Community football is back in Victoria for the coming weekend, with the Victorian Government announcing further easing of restrictions across the state, to take effect from 11.59pm on Thursday 17 June.
Summary of key changes and what they mean for community football:
Travel restrictions lifted:
- 25km travel restrictions have been lifted and people can now travel between regional Victoria and metro Melbourne
Metro community sport:
- Competition for seniors and juniors can resume with the minimum number of people required to participate and facilitate the activity
- No more than 50 people indoors at one time
- People necessary for events and participation, including those who need to accompany children, such as parents, guardians and carers, as well as teachers, instructors, trainers, coaches and umpires, can attend matches and training
- Spectators not allowed
Regional community sport:
- Open for all ages, training and competition
- Maximum venue capacity 300 per indoor space and outdoor patron cap of 1000 people
- Maximum group size: 50 people indoors
To view the Victorian Government’s updated Table of Restrictions, click here.
Head of AFL Victoria, Brad Scott, said: “AFL Victoria welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement of further easing of restrictions for community sport, which means community football is back across the state from this weekend, from Auskick through to senior club football.
“With 90 leagues across the state, more than 170,000 registered players, tens of thousands of volunteers, umpires and coaches can now get back to their local clubs and participate, which is fantastic for everyone involved in our game.
“In regional Victoria, it will be great to see crowds back, albeit in line with government protocols, while in metropolitan Melbourne, getting back on the field this weekend is a huge step towards football returning as we know it.
“While not having spectators allowed does create challenges for some clubs in metropolitan Melbourne, we are mindful of this and will continue to work closely with the government and health authorities to advocate for what community football needs, while the health and safety of everyone remains a priority.
“I would like to thank the Victorian Government for acknowledging and recognising AFL Victoria’s submission on behalf of community football, regarding easing of restrictions.”
AFL Victoria is continuing to work closely with the Victorian Government to provide leagues and clubs with as much information as possible.
Updated Return to Play protocols for both community club football and Auskick will be passed on once provided by the State Government.
The latest from the Victorian Government can be found at: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/.