Football warning

A regional football leader has warned community clubs to wait for AFL Victoria return-to-play protocols before sanctioning any training sessions.

AFL Wimmera Mallee area manager Jason Muldoon said there were still many issues needing clarification before clubs could re-launch training schedules.

“AFL Victoria is in constant consultation with State Government authorities to develop strict protocols for leagues and clubs to follow, which will allow them to return to training in a safe and controlled manner,” he said.

Mr Muldoon said apart from health concerns there were also legal issues to consider.

“If a club does call a club-sanctioned training session and ultimately does not meet the strict protocols that will be implemented, and subsequently an outbreak of COVID-19 occurs, they would be liable for the outcome,” he said.

“No liability insurance would apply, because AFL Victoria had not sanctioned this training session.”

Mr Muldoon, who said the directive also applied to netball, made the comments in the wake of the State Government easing some COVID-19 restrictions.

Some of the easing of rules involved professional outdoor team sports, including the AFL.

“There are certainly a few positive signs, but still a lot of questions that need to be answered before we get a clear picture of what each club has to do to be able to train,” Mr Muldoon said.

“I cannot be any stronger in my communication around this matter. It will only take one league or club to do the wrong thing and this will put local and state governments in a position where they will reassess the restrictions that are in play. Again I repeat – do not train until you are presented with the Return to Play protocols by AFL Victoria.”