The latest NSW Public Health Order could prove a spanner in the works for the return of community sport after a limit of 500 people was placed on venues.
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While AFL Riverina clubs are being inundated by players keen to get a game of footy ahead of a July 18 start, the leagues could be blindsided by the detail in the July 1 update.
AFL Riverina chairman Michael Irons admitted they were caught by surprise by the inclusion of the 500-person limit.
He said AFL staff are urgently seeking clarification on the latest NSW Government advice on complying with the Public Health Order, which stipulates:
- Gatherings must not exceed a total of 500 participants, including the players, officials and volunteers, and spectators
- Organisers (presumably every club) must develop and comply with a Covid-19 Safety Plan, and have a copy of the Safety Plan available for inspection by authorised officers.
- Suggestions that participants do not stay at the venue beyond their own match, with players encouraged to 'Turn Up, Participate, Leave'
- Suggestions to allow for additional time between matches to ensure no more than 500 people onsite at any time
Community sport is under different rules to 'major recreation facilities' which can have up to 10,000 in attendance, provided they are taking in less than 25% of their capacity.
The guidelines will come as a shock to clubs, many of whom were under the impression they were agreeing to a season without limits on crowd numbers.
While many games won't push 500, clubs have previously been concerned about any possibility that volunteers would be required to play 'police' and be responsible for counting attendees or turn people away at the game.
AFL NSW/ACT's own 'return to play framework' issued this week also stipulates the 500-person limit.
Other conditions include:
- maintaining a log of all attendees which must be maintained for 28 days following each activity (training or game day)
- ensure numbers in change rooms adhere to the four-square-metre rule per person
- ensure spectators comply with social distancing rules of 1.5m
AFL Southern NSW regional manager Marc Geppert has told clubs that the sport and other major NSW codes have "provided some strong feedback around the inclusion of the '500-limit' in regards to outdoor sporting activities."
Geppert assured clubs they will continue to advocate for a safe and reasonable outcome in regards to restrictions, on behalf of clubs and volunteers.
AFL NSW/ACT has also issued additional recommendations which include discouraging mingling of players or spectators from different matches, and to minimise the use of change rooms.
Separately, clubs have been told to avoid recruiting players from Covid-19 hotspots and advised that AFL NSW ACT will monitor recruitment of players from Victoria and enforce any government restrictions which may apply to these players.
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