With no community transmission in regional Victoria this week, the State Government today announced that regional restrictions are proposed to begin easing from 11:59pm tomorrow night. They will use the next 24 hours to continue contact tracing and testing and confirm that this change can go ahead.
In terms of community sport, the announcement also stated that all junior sport (training and play) can resume but seniors will only be able to train. We are still awaiting updated protocols from AFL Victoria as to whether that includes contact training for seniors or not. Acting Premier James Merlino also said this morning, “But I need to be upfront that even if all goes well, we won’t be able to have people from Melbourne travelling to regional Victoria over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.”
We also anticipate that crowds will be impacted with either no crowds or significantly reduced crowds at games. Based on recent club feedback, lack of crowds will affect viability for clubs and their ability to play.
AFL Victoria have just released their statement https://www.aflvic.com.au/news/latest-from-afl-victoria-on-covid-situation-517648 It states that there is a maximum patron cap of 50 people per venue. Group sizes to a maximum of 10 people. Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies. They are working with State Government on what this means for community sport as there is more than 50 people per venue (not counting participants) when sport is played.
AFL Victoria has established a framework with recommendations for leagues to consider regarding various scenarios for competitions interrupted by COVID. This information was circulated to President’s on the 27 May. You can find these here: https://www.aflvic.com.au/news/latest-from-afl-victoria-on-covid-situation-538867 or as attached. These together with the COVID By-laws introduced at the beginning of the season to the GVL give very clear options on potential outcomes of COVID-19 affected matches.
So what does this all mean?
The GOTAFE Goulburn Valley League Board has met earlier this evening to discuss the best way forward to ensure the health and safety of all its participant’s and to ensure the integrity of the competition. The Board reviewed the recommendations of AFL Victoria’s COVID Functional Framework as well as the GVL’s COVID By-Laws and have determined the following:
- All proposed Round 8 (June 5) and Round 9 (June 12) matches for all grades of football and netball are cancelled. This means a 16 round season. The balance of the fixture remains as is including the change to the grand final date.
- Pending State Government restrictions, all GVL football and netball competitions will resume 19 June.
- Eligibility for finals (netball) will be reviewed and updates will be communicated over the coming weeks.
- Absolutely NO training is to resume for senior football or netball players (anyone over the age of 18) until we receive updated Protocols from AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria.
Under 16 make up games scheduled for the split rounds will now be moved to the next 2 weeks (either 5 or 12 June).
Once these make-up game dates are locked in, a new Under 16 fixture will be distributed. An updated fixture for all other grades of football and netball is attached. These will be updated on our website over coming days.
We hope that over the next few days and weeks we continue to see the easing of restrictions which will allow the season to continue with no further interruptions.
In the meantime stay safe.
Last Modified on 02/06/2021 20:48