RETURN TO PLAY PROTOCOLS

Returning to play in a safe, hygienic, and controlled manner is paramount to AFL South East (AFLSE) with the safety and wellbeing of our participants being our number one priority.

With this at the forefront of mind, AFLSE presented to clubs on Thursday, June 25 the following Return to Play (RTP) documents from AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria;

1. Community Football Return to Play Protocols
2. Community Football Return to Play Checklist
3. Suspected Covid-19 Case – Process Flowchart
4. Return to Community Netball

These documents are also available in the Covid-19 section in Club Resources on the AFLSE website www.aflsoutheast.com.au

Further resources to support the implementation of the protocols are available on the Toyota AFL Club help website (https://www.afl.com.au/clubhelp) or Netball Victoria Resource Portal (https://vic.netball.com.au/resources-1)

Moving forward the protocols will be updated in line with the directions and advice from DHHS (https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sport-and-exercise-restrictions-covid-19). AFLSE will notify clubs if or when these changes occur.

The RTP document includes a section on the restrictions of spectators, with AFLSE pleased to report that no restriction has been placed on the overall number of spectators at a venue – however strict social distancing rules must be undertaken at all times.

AFLSE’s consistent approach during these unique and challenging times has been to take advice from Federal and State Government, our sporting bodies – AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria – and to work collaboratively amongst our clubs to ensure the best path forward.

This will remain our approach as we are fully aware of the importance of a safe environment for all participants involved and the ongoing sustainability of our clubs. Any return to play scenario will be reliant on a range of criteria that our clubs deem necessary for a safe and responsible start to a 2020 season.

AFLSE will continue to work with leagues, clubs, participants, coaches, umpires, and all volunteers to ensure we return to competitive play in an effective and safe manner and in adherence with Victorian Government guidelines and AFL Return to Play Framework (RTP Framework).

We know how much community football means to our AFLSE community and we look forward to working together to ensuring community clubs return to play in a safe and well-managed environment.

We thank clubs and the community for their patience – and we take a positive approach to see football and netball being played under the respective league banners in 2020.

Regards

AFL South East