AFL South East (AFLSE) this week met with club presidents from the Frankston and District Junior Football League (FDJFL) and South East Juniors (SEJ) to review the position of clubs on the updated Return to Play protocols (RTP) and ever-changing Covid-19 environment.

As a result, AFLSE advises that – in the best interest of clubs, volunteers, participants, and the community – the commencement of junior football will be postponed until Sunday, July 26.

AFLSE understands that the current State Government guidelines allow for the commencement of junior sport. However, given the evolving Covid-19 situation is creating uncertainty within the community and posing an increased risk, the postponement will enable us to continue to monitor and assess any potential risk.

It is essential to note some significant updates in the RTP, which include the following:

• Only those necessary to support participation should attend training and competitions and must abide by current group gathering restrictions.
• Participants should not shake hands or give high fives.
• Further detailed information on the cleaning of clubrooms.
• Information about how non-compliance should be addressed.

The updated Return To Play document can be found on the AFLSE website under Club Resources – Covid-19

Clubs may continue to conduct intra-club practice matches but inter-club practice matches with other clubs remain under review and should not take place.

AFLSE remains committed on a return to play if it is safe to do so. While disappointing, we believe delaying the start to the season is in the best interest of our wider community and provides the best chance to return to play in 2020.

We will continue to keep clubs and the wider community updated as required.