VAFA Statement: Return to Training Date Set

The Victorian Amateur Football Association would like to issue the following statement regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) Return to Train (RTT) and Return to Play (RTP) protocols.

Yesterday AFL Victoria Return to Training (RTT) protocols were released.

The VAFA Board met yesterday afternoon and determined that VAFA clubs can return to training for small groups only (as per the AFL Vic RTT – Phase A protocols) as of June 1, 2020.

In determining the June 1 RTT date the VAFA took into consideration a number of factors:

• Provide adequate time for clubs to prepare for the RTT
• Provide the VAFA time to administer requirements
• The VAFA had been operating on the original AFL Vic RTT date of May 31
• June 1 will allow adequate time for clubs to liaise with schools, universities, and councils regarding venue access
• With no RTP date yet advised by AFL Vic, there is no urgency to RTT

For VAFA Clubs to RTT – Phase A they must satisfy the protocols outlined in the AFL Vic protocols document. Amongst the requirements each VAFA Club must:

• Complete the online training which takes around 15 minutes to complete (refer RTT protocols for further information) https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-infection-control-training
• Submit the completed certification to the VAFA – via [email protected]
• Advise the VAFA which person(s) will be acting as COVID-19 Safety Officers – refer form attached, return via [email protected]

These RTT protocols are specifically related to the return to training for small groups – Phase A. Further Phases (B –training for large groups) & (C – Return to Play) will be advised in due course, once AFL Vic provides these to the VAFA.

The Toyota AFL Club Help website https://www.afl.com.au/clubhelp will also host a range of resources to support clubs to implement and work within the protocols. These include:

1. Return to Play checklist
2. Return to Play education posters
3. FAQs
4. Club training attendance register
5. Register of trained officials

The VAFA also stress the importance of acknowledging club volunteers who fall into the high-risk category in relation to COVID-19 and request VAFA Clubs consider these volunteers when advising and settling on COVID-19 Safety Officer roles.

Please also note that clubs are not compelled to RTT, that decision is solely for the individual VAFA Club.

We reiterate that all VAFA Clubs must meet ALL protocols before returning to train – any breach will jeopardise the return to training and playing of community football for everyone.

Any reported breaches will be treated seriously by the VAFA.

VAFA Clubs are also urged strongly to liaise with your LGA, School, University or other appropriate authority who grants access to the respective club training venue/facilities in relation to returning to training.

All VAFA participants, officials and volunteers are urged to follow the government’s advice on how best to protect yourself from the virus and also practice good hygiene methods, whether at the club, at home or anywhere else in public.