COVID UPDATE

Following on from the revised guidelines for Regional Victoria that were announced this week, i’m sure we are excited to see a return to sport for our junior football and netball teams this weekend, albeit with some important guidelines that to be considered to ensure we remain safe:

• Players should arrive just before and depart as soon as is practical after their games. AFL Barwon have adjusted game times to allow a greater break between matches to reduce contact
• Most clubs will have limited access to changerooms so players should arrive dressed for play
• Parents are requested to abide by the one parent per player where practicable
• It is preferred that all spectators remain in cars to avoid congregating in groups
• Everyone is to check-in with a QR code as soon as possible on arrival at the grounds
• No spectators allowed on the ground/courts – only volunteers/officials on team sheets
• No pre or post game huddles
• Face masks must be worn when indoors. We are also recommending that our officials wear masks when on ground
• No player and official who ho is currently under metropolitan Melbourne lockdown measures is a able to participate or attend junior sport games this weekend.
• Spectators are only permitted for the purposes of supervising children or dependants

Whilst these guidelines may seem onerous they are important steps to ensure a return to play across regional Victoria so your support in complying with the above is appreciated. For those travelling to away matches please be respectful of individual clubs COVID guidelines and patient with all volunteers and officials, who are doing their best given the circumstances.

Ensuring compliance with the above requirements within the short timeframe provided has meant we made the decision to cancel tonights Auskick and NetSetGo, with further work to be completed for a return next week.

Unfortunately the easing of restrictions was not good news for our senior teams, with all matches this weekend cancelled. AFL Barwon has confirmed the following:

• Full contact training is applicable for groups of a maximum of 50 on the field plus the necessary officials to constitute training. AFL Barwon will be confirming shortly that groups of 10 rule is not applicable.
• Players should arrive ready to participate and then leave the facility upon completion.

Further information regarding senior sport will be shared as soon as it becomes available via Health Authorities and AFL Barwon.

Regrettably, these changes, as they stand now, will also have an impact over our Thursday Night Meals and upcoming events (e.g. Ball Drop), with our overall capacity reduced to 50 people. The Club will provide further advice regarding these activities next week.

We wish all teams and officials competing in junior sport this weekend all the best.