Restrictions lift in regional Vic: What it means for footy
The Victorian Government has announced that lockdown restrictions will be lifted in regional Victoria from 11.59pm on Thursday 9 September, except for Greater Shepparton.
What this means for community club football in regional Victoria
Community sport is permitted for outdoor training only with the minimum number required to train. Competition is not permitted. Spectators are prohibited except one parent permitted to supervise children.
Regarding junior and senior club competitions holding out hope of returning to play, we understand this latest development whereby regional competitions can’t resume playing is disappointing.
AFL Victoria will provide whatever support we can to leagues and associations who remain hopeful of returning to play in 2021.
What this means for NAB AFL Auskick in regional Victoria
Under the new Victorian Government restrictions Auskick is permitted to return in regional Victoria outside of Greater Shepparton.
AFL Victoria is currently seeking clarity from the Victorian Government on any further rules and restrictions that might apply to the Auskick program (i.e. density limits). Once we have this clarity AFL Victoria will be in contact with coordinators and participants to support centres to finish the Auskick season.
This is fantastic for many kids and parents across the state who will have the opportunity to make up for some of what they’ve missed in 2021.
General information regarding the Victorian Government’s latest announcement
There will be no limit on the distance regional Victorians can travel from home – other than restrictions on entry to metropolitan Melbourne.
Metropolitan Melbourne and Greater Shepparton remain in lockdown, with no community sport permitted in those areas.
AFL Victoria will continue to work closely with the Victorian Government and advocate for community football.
A major focus for AFL Victoria is supporting all stakeholders across community football to retain participants and transition to the 2022 season.
We will provide any further updates relevant to community football when they become available, including when the Victorian Government provides return to play protocols.
Links:
- Return to Training Protocols - updated by the Victorian Government on 10 September: https://cdnaflvic.performancecrew.com.au/raw/aflvic-return-to-training-protocols-september10.pdf
- Return to Play Protocols - NAB AFL Auskick: https://cdnaflvic.performancecrew.com.au/raw/afl-victoria-nab-afl-auskick-return-to-play-protocols-coordinator-version-v15-sep13.pdf
- Latest statement from the Victorian Premier, which includes a link to Table of Restrictions: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-restrictions-lift-regional-victoria-0
