Important Covid 19 Update from SMJFL

Wednesday 26th May, 2021

Please see the following statement from the SMJFL re important Covid Safe guidelines that we must adhere to:
 

General protocol

• Follow AFLV Return to Play protocols;
• If you are feeling unwell, you MUST stay home and get tested.
• If you have been to the known exposure sites (listed below) you MUST stay home, self-isolate and get tested. DO NOT go to training or your club;
• If you are knowingly exposed to the virus and are tested to be negative, you MUST still stay at home and self-isolate. DO NOT go to training or your club;
• DO NOT visit family and friends if they are unwell;
• DO NOT visit family and friends if you are unwell OR know that you have been in contact with someone who has been unwell; and
• ‘Get in, train/play, get out’ – DO NOT gather in large groups before or after games and training and maintain 1.5m social distancing.

Small group training (30) as of 6:00pm on Tuesday 25 May, 2021

• Parents and spectators will not be permitted to attend training until further notice. If you must remain at the venue during training or games, please remain in your vehicles;
• Clubs/teams are to strictly adhere to the maximum of 30 participants per group (including a coach or the minimum number of support staff who are reasonably required to manage the activity), as per the current Victorian Government restrictions. One group of 30 is permitted per half of each oval. This number includes coaches and essential officials;
• Groups of 30 must not mix with each other and must remain distant, with participants not allowed to swap between groups;
• Social distancing outside of play of 1.5m must be maintained at all times;
• All attendees must check in – Contact tracing and scan-ins are completed for all individuals that attend training. A log, or register, of all participants in attendance at each training session MUST be maintained and available upon request by either the League, AFL Victoria or health authorities. All venues must be registered with the Victorian Government QR code service by Friday 28 May, 2021;
• Unless otherwise directed, minimise usage to club rooms, changerooms or wet areas, other than toilets. Change at home, arrive ready to go, and leave before showering and changing at home.
• Footballs can be used for small outdoor group training, however only limited additional equipment is permitted to be used during training (i.e. field marking cones are permitted); and
• Staggered training schedule (e.g. start times, different days, potential for different locations) with no cross over to manage entry and exit points and help avoid gatherings.

Field layout for small outdoor group training

• The oval must be divided into two distinct areas where groups of 30 can train; and
• No more than two (2) groups of 30 will be permitted per oval (30 people max. training at one time, including a coach or the minimum number of support staff who are reasonably required to manage the activity)

AFL Victoria Return to Play hygiene protocols (April 29, 2021):

• Alcohol-based hand sanitisers must be available for all team training sessions and on the interchange bench, with players encouraged to use prior, during and following training/games;
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser;
• Do not share drink bottles, helmets or equipment that touches your face or head;
• Cover your mouth to cough or sneeze (using your elbow);
• Spitting and clearing of nasal/respiratory secretions is not permitted;
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect facilities before and after use including change rooms on a regular basis;
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect equipment, including footballs, before and after use;
• Clean and sanitise mouth guards after each session and ensure they are appropriately stored; and
• Hygiene posters displayed 

See full statement from SMJFL here.

Please see the latest update re Tier 1 exposure sites in Port Melbourne