Update: Lockdown extended again for metro Melbourne

The Victorian Government has announced that lockdown restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne have been extended by 14 days and will remain in place until 11.59pm on Thursday, 2 September.

What this means for community football in Victoria:

Community football in metropolitan Melbourne:

• No community club football training or competition, or Auskick, is permitted to take place in metropolitan Melbourne during the lockdown period
• Residents of metropolitan Melbourne must remain within 5km of their homes and are not permitted to travel to regional Victorian locations to participate in community sport

Community football in Regional Victoria:

• As has been the case since lockdown restrictions were lifted in Regional Victoria, community football competitions and Auskick are open for all ages, including training and competition
• Only the minimum number of participants (players, coaches, referees, officials, and carers or parents) needed to train or compete are permitted to attend, subject to a density quotient of 1 person per 4 sqm.
• Spectators are not permitted (excludes people necessary for events such as teachers, instructors, trainers, coaches, umpires, carers, parents and guardians)

Note, a stay-at-home order is in place for Regional NSW, and community sport is not permitted in Regional NSW during this time. For the latest on border restrictions, travel permits and what this means for cross-border communities, please visit: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/victorian-travel-permit-system 

It was fantastic to have football back in Regional Victoria on the weekend, but not having spectators allowed does create challenges. AFL Victoria will continue to work closely with the government and health authorities to advocate for what community football needs, including getting crowds back, while the health and safety of the community remains a priority.

Regarding community football matches and finals fixtured and interrupted during the lockdown period, as has been consistently communicated throughout 2021, independent leagues across the state are ultimately responsible for determining the approach they will take regarding interruptions to their competitions. AFL Victoria has a framework with recommendations for leagues to consider regarding various scenarios for competitions interrupted by COVID – click here.

The latest Return to Play protocols for community club football and Auskick can be found here: https://aflvic.com.au/return-to-play/return-to-play-documents 

AFL Victoria will continue to work closely with the Victorian Government and will be guided by advice from the government and health authorities, with the health and safety of the community the top priority.

For the latest from the Premier of Victoria, visit: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/extended-melbourne-lockdown-keep-victorians-safe-0