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Overview
The number one priority for SANFL is the health and safety of our football community – our participants, umpires, volunteers and fans is paramount.
SANFL, as part of a national working group including the AFL and other State football bodies, is closely monitoring the situation regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) and taking advice from the Australian Government, World Health Organisation and AFL’s Chief Medical Officers regarding best practice.
Update
SANFL and the national AFL working group have continued discussions over the course of the weekend to consider recommended guidelines around a range of scenarios relating to State League, community competitions, Auskick and school programs.
As you would understand, the situation surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19) is evolving rapidly and we must ensure that football plays its role in mitigating risk.
In that respect, we understand the desire for direction and guidance, as such we are endeavouring to finalise a position and update the South Australian football community accordingly as soon as possible.
This is particularly important given the commencement of the football season is quickly approaching for many clubs and leagues. As such, a critical part of the information to be provided to leagues and clubs will be regarding the implications of any decision on the scheduled start date for football competitions.
Hygiene & Precautionary Steps
As per previous communications, in the interim and ongoing, the following precautions are recommended to limit exposure to COVID-19 and prevent the spread of germs:
Personal Hygiene
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
- Wash or sanitise your hands before eating
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home and seek medical treatment when you are sick
- Cover your mouth to cough or sneeze
Football Hygiene
- Communal use of water bottles should be avoided at all times. All players should be in possession of their own drink bottle, and should not share with any other players
- Do not share drinks, towels, lip balm, sunscreen with others
- Place hand sanitisers around the change room and encourage use of them.
- Ensure all player facilities are maintained and cleaned to a high standard with appropriate cleaning agents – consider more regular cleaning of facilities.
- Limit physical contact such as avoiding shaking hands, pre or post game
- Work with other community clubs that share Club facilities, if appropriate, to implement practices consistent with this communication
- Limit travelling party to matches/training/sessions where possible.
Further Information & Alerts
In summary, SANFL and the national AFL working groupwill continue to monitor alerts via the government issued national health alert updates, as should clubs, and will provide direction to community football as soon as possible.
For more information about protocols and restrictions advised by the Department of Health please follow the link:https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
Tom Hurley
Head of Community Football
SANFL
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