Media Release | Returning to play in a safe, hygienic and controlled manner is paramount to the AFL. The safety and wellbeing of our participants is our number one priority.
Following the Victorian State Government advice around the return of community sport, AFL Victoria endorsed a return to club sanctioned small outdoor group training at community football level from Monday, May 25, provided participants follow the relevant Victorian State Government guidelines and AFL Victoria’s COVID-19 guidelines are implemented.
In advance of training recommencing we encourage Leagues, Clubs and volunteers to digest the protocols, go through an education period and formulate an education and implementation plan for their Club following which they would go through an education period and prepare their Clubs to return to train safely.
We will continue to work with the State Government to ensure alignment with their advice, and in the event of further easing of restrictions, we hope to be able to return to full training and competition later in the year, with hygiene and safety protocols firmly in place.
Our primary focus is preparing to return to train in a safe environment in a well-prepared and educated manner. In order for this return to small outdoor group training to be successful, and in line with Government advice, it is essential that clubs and individuals work within the timelines and protocols and do not move ahead of the level and restrictions in place.
AFL Victoria will continue to follow any direction from State Government and align with the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport, so that any resumption of community football activity in Victoria does not compromise the health of individuals or the community. A rollback to tighter activity restrictions is a possible scenario. If this occurs, AFL Victoria will communicate any changes to affiliates as soon as practicably possible through all AFL Victoria’s channels.
To view the full protocols for return to smal groups outdoor group training of up to 20 people click here.