VAFA Statement: 03-08-2021

Brett Connell – VAFA CEO

Last week, the VAFA received video footage of an alleged training session on a VAFA club’s ground that was allegedly being conducted by a VAFA Coach.

The VAFA has concluded its investigation and provides the following:

• The VAFA accepts Kew FC’s response to the allegation that the session was not a club sanctioned event and advise that no further action will be taken against the club;
• As the matter directly relates to coaching and coach accreditation, the VAFA has referred the matter to AFL Victoria and requested that they investigate the matter and advise further of any sanctions or recommendations;
• The matter has been elevated to AFL Victoria as it is clear (from the video evidence provided) that this is a coaching-related activity held during the recent State Government enforced lockdown and we believe the actions may have breached restrictions in place at the time;
• As coach accreditation is the domain of the AFL, we have requested that AFL Victoria investigate the matter as it relates directly to the coach accreditation.

The VAFA views the actions that took place in the video footage from all concerned dimly and reiterate that State Government restrictions and AFL Victoria Return to Play protocols must be strictly adhered to by all members of the VAFA community.

To be concise, any individual or club not observing the current restrictions and protocols in place, are putting the remainder of the VAFA season and Finals Series in jeopardy.