WA Community Football - Return to Training update Friday, May 15, 2020 - 10:00 AM

The WA Football Commission is pleased to confirm that community football training can resume under set conditions and protocols from Monday, May 18, 2020 in Western Australia.

This encouraging step towards the full return of community football in WA has been made possible by the easing of social distancing restrictions and group gatherings, as announced yesterday by WA Premier Mark McGowan.

Under the State Government’s COVID-19 WA Road Map, May 18 represents the date that Phase 2 conditions will be applied to WA Communities, which will allow for a return to training.

To ensure the safe return to training from May 18, the WAFC has worked as part of the AFL National Working Group, considered the AIS Framework for Community Sport and importantly, has aligned with Government to develop a series of guidelines for clubs to follow.

This includes a checklist for clubs to complete, hygiene and small group training protocols, as well as online COVID-19 infection control training for key club leaders.

Over the next week all clubs in WA will need to start their planning and preparation if they seek to return to training from May 18.

Please click the links below to access Return to Training resources.

Government

COVID-19-Safety-Guidelines-Sport-and-Recreation

COVID-19_Sport-and-Recreation-Safety-Plan

Football

Guidelines for a Return to Training in WA

Return to Training Protocols

Return to Training - Small Group Training Protocols

Return to Training Checklist

COVID-19 infection control training

Return to Training Frequently Asked Questions

Umpires

Return to Training for Umpires

Return to Training Checklist for Umpires

It is important that everyone involved with community football in Western Australia clearly understands the requirements for a safe return to training, so that football continues contributing to positive community health outcomes, while also increasing the possibility of a full return to play sooner.

It is also important to note that although Return to Training in small groups will be permitted, it is still expected to be some time before football Returns to Play, with a number of Government restrictions required to be lifted before this occurs.

At present, all State League Competitions, Senior Community Football, Junior and Youth Football, Auskick Centres, Schools Competitions and participation programs remain postponed until at least May 31.

The Government will be responsible for guiding football’s progression through the stages for a Return to Play and make the final decision on when it is safe to take the next step towards full training and then competition.

The WAFC is also committed to exploring all options to launch a 2020 West Australian Football League season as soon as possible. This will involve further consideration of financial implications, the integrity of the competition plus community and player safety as part of our deliberations. We will also work with Government on the possibility for fans to attend the WAFL this year, as part of exploring all options to get a season away.

We will be ready to go as soon as the green light is given, knowing what an important role football can play in reconnecting communities right across our State.

We thank the AFL and WA Government for their input to our Return to Training guidelines, as well as everyone involved with WA Football for helping to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Everyone’s ongoing support, patience and understanding as we work through this process is greatly appreciated.  Further updates will be provided as soon as they become available.

In the meantime, please look after yourself, your family and everyone involved with your football club and ensure you follow the protocols for your clubs return to training.

Summary of key conditions:

• Return to training protocols come into effect from May 18.
• Training can resume in groups no larger than 20.
• All training is to remain non-contact
• Footballs are permitted, training equipment such as weights, tackling bags are not.
• Strict hygiene protocols need to be followed
• NO access to change rooms, gym or club rooms
• Groups must train on allocated areas of an oval, no cross over of training groups can occur.
• Social distancing rules still apply
• Clubs must complete return to training checklist and on-line training
• Clubs should make contact with their Local Government
• WAFC recommends the use of the COVID-19 App for all participants