Football Queensland (FQ) today confirmed it has developed a draft set of ‘Return to Football in Queensland’ guidelines to enable the ongoing preparations for the recommencement of community and state football competitions set previously for 1 July.

“The health and wellbeing of the football family and all Queenslanders remains our absolute priority,” FQ Chief Executive Officer Robert Cavallucci said.

“Whilst the exact date for any recommencement is subject to further relaxation of Government restrictions, governments are now looking to community sports like football as their commencement is critical to the ongoing health and wellbeing of Queenslanders. FQ will be ready and will ensure football is well prepared for a return.

“To ensure any return to football is undertaken in the safest way possible, we will continue to collaborate and consult with authorities to further develop the set of guidelines that will advise clubs, venues and participants on the expectations and protocols required to get playing and to help keep participants safe.

“FQ further welcomes the release of the National Principles for Sport and Recreation by the Federal Government and the National Cabinet yesterday. We will closely monitor the latest advice and further shape the ‘Return to Football in Queensland’ guidelines by continuing to work with the state and federal government and medical authorities.

“We will be further engaging with clubs across the state in the coming weeks to discuss the guidelines alongside a series of competition scenarios and formats that have also been developed.

“In the meantime, FQ urges all Queenslanders and football family members to download the COVIDSafe app, listen to advice from authorities and continue practising social distancing.

“We each have an important part to play in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and getting back to enjoying the game we love.”

The Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment, which contains the 15 National Principles for Sport and Recreation, is available here.