has come out and given us those two key dates, for contact training to resume on July 13 and play to resume a week later on July 20,’’ Hartman said.

“That would potentially allow us to start on July 25 if all goes well.’’

Hartman also said the announcement gives leagues a much-needed “roadmap to get things started”.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2020-local-footy-afl-coronavirus-afl-season-cancelled-local-footy-return-date-victorian-footy/news-story/0adc780c38e180df78ec4c58d465ab16