Football training numbers expand

Football clubs are edging closer to being able to run traditional training sessions with up to 40 players now allowed to take part in drills on an oval at any one time.

But the number of players in groups must not exceed 20, except for coaches and ‘a reasonable number’ of support people.

Groups must operate in different parts of the ground, people from groups cannot mix and a ‘get in, train and get out’ directive still applies.

Netball rules are similar but allow only one group of 20 players to train on an individual court at any time.

AFL Wimmera Mallee area manager Jason Muldoon said a rise in the number of people in each group was the only change to guidelines introduced in May.

“It is, however, a little bit of a game changer because most clubs in normal conditions would train with groups no larger than 20,” he said.

“Being able to do this is important for the mental and physical health of everyone.

“To get outside, to breathe and now interact with like-minded people while obviously observing social-distancing rules – you can’t put a price on that.”

Mr Muldoon said it was critically important clubs tightly controlled training sessions.

“I understand these are very small steps but they need to be in the current climate and to achieve what we want to achieve,” he said.

“This is all much bigger than just a game of footy. We all have to factor in community safety as well.

“It’s all well and good to have a plan to return to play, but that plan must also include volunteers and committee people, many who would be at an age where they are most vulnerable to COVID-19.

“An example might be a trainer who has been at a club for many years.”

Mr Muldoon said sporting leaders had to wait on government direction before making any decisions about if or when weekly community football or netball competitions could resume.

“We will rely on government direction,” he said.

AFL Wimmera Mallee has earmarked June 15 for a meeting to determine a definitive path for football and netball competitions across the region for the remainder of 2020.

Mr Muldoon stressed that clubs were under no pressure to resume or continue training.

“It’s important that clubs have opportunity to make a call on their own. AFL Wimmera Mallee will support clubs if they don’t want to train. There is no discrimination. We support their decision either way,” he said.

An overview of latest restrictions for community sport and recreation is available on website sport.vic.gov.au/our-work/return-toplay/return-to-play-for-community-sport-andactive-recreation.